From Field to Bowl
WORDS BY Cotswold Cloche
In the heart of the Cotswolds, Cotswold RAW is redefining what it means to feed our dogs well.
In the heart of the Cotswolds, there's a quiet revolution taking place; one that's less about gastronomy for humans, and more about nutrition for their four-legged companions. At Cotswold RAW, based in Bourton-on-the-Water, a dedicated team has been redefining what it means to feed our dogs well.
Every month, this proudly local manufacturer produces over 80 tonnes of raw pet food, crafted with the same care and provenance-conscious values that define the region's finest artisan producers. What began as a passion for feeding dogs the way nature intended has become a leading force in a market now worth around £350 million in the UK (approximately 15% of the total dog food sector).
Yet for the team behind Cotswold RAW, and from talking with Directors, Mark Lewis and Chris Brierley, it's clear that this isn't simply another business success story, but a demonstration of the brand's integrity and importance of community.
Setting the Standard
Cotswold RAW holds the distinction of being one of the UK's leading manufacturers within the UK Pet Food Raw Standard, an accreditation designed to safeguard quality and transparency in this fast-growing sector. In fact, the company played an instrumental role in helping to design the standard itself – a reflection of its position at the forefront of innovation and best practice.
"Being based here in the Cotswolds really shapes how we operate," Mark explains. "We're surrounded by great British farming and a culture that values traceability, sustainability and craftsmanship. Those values run right through our manufacturing process."
At their Bourton facility, ingredients are sourced from trusted British suppliers, prepared and frozen at their peak freshness, then distributed across the UK via independent retailers and direct-to-home delivery.
"We love meeting local clients face-to-face, but we also work closely with Cotswold retailers who share our ethos," explains Chris.
Treats Worth Talking About
This year, Cotswold RAW launched something new, and distinctly British, with the introduction of their Great British Treats range. Designed and produced in the UK, this line of training treats and snacks mirrors the company's uncompromising standards for ingredient quality and provenance.
"The opportunity to create our own training treat range, working with a UK manufacturer that shares our values, was something we'd been working toward for a long time." Says Mark, "These are produced in the first human food factory in Britain to make pet treats to a BRC AA grade standard. It's a remarkable achievement."
The range includes trainers, sticks, strips and jerky, catering to every breed, size and situation, whether it's a puppy learning recall or an older companion enjoying a well-earned snack by the fire.
"Customers are loving the variety we have on offer," Chris adds. "And offering the same level of trust and traceability that people expect from our raw food."
Life in the Cotswolds – Dogs First
Spend any time with the team at Cotswold RAW, and you'll quickly realise they live the lifestyle their brand embodies. Office dogs wander happily between desks, occasionally rewarded with a sliver of duck crumble or a length of lamb spaghetti from the core range (the team's acknowledged favourites).
And when the workday ends, the Cotswolds provides the perfect playground.
"Most of us walk our dogs at Broadway Tower, or take the path down into Chipping Campden," says Chris. "You can tie it in with a stop at Hanks of Campden and top up on our treats available from their shop, or head on to The Bakers Arms in Broad Campden which has recently been beautifully refurbished, and it's owned by one of our clients, which makes it extra special for us."
It's these kinds of details that define life in the region: the effortless blending of community, landscape and lifestyle. And for dog owners, the Cotswolds remains one of Britain's most welcoming destinations.
"There's such a wealth of dog-friendly accommodation, restaurants and pubs," Mark continues. "From boutique hotels to country inns, there's always somewhere you and your dog can relax. Plus, you've got dog walking aplenty on your doorstep with woodlands and open countryside in every direction, all just a short drive from London, Oxford, Bath, Bristol or Birmingham."
Even many of the local attractions welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy a full day out together.
A Taste of the Good Life
Cotswold RAW's commitment to local production and responsible sourcing means that every batch of food and every treat is made to the highest standards, drawing on British ingredients and a transparent supply chain.
It's an ethos that resonates with a growing audience of discerning dog owners, many of whom are the same people who care deeply about their own food choices, provenance and sustainability.
For visitors to the Cotswolds, the sight of a happy, well-fed dog bounding across open fields or napping by a pub fire is part of the region's charm. And behind that picture-perfect moment, there's a good chance that Cotswold RAW has played a part, quietly ensuring that our four-legged companions enjoy a diet as wholesome and honest as the countryside itself.
Because in the Cotswolds, good food, whether for people or pets, is never just about what's on the plate. It's about where it comes from, how it's made and the care that goes into every detail.
And that's exactly what Cotswold RAW delivers, from field to bowl.
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