About Us

A Journey Inspired by Cody

In 2022, I embarked on an unexpected journey that would change both my life and the health of countless dogs across the South Lakes area. What began as a personal mission to improve the wellbeing of my German Shepherd, Cody, transformed into a thriving small business South Lakes Raw Feeds. At the heart of it all was Cody’s struggle with severe allergies and my determination to find a better way to make make him healthier.

Cody came into my life full of energy, intelligence, and loyalty, like most German Shepherds. However, it wasn’t long before I noticed troubling signs itchy skin, frequent ear infections, digestive issues, and persistent paw licking. After numerous vet visits, tests, and endless prescription medications, I was told Cody had food and environmental allergies. We tried almost every “hypoallergenic” kibble on the market, but nothing made a lasting difference. Watching Cody suffer while feeling powerless was heartbreaking.

Desperate for a solution, I began researching canine nutrition more deeply. That’s when I discovered raw feeding. At first, it seemed overwhelming calculating balanced meals and sourcing ingredients but the more I read, the more it made sense. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and their digestive systems are designed to process raw meat, bones, and organs. I decided to give it a go.

Within weeks of transitioning Cody to a balanced raw diet, the changes were undeniable. His coat became shinier, his skin cleared up, his energy levels soared, and most importantly his allergies dramatically improved. Friends and fellow dog owners noticed the transformation and began asking questions. That’s when I got the idea what if I could help others achieve the same results?

At the start 2022, South Lakes Raw Feeds was born. From a small freezer holding 200 rolls of food. I wanted the name to reflect not only our local community but also the simple, wholesome nature of what we offered. My goal was clear: to provide high-quality raw dog food to pet owners who were tired of watching their dogs struggle with health issues caused by poor nutrition.

Starting the business was far from easy. I had to learn about DEFRA regulations, safe handling practices, nutritional balancing, and proper storage. I connected with reputable UK suppliers to ensure the meat and offal I used were responsibly sourced and free from additives or harmful preservatives.
Social media and word-of-mouth quickly became powerful tools. I shared Cody’s story, before-and-after photos, and tips about raw feeding. People connected with our story because it was real, relatable, and driven by love and necessity not profit. Soon, I had a growing base of loyal customers who were seeing similar improvements in their own pets.

One of the most rewarding aspects of running South Lakes Raw Feeds has been the personal connections I’ve built. It’s more than just selling dog food it’s guiding pet owners through the raw feeding transition, answering their questions, and being part of their journey toward healthier, happier dogs. Knowing that my struggles with Cody ultimately helped others makes every challenge worthwhile.
Today, Cody is not just the inspiration behind the business he’s our chief taste tester, brand ambassador, and daily reminder of why I started this in the first place. His health has never been better.

Looking back, starting South Lakes Raw Feeds wasn’t just about business. It was about turning a difficult situation into something meaningful. It’s proof that when passion meets purpose, even the hardest journeys can lead to something great.