Frequently Asked Questions
We suggest 1 to 2 times per week. Raw bones are great for recreational chewing and as part of a meal replacement. Bones provide excellent dental and gum hygiene and are great for both physical and mental exercise.
Note: If your dog chews and ingests the bone, you may notice they get constipated, or their stool can be white and crumbly. That said, marrow bones tend to be a little rich and can cause loose stools, so we recommend those only 1x a week. Finding a happy balance is key, as every dog is different.
For puppies, we recommend softer bones like chicken necks or smaller rib bones.
It is important to always supervise your dog when they are enjoying a raw bone and get a bone that is larger than their mouth to avoid swallowing hazards. Especially until you know how your dog chews and which bones are suitable for them.
The digestive system of dogs differs from that of humans. Dogs and cats have a first line of defense in their saliva, which eliminates bacteria and guards against harmful pathogens when consuming food. Their second line of defense is their highly acidic stomachs, with a pH level of 1-2, containing potent hydrochloric acid (HCL), rendering them highly resistant to illness.
Please ensure that you thoroughly clean your hands, bowls, utensils, and surfaces after use, as you would when handling raw chicken for personal consumption.
Tripe refers to a type of edible offal from the stomachs of various grazing farm animals such as Cattle, Sheep, Lamb & Goat.
Green tripe is called “green” because it is untreated & unbleached – unlike the bleached tripe found in grocery stores.
Green tripe offers:
• Amino Acids
• Protein
• Natural Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes
• Optimal Calcium to Phosphorus Ratios
• Omega 3 to Omega 6 Fatty Acids
• Vitamins & Minerals
Tripe has many benefits too:
• Great for picky eaters
• Weight loss/gain
• Aids with illness or recovery
• Great for sensitive tummies
• Coprophagia
• Dental health
Gourmet Blends contains a blend of one or two proteins, comprising 65% muscle meat, 10% tripe (muscle meat), 10% organ meat, 10% ground bone, and 5% mixture of kale, spinach, and kelp.
Pure Formulas consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% ground bone, without the inclusion of any vegetables. Pure Formulas are particularly beneficial for dogs with allergies or for those undergoing an elimination diet. Additionally, they offer the flexibility to incorporate any supplementary items necessary for your pet.
Specialty Blends are a mix of two proteins. Our Chicken & Lamb and Performance Blends both contain tripe; the Turkey and Salmon Blend has nothing added.
Indeed, it has the potential to alleviate or cease their allergic reactions.
An overactive immune response in pets can be triggered by exposure to certain proteins or an excessive amount of allergens. Around 80% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, including the intestines, stomach, and mouth. One prevalent issue is the consumption of commercial diets that are filled with grains, sugars, and starches which are not biologically suitable for pets. Over time, this can strain their organs and weaken their immune system, leading to the development or exacerbation of allergic reactions such as:
• Chronic yeast infections (ears & feet)
• Hot spots
• Rashes or hives
• GI upset – diarrhea and gas
• Joint issues
Transitioning your dog or cat to a raw diet, along with incorporating a high-quality probiotic, can greatly aid in the restoration of their digestive system and bolster their immune health from within.
Note: If your pet is suffering from allergies, we suggest doing an elimination diet. (Example: feeding a simple protein like our Pure Turkey or Rabbit.)
Cats are strict carnivores, with a digestive system that is uniquely suited to a diet consisting primarily of raw meat.
Taurine (present in uncooked meat) plays a crucial role in supporting brain, nerve, eye, heart, digestive, immune function, and fetal development. This amino acid is essential for the optimal health of both dogs and cats; however, cats are unable to produce it internally as dogs can. It is worth noting that grinding and freezing processes can diminish the taurine content in food, potentially necessitating supplementation for cats.
Tips: Dark poultry meat is higher in taurine than light meat, and organ meats are also a good taurine source.
Fish Oil Dosing Chart
Weight (lbs) & MG per Day
10 – 250
20 – 550
30 – 800
40 – 1100
50 – 1350
60 – 1650
70 – 1900
80 – 2200
90 – 2500
100 – 2700
110 – 3000
120 – 3200
130- 3500
140 – 3800
150 – 4000
Commencing your puppy on a diet that aligns with its natural dietary needs is crucial for ensuring healthy skeletal and muscular growth. Puppies can transition to a raw diet as early as four weeks old. We recommend beginning with a basic protein source, such as Pure Turkey or Pure Rabbit, for 5 to 7 days, as these proteins are easily digestible and aid in acclimating the puppy to its new raw diet. If there are no indications of digestive issues or sensitivities, you may gradually introduce your puppy to other protein sources.
We recommend incorporating and varying several beneficial supplements to enhance their immune system, such as Goats Milk and Bone Broth.
