Embark Raw Pantry Nutrition Library
At Embark Raw Pantry, we believe understanding what goes into your dog’s bowl is just as important as the ingredients themselves. Our nutrition library brings together evidence-based articles on canine digestion, balanced diets, food sensitivities and healthy feeding habits to help you make informed decisions for your dog.
Foundations of Canine Nutrition
Understanding canine nutrition starts with recognising that dogs evolved to thrive on nutrient-dense whole foods. While modern dog diets vary widely, the fundamental principles of balanced nutrition remain the same: appropriate protein sources, essential fats, digestible nutrients and dietary variety.
In this section we explore the foundations of canine nutrition — from raw feeding principles and ingredient quality to the role of balanced diets in supporting long-term health. These articles aim to help dog owners understand what makes a diet nutritionally complete and how thoughtful feeding practices can support vitality throughout a dog’s life.
Raw Dog Food Explained
Human Grade Dog Food
Fresh Dog Food
AAFCO Dog Food Standards
Fresh Dog Food vs Kibble | What's the Difference?
Is Fresh Dog Food Healthier? What The Research Says
Digestive Health & The Gut Microbiome
A dog’s digestive system plays a central role in overall health. The gut is responsible not only for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, but also for supporting immune function, metabolic health and the balance of beneficial microbes within the digestive tract.
This section explores common digestive topics including the canine gut microbiome, stool quality, diarrhoea and signs of digestive imbalance. By understanding how digestion works, owners can better recognise what normal digestive health looks like and how diet can influence gut function over time.
The Canine Gut Microbiome
Understanding Diarrhoea in Dogs (coming soon)
Allergies, Sensitivities & Skin Health
Food sensitivities and allergies are among the most common concerns dog owners face. Symptoms such as itchy skin, ear infections, digestive upset and chronic inflammation are often linked to ingredients that do not agree with an individual dog.
In this section we explore the difference between allergies and intolerances, how elimination diets can help identify triggers, and how carefully selected ingredients may support dogs with sensitive systems. The goal is to help owners better understand the role diet can play in supporting skin health, digestion and overall comfort.
Dog Food Sensitivities
Healthy Weight & Feeding Habits
Maintaining a healthy body condition is one of the most important factors influencing a dog’s long-term wellbeing. Excess weight places additional strain on joints, organs and metabolism, and has been linked to reduced life expectancy in dogs.
This section explores practical aspects of feeding, including portion control, treat use, body condition awareness and factors that influence weight gain. By understanding how daily feeding habits impact energy balance, owners can make informed decisions that support healthy weight and mobility throughout their dog’s life.
Does My Dog Need Treats?
Custom Feeding & Personalised Diets
Every dog is different. Age, activity level, metabolism, sensitivities and health conditions can all influence nutritional requirements. As a result, a single feeding approach does not suit every dog.
This section explores the concept of personalised feeding — adjusting ingredients, portions and meal composition to suit an individual dog’s needs. From rotational feeding to custom meal design, these articles explain how tailored diets can support balanced nutrition while allowing flexibility for different lifestyles and health considerations.
Custom Dog Meals
Ingredients & Nutritional Benefits
Whole food ingredients provide the building blocks of canine nutrition. Each ingredient contributes specific nutrients — from amino acids and essential fatty acids to vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds that support normal physiological function.
This section explores the nutritional role of individual ingredients commonly used in fresh dog diets, including animal proteins, organ meats, vegetables and functional foods. By understanding what each ingredient contributes nutritionally, owners can better appreciate how thoughtfully combined whole foods support balanced canine diets.
Animal Protein (coming soon)
Organ Meats (coming soon)
Vegetables & Whole Foods (coming soon)
Functional Ingredients (coming soon)
DIY Feeding Tools (Launching Soon)
For owners interested in understanding canine nutrition more deeply, this section explores the micronutrients required in a balanced canine diet. Each nutrient plays a specific role in supporting normal physiological functions such as metabolism, immune health, bone development and cellular repair.
The articles below explain the role of individual vitamins and minerals, the minimum requirements for dogs based on recognised nutritional guidelines, and whole food ingredient sources that naturally contain these nutrients.
Vitamins in Canine Nutrition
Vitamin A for Dogs
Vitamin D for Dogs
Vitamin E for Dogs
Vitamin K for Dogs
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) for Dogs
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) for Dogs
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) for Dogs
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) for Dogs
Vitamin B6 for Dogs
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) for Dogs
Vitamin B8 (Folate) for Dogs
Vitamin B12 for Dogs
Minerals in Canine Nutrition
Major Minerals
Calcium for Dogs
Phosphorus for Dogs
Magnesium for Dogs
Potassium for Dogs
Sodium for Dogs
Calcium : Phosphorus Ratios