About Us
About Somerford Raw & Natural Pet Food: Not Your Average Pet Shop
How real raw feeding brought us back to health
Somerford Raw & Natural was born in 2016 from a simple belief: pets thrive on a natural, raw diet.
Founders James and Daniel Carrington saw the need for a healthier alternative after many years working in the pet industry and caring for their own Weimaraner dogs. Having been involved in the industry since 2005, they were regularly offered super-premium dry dog food by major corporate brands. These free products were designed to influence recommendations to customers and puppy buyers.
For over a decade, James and Daniel fed these dry diets to their show and breeding dogs, believing they were providing the best nutrition available. Like many pet owners, they trusted the promise of “scientifically developed, complete and balanced” pet food.
However, after years on super-premium dry dog food, their Weimaraners began experiencing health issues that had never occurred before. Even more concerning, fertility problems started to appear. These issues had not existed when raw feeding was part of daily life. This became a turning point.
James, who began breeding Somerford Weimaraners in 1973, made the decision to return to a fresh, natural raw diet, as he had fed in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Inspired by Dr Ian Billinghurst’s book Give Your Dog a Bone, he developed a more advanced, complete, and balanced raw diet for the dogs.
The results were immediate and undeniable.
Proof that raw feeding works
Once the dogs returned to a raw dog food diet, the improvements were clear and consistent.
Skin and digestive issues disappeared. Fertility problems gradually resolved. Overall health improved dramatically. Coats became shiny, teeth cleaner, gums healthier, and annual gland issues stopped. Stools became firm and easy to clean up. Puppies developed faster and showed healthy digestion from their first solid meals.
This transformation gave James and Daniel the confidence to share their success with others. They introduced the raw diet into their pet store, naming the brand Somerford Raw & Natural after their kennel, Somerford Weimaraners.
At first, staff questioned how raw food could compete in an industry dominated by super-premium dry dog foods. But once customers heard the Somerford story and saw the results firsthand, they were eager to try it.
Testimonials soon followed from pet owners whose dogs had struggled for years with itchy skin, hot spots, digestive issues, arthritis, obesity, and other chronic conditions. After switching to Somerford Raw & Natural, many experienced life-changing improvements. Proof that a biologically appropriate raw food diet can truly make a difference.
Our journey to creating a raw dog food brand
Pet owners were coming into our store frustrated and confused. Their dogs were suffering ongoing health issues, and despite repeated vet visits, the problems persisted. The most common solutions offered were prescription medications and prescription dry dog food diets.
These approaches often masked symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.
As passionate pet lovers, we asked an important question: why aren’t we talking more about nutrition? Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to thrive on natural, raw food, not highly processed kibble.
When we introduced biologically appropriate, natural dog food, the results spoke for themselves. Skin conditions improved, digestion settled, energy levels increased and their overall health transformed.
Daniel often shares this perspective during seminars: dogs and cats would naturally hunt prey, tear into the flesh, eat organs like heart, kidney, and liver, consume plant matter from the stomach contents, and chew bones when safe. Raw feeding is not a trend; it’s a return to what pets were designed to eat.
The human parallel: why diet matters
When humans visit their GP for issues such as allergies, diabetes, obesity, or weight management, the advice is often the same. Look at your diet. Reduce processed foods. Focus on fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and whole foods.
So why do we accept feeding our pets highly processed dry dog food that can sit on a shelf for years? If fresh, whole foods support human health, the same logic applies to our dogs and cats.
The truth about processed dog food
Highly processed dry dog food is cooked at high temperatures, destroying many natural nutrients. Synthetic vitamins and minerals are then sprayed back on to replace what was lost.
It is no surprise that more pets than ever are developing skin issues, digestive problems, arthritis, weight issues, and even diabetes at younger ages. This happens despite owners spending significant money on premium dry dog food brands.
These products are designed for shelf life and profit, not optimal health.
Our commitment to natural nutrition
At Somerford Raw & Natural, we proudly supply the diet dogs and cats have evolved to eat over thousands of years — a fresh food diet made from:
- Muscle meat
- Bone
- Offal
- A percentage of fruit and vegetables for fibre and nutrition
This is real food, not processed convenience. Many studies now show that pets fed a biologically appropriate raw food diet live longer, healthier lives with a better quality of life.
Changing pets’ lives
Changing pets’ lives is more than a slogan; it’s our promise.
Our raw food formulations for dogs and cats are designed to be easily digested and deliver maximum nutritional benefit. We also offer one of the largest ranges of single-protein diets in Australia.
If the label says kangaroo, the product contains only kangaroo meat and kangaroo offal. We never mix proteins. While mixing may be cheaper, it can trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. Our goal has never been to chase profits; it has always been to deliver the best possible diet using human-grade ingredients.
We do not cut corners because we know how much pets mean to their families. If we care about our own health and our children’s health through fresh food, it only makes sense to do the same for our dogs and cats.
Our pets share our lives. They give us unconditional love. Feeding them the best, most biologically appropriate diet is how we give that love back.
As seen in
See Somerford Changing Pets Lives
Contact Us
Independently Australian owned and based in Newcastle, NSW, we’d love for you to experience our excellent customer service either in-store or online. If you have questions about your furry friend from feeding guides to allergy advice, contact us today!
Proudly Australian Made
All Raw & Natural meal packs are 100% Australian made and owned from Australian Ingredients
100% Raw & Natural
No Grains, Fillers, Chemicals, Colouring, Preservatives, Heat Processing
Human Grade Single Protein
All varieties are human graded single protein varieties made with all Australian sourced ingredients, formulating a naturally complete and balanced diet
Product of Australia
All Raw & Natural meal packs are made from 100% Australian produce
