Healthy Diet, Happy Dog

Thinking about switching your dog to a raw food diet? Opened on January 2nd, 2025, Colne K9 is run by qualified canine nutritionist Phoebe, who’s on a mission to help local pet owners better understand their dog’s dietary needs.

“A lot of people come to us when their dog is struggling—constant ear scratching, foot chewing, or hot spots on their skin,” Phoebe explains. “Nine times out of ten, it’s caused by poor-quality kibble or wet food. Most supermarket options are filled with fillers and artificial additives. Raw feeding is often just as affordable and far better for your dog’s long-term health.”

“We tailor feeding plans based on your dog’s size, age, breed, and any health concerns.”

So, what exactly is raw feeding? It’s a diet made up of raw meat, bone, and offal—foods dogs are biologically designed to eat. More than just nutrition, raw food offers mental and physical stimulation. “The act of chewing and tearing at real food releases endorphins. It helps settle hyperactive dogs and can even reduce behavioural problems,” Phoebe says.

Her passion for raw feeding started with her own dog, Joey. “He had severe allergies—I was at the vets every month,” she says. “I got tired of masking symptoms with injections, so I began researching nutrition.” After qualifying as a canine nutritionist, Phoebe transitioned Joey to raw food and saw dramatic improvements. She later adopted a working breed puppy and used diet to manage his high-energy needs.

New customers at Colne K9 can get a full consultation to build a custom transition plan and walk-ins are welcome. “We tailor feeding plans based on your dog’s size, age, breed, and any health concerns,” Phoebe explains. “Transitioning takes around 10 to 14 days. We introduce raw mince gradually into their existing diet.”

Colne K9 only sources its products from top UK suppliers, including Durham Animal Feeds, The Dog Expert, The Raw Factory, and Anco. “We’re very selective about what we sell,” says Phoebe. “It’s vital that we know where everything comes from and that it meets high nutritional standards.”

Giving back to the community is also important to Phoebe, who has volunteered with Pendle Dogs since she was 15. The shop features a donation bin where customers can drop off toys, blankets, or essentials for the rescue centre. “We’ve even sponsored a dog from Pendle Dogs called Lola,” Phoebe shares. “She came in with severe allergies, and we’ve worked on her diet to help manage them naturally.”

Whether you’re new to raw feeding or looking to improve your current routine, Colne K9 offers honest, expert advice with your pet’s well-being at heart.

To find out more, visit the shop in person or check out their website: www.colnek9.co.uk

ColneLife June/July/Aug 25