BLOSSOMS STORY
Our Raw Feeding Journey began when our, at the time, 6-year-old Shih-tzu; Blossom, was unfortunately declining in health at an alarming rate. She stubbornly refused every "dog food" available on the market, leaving us frustrated, and for a time, she survived solely on boiled ham and cheese. It was painfully clear that she was severely lacking in essential nutrients, and after repeatedly following advice from our vets without any improvements, we knew we needed to take matters into our own hands. There simply had to be another solution, a better way to help her thrive and regain her health? ...
... Then we stumbled upon Raw Feeding—and to be honest, it terrified us. Raw meat? Salmonella? E. Coli? It seemed overwhelming. But we were at a point where we were willing to try anything for a solution.
Not wanting to take any risks, I (Emma) dived into research. As if running our first business wasn’t challenging enough, I decided to pursue my first diploma, using Blossom as my little test subject. What happened next was nothing short of MAGICAL. We started with pre-made minces, then moved on to DIY meals, incorporating herbs, vegetables, probiotics, and Skin & Coat supplements. Suddenly, she was DANCING for her food—yes, dancing! After six long years of refusing meals, she began clearing her bowl with joy.
It felt like she instinctively knew what her body needed. Within weeks, her coat became thicker, her itching subsided, her appetite returned, and her digestion settled. My curiosity only grew, leading me to complete a second Level 3 Diploma in Nutrition. Our bookshelf quickly filled with resources, and it still grows today—there’s always something new to learn. Some of my favorite reads include:
The Forever Dog by Dr. Kren Becker & Rodney Habib. Feeding Dogs, Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs by Conor Brady, and Canine Nutrigenomics. I believe every dog owner should pick up at least one of these books to gain a deeper understanding of their pet’s nutritional and physiological needs.
As for Blossom, switching her to a natural diet gave us six incredible, life-filled years with her. She spent those years feeling healthier, thriving, and truly enjoying her meals—it was worth every late-night research session and every ounce of effort. Sadly, in September 2022, we lost Blossom to Mitral Valve Disease, which she was diagnosed with just a few months earlier, in July 2022. We miss her deeply, but we’re endlessly grateful for what she gave us. Without Blossom, none of this would have been possible. Her legacy lives on, as she inspired us to help thousands of pet owners transition their dogs to a more natural, holistic lifestyle.
Now in 2025, we’re still proudly serving our local community with Natural Treats, Foods, and Health Supplements—along with free expert advice from the team here at The Dog’s Deli.
After nearly a decade of running our shop, our mission remains unwavering: to educate pet owners and help them keep their beloved companions happy and healthy.
