Across Central Oregon and the Portland metro area, pet owners are noticing an alarming rise in allergies, digestive upsets, and skin issues in their furry companions. Many of these problems are now being linked to processed commercial pet food, which often contains grains, fillers, and artificial additives. Fortunately, a growing number of holistic veterinarians and pet parents are finding relief through grass-fed raw diets—an approach grounded in nature and nutrition.
Whether you’re browsing organic pet shops in Portland or sourcing directly from farms in Central Oregon, interest in grass-fed raw pet food is booming. In this article, we explore how Keystone Natural Beef’s grass-fed raw pet food can help relieve common health issues in dogs and cats.
Understanding Pet Allergies and Common Health Issues
Allergies in pets are typically triggered by environmental elements like pollen or mold, chemical additives in pet food, or even genetic predispositions. These allergens often overwhelm the pet’s immune system, leading to chronic inflammation.
The most common signs of food-related allergies include persistent itching, red or inflamed skin, hotspots, recurring ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet is scratching constantly or has inconsistent stools, food may be the root cause.
The Role of Diet in Managing Pet Health
The food your pet consumes has a direct impact on their immune function and inflammation levels. Highly processed kibble, for instance, contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when not balanced by sufficient omega-3s. On the other hand, whole foods—especially grass-fed meats—provide a healthier balance and deliver essential nutrients naturally.
Traditional kibble also contains common allergens like wheat, soy, corn, and chicken, along with artificial dyes and preservatives. These ingredients often exacerbate allergic reactions and digestive problems. Switching to Keystone Natural Beef’s grass-fed raw diet removes these harmful elements and replaces them with fresh, bioavailable nutrition that supports healing and vitality.
Benefits of Grass-Fed Raw Pet Food
Grass-fed beef from Keystone Natural Beef is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike conventionally raised livestock, Keystone’s animals are never treated with growth hormones or antibiotics—reducing your pet’s exposure to chemical residues.
One of the most immediate benefits of switching to Keystone’s raw, grass-fed diet is allergy relief. By eliminating processed grains, additives, and common allergens, many pets experience a dramatic reduction in symptoms. Improved gut health also strengthens the immune system, helping pets become more resilient to environmental triggers.
Another noticeable change is in the skin and coat. Many pet owners in Portland and Bend report that after a few weeks on Keystone Natural Beef’s raw pet food, their pets show less itching and have shinier, softer coats with less shedding. These improvements are due to the anti-inflammatory properties and high-quality fats present in grass-fed raw beef.
Digestive Benefits of Raw Feeding
Raw, grass-fed diets are naturally rich in enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion. Because the food is not highly processed or cooked at high temperatures, the essential enzymes remain intact. These enzymes help your pet break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently, reducing the burden on the digestive system.
In Portland and Central Oregon, where many households are turning to natural and holistic approaches, pet owners are finding that raw-fed pets experience less bloating, gas, and irregular stools. A healthy gut microbiome also enhances immune function, making pets more resistant to pathogens and infections.
Another often overlooked benefit is stool quality. Dogs on raw dog food typically produce smaller, firmer stools with significantly less odor. This is a result of better nutrient absorption and less waste—a win for both pet health and cleanliness in your backyard.
Transitioning to a Grass-Fed Raw Diet Safely
Switching to a new diet should be done gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of Keystone Natural Beef’s raw food with your pet’s current food, slowly increasing the ratio over a 7-10 day period. Monitor your pet’s stool, appetite, and energy levels during the transition.
Veterinarians in Portland and holistic pet specialists in Bend often recommend starting with proteins like grass-fed beef—especially for pets with known sensitivities.
Working with a holistic veterinarian is strongly advised. They can create a tailored nutrition plan based on your pet’s health history, lifestyle, and specific needs. Some clinics even offer lab testing to track your pet’s progress and adjust the diet accordingly.
Real-Life Success Stories
We know firsthand what it's like to have dogs that are prone to skin and food allergies. Our dogs Beaux, Beaudreaux, and Daisy had chronic dermatitis and were constantly scratching and licking their paws. After switching to a raw diet, their symptoms subsided within two weeks. Their coats became shinier, and they were visibly more comfortable.
