The Truth About Fruits and Vegetables in Raw Pet Food

When it comes to feeding our pets, there’s a lot of confusion about whether fruits and vegetables belong in a raw diet. At Rave 4 Raw, we believe in educating pet owners so they can make the best decisions for their dogs and cats. While fruits and veggies can play a role in a balanced diet, it’s important to understand how and when they should be used — and why they aren’t always beneficial in every meal.

Cats and Dogs: Carnivores With Different Needs

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on meat. Their digestive systems are short and highly acidic, built for breaking down protein and fat — not fibrous plant matter. Dogs, while more adaptable as facultative carnivores, still depend heavily on animal-based proteins and fats for proper nutrition.

Feeding too many fruits and vegetables daily can displace the essential nutrients they get from meat, bones, and organs. Over time, that imbalance can lead to digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and even inflammation.

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The Problem With Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables contain cellulose — a complex fiber that carnivores lack the enzymes to break down efficiently. Because of this, the nutrients in raw produce are often not bioavailable to cats and dogs. In simple terms, what goes in comes out the same way.

So while tossing raw carrots or spinach into a meal might sound healthy, much of that nutrition passes straight through their system unused.

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How to Make Fruits and Vegetables Beneficial

To unlock the nutrients in plant matter, fermentation or light steaming are excellent options.

• Fermenting breaks down cellulose and increases beneficial bacteria, supporting gut health. At Rave 4 Raw we offer fermented Fruit and Veg addition that is at a max of 5%. However we still advise to alternate without also.

• Light steaming softens plant fibers just enough to make vitamins and minerals more digestible without destroying their nutritional value.

These simple preparation methods make plant nutrients more accessible to your pet’s body — without overloading their diet.

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Occasional Is Optimal

Rather than making fruits and vegetables a staple in every meal, occasional inclusion offers far more benefits. Think of it as a supplement, not a foundation. A few bites of fermented or lightly steamed produce once or twice a week can provide antioxidants, fiber, and natural enzymes without overwhelming your pet’s digestive system.

This balanced approach respects what nature intended: a meat-based diet with small, strategic additions of plant foods.

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Rave 4 Raw Commitment to Natural Nutrition

At Rave 4 Raw, we prioritize biologically appropriate nutrition — sourcing only the highest human-grade proteins in Canada from hand-crafted batches to preserve freshness and quality. We’re passionate about helping pet owners understand what truly supports their pets’ health, not just what sounds good on a label.

Because feeding raw isn’t just a trend — it’s returning to what nature designed.