The Power of 20 Percent: How a Little Freeze-Dried Raw Can Make a Big Difference

If you have ever wondered whether adding freeze-dried raw food to your dog’s bowl is worth it, the answer is yes. Even a small amount can deliver big benefits. Recent research shows that feeding as little as 20 percent raw food can improve digestion, support immune health, and help reduce inflammation. You do not need to go fully raw to see results. A partial approach still provides meaningful gains.

Here is what happens when you mix in just 20 percent freeze-dried raw with your dog’s existing food.

Raw food, especially when freeze-dried to preserve nutrients, is rich in natural enzymes and amino acids that support gut health. When you add a portion of freeze-dried raw to your dog’s bowl, you are helping them digest their entire meal more efficiently.

Dogs often show improvements like:

• Firmer, smaller stools
  
• Less gas
  
• Improved appetite
  
• Better nutrient absorption

It is a simple way to support a healthier gut without a complete diet overhaul.

A significant portion of a dog’s immune system lives in the gut. A healthier digestive system can help support your dog’s overall immune response. The fresh meat, organs, and bone found in raw recipes provide nutrients like zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in immune function.

Even at 20 percent of their total diet, these nutrients can help reduce inflammation, improve skin and coat condition, and support long-term health.

Many pet parents notice their dogs seem brighter, more energetic, and more alert after incorporating freeze-dried raw. That is not a coincidence. Raw food delivers nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form, giving dogs the fuel they need to thrive.

For older dogs, even a partial raw diet can support mobility and reduce joint stiffness. For younger dogs, it can help build a strong nutritional foundation early on.

One of the most common concerns when adding raw food is the fear of digestive upset. We know the economy is tough right now, which is why we formulated our gently baked recipes to be both cost-effective and high quality. They are nutritionally complete on their own but also designed to blend seamlessly with our freeze-dried raw for an easy upgrade without a full price jump. We formulate our freeze-dried raw and gently baked recipes with many of the same core ingredients. This shared foundation means you can blend the two without making a full diet switch and without stressing your dog’s digestive system.

You can mix a scoop of freeze-dried raw into their gently baked meals, alternate between the two, or rotate by day. Because the ingredients are familiar and the formulas are designed to complement each other, your dog’s body can adapt more comfortably.

Studies have shown that even a small amount of fresh or raw food added to a processed diet can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. One notable study found that adding just 20 percent raw meat or vegetables to a dog's diet was associated with a lower risk of cancer compared to dogs fed only commercial kibble.

While every dog is different, the science and anecdotal evidence both support the idea that small improvements to food quality can lead to better health outcomes over time.

At Matter Pet, we believe in progress over perfection. Our freeze-dried raw recipes are crafted with thoughtfully sourced, nutrient-dense ingredients that pair seamlessly with our gently baked line. Whether you are feeding baked food daily or rotating recipes throughout the week, you can confidently add 20 percent freeze-dried raw without fear of upsetting your dog’s stomach.

Try it for a few weeks and see the difference for yourself. Their bowl may look the same, but their energy, coat, and digestion will tell a different story.