When it comes to raw feeding, we always aim to mimic what our dogs and cats evolved to eat. But let’s be honest—factory-farmed beef and chicken are a long way from the ancient diets of wild canines and felines. If you really want to level up your pet’s bowl with the purest, most nutrient-dense protein available right here in New Zealand, it’s time to look toward our hills and forests.
✨Wild game is the gold standard for raw feeding✨
At Otago Petfoods, we are massive advocates for incorporating wild proteins into your pet’s rotation. Here is a look at the nutritional science behind why wild game outshines standard factory-farmed meats, and the best local options to choose from.
The Nutritional Edge: Leaner, Cleaner, and Packed with Omega-3s
Wild animals live exactly how nature intended. They roam free, stay active, and forage on a natural diet of native grasses, shrubs, and bark. This natural lifestyle radically alters the nutritional profile of the meat.
🐟 Higher in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Because wild animals forage on fresh vegetation rather than grain or soy pellets, their meat is rich in anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids. Grain-fed commercial meats lean heavily toward pro-inflammatory Omega-6s.
🥩 Exceptionally Lean Protein:
Wild game is incredibly low in saturated fat. It builds lean muscle tissue in your pets without adding unnecessary calories, making it perfect for weight management or active working dogs.
⚠️ Zero Added Nasties:
Wild game contains no added hormones, no routine antibiotics, and no synthetic chemical drench residues. It’s as clean as protein gets.
A Lifesaver for Itchy Pets (Novel Proteins)
If you have a pet dealing with chronic allergies, yeast infections, or sensitive skin, you already know the frustration of trying to find a food that doesn’t cause a flare-up.
Most pet food allergies are reactions to commonly used proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy. This is where wild game shines as a novel protein—a protein source your pet’s immune system hasn't encountered before, meaning it is highly unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. Switching an itchy dog to a clean, wild protein often yields incredible results for their skin, coat, and digestive health.
✨The Best New Zealand Wild Game Options✨
We are incredibly lucky in Aotearoa to have a steady, sustainable supply of high-quality wild game right on our doorstep. Here are our top picks to look out for:
🦌 Wild Venison (Deer)
Venison is a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with B vitamins (especially B12 for energy and brain function), zinc, and iron, which supports healthy blood oxygen levels. It has a rich, deep flavor that dogs and cats absolutely go crazy for.
🐇 Wild Rabbit
For cats and small dogs, rabbit is the ultimate "prey model" meat. It is highly digestible, remarkably lean, and has a very low allergy profile. Wild rabbit is also an excellent source of selenium, which plays a massive role in maintaining a strong immune system.
🦘 Wild Wallaby & Goat
Sourced sustainably from parts of the South and North Islands where they are introduced pests, wild wallaby and goat are incredibly lean, red meats. They offer an excellent alternative for pets that require an ultra-low-fat diet due to pancreatitis or digestive sensitivities.
🐾 Wild NZ brushtail possum is an exceptional, highly sustainable novel protein for raw-fed pets—it is packed with wild-foraged Omega fatty acids to soothe skin and coat issues, yet naturally low in fat and highly hypoallergenic, making it perfect for sensitive stomachs and allergy-prone dogs and cats.
The Otago Petfoods Tip: Rotational Feeding is Key
While wild game is incredible, no single meat contains every single nutrient your pet needs in the exact right ratios forever.
The secret to a robust raw diet is rotation. We recommend using wild game as a major component of your pet's meal plan alongside your foundational raw blends. For example, mixing wild venison or rabbit into their weekly routine ensures they get a diverse range of amino acids and micronutrients.
🛒 Ready to upgrade your pet's bowl? 🛒
Pop into our shop or check out our online store to see our latest stock of premium, locally sourced raw options. Your pets will thank you for it!