Incorporating raw meaty bones, chicken necks, and turkey necks into your puppy’s diet a few times per week can be a valuable addition to their meal plan. It is crucial to closely monitor your dog while they are consuming a raw bone and ensure that the bone is larger than their mouth to prevent any potential swallowing risks. This precaution is especially important as you familiarize yourself with your dog’s chewing habits and determine which bones are appropriate for them.
Yes, it is possible to provide both kibble and raw food to your pet. However, we advise serving them as separate meals because they are digested at different rates in the colon. If you opt for this approach, we recommend offering raw food in the morning and high-quality kibble in the evening. This schedule allows the raw meal to pass through before the digestive system processes the slower-digesting kibble. Additionally, incorporating a high-quality probiotic can facilitate improved digestion or transition.
A raw diet is better suited to your dog’s digestive system than a kibble-based diet. Mixing the two may upset the stomach due to the high starch content, potentially leading to additional health problems. Feeding your pet a 100% raw diet will bring numerous benefits and could result in reduced veterinary expenses for you.
When serving our Pure formulas or Signature Blends, it is essential to incorporate Kelp Powder and a cold-water fish oil such as our Herring Oil (rich in Omega 3 fatty acids). However, if you are feeding our Pure Salmon or Turkey Salmon, there is no need to include additional fish oil. Similarly, when feeding our Gourmet Blends, there’s no need to add a Kelp Powder.
Kelp Powder:
• Has over 60 Minerals, Amino Acids & Vitamins.
• Improves digestion.
• Promotes healthy skin & coat.
• Helps build a stronger immune system.
• Promotes faster healing & decreases the chance of disease.
• Aids with hypothyroidism.
Fish Oil:
• Provides essential fatty acids for dogs & cats of all ages & life stages.
• Reduces inflammation – arthritis/joint issues.
• Increases energy.
• Reduces the risk of stroke & heart problems.
• Relieves skin issues.
• Helps with GI issues.
Probiotics:
Are simply and naturally a beneficial boost to your pets’ raw diet, especially when it comes to their immune & digestive health. These supplements support the microflora naturally found in your dog’s gut, enhancing digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
A probiotic can:
• Aid with upset tummy or diarrhea.
• Soothe allergy symptoms.
• Restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.
• Provide enzymes & microbes for proper digestion.
• Support the immune system.
Side Note: Keep in mind, if your dog is taking antibiotics, we recommend giving probiotics two hours after each antibiotic dose. This is more effective than trying to repair the gut after the antibiotics are finished.
Other Supplements: There are a few other beneficial supplements you can add to your pet’s meals (e.g., goat’s milk, bone broth, pure pumpkin). If you are targeting a specific ailment, then you may want to look at including supplements. If you have any questions about what might be best for your pet, contact us, we are here to help!
Maximum Nutritional Advantage:
Fresh raw food provides vitamins, minerals, and live enzymes for optimal health and development. This means:
• Smaller, firmer stools
• Cleaner Teeth & Gums
• Softer skin & coat
• Increased energy levels
• Great weight management
• Improved digestion
• Can halt or minimize allergies
• Better temperament & behavior (training as well)
• Boosts & protects your pet’s immune system.
• But the best part is…… LESS VET BILLS! Your pet will thrive & live a happier, healthier life!
There are two options:
Immediate:
Prior to introducing your dog to their initial raw meal, it is recommended to fast your dog for a period of 12 to 24 hours. During the initial few days, we advise serving meals at room temperature in order to facilitate a gradual adjustment of their digestive system. Once a few days have passed, you may transition to serving meals directly from the refrigerator.
When initiating the transition, it is advisable to begin with a straightforward protein option such as our Pure Turkey or Pure Rabbit for the first week. These proteins are known to be easier on the digestive system, facilitating a swifter and more seamless adjustment period. While your dog may encounter mild symptoms such as soft stools, stomach discomfort, or occasional vomiting, rest assured that this is simply part of the detoxification process and will pass in a few days.
Gradual:
To wean your Dog or Cat gradually, we suggest the following:
Day 1 & 2 – 75% original food in A.M & 25% Raw P.M meal
Day 3 & 4 – 50% original food A.M & 50% Raw P.M meal
Day 5 & 6 – 25% original food A.M & 75% Raw P.M meal
Day 7 Full raw
We don’t suggest mixing kibble with the raw as they colonize at different rates.
It is generally advisable to provide approximately 1/2 pound of food per 20 pounds of your dog’s weight. If your dog requires weight gain, consider incorporating an additional 1/4 pound of raw food into each meal. Conversely, if weight loss is the goal, reducing the meal size by 1/4 of a pound can be effective.
Raw feeding guidelines suggest:
Feed 2% – 2.5% of a dog’s weight if their weight is ideal.
Feed 1.5% of a dog’s weight for dogs that need to lose weight.
Feed 3% of a dog’s weight for dogs that need to gain weight.
Example:
80lb dog x 2% = 1.6lbs PER day
80lb dog x 1.5% = 1.2lbs PER day
80lb dog x 3% = 2.4lbs PER day
Note – daily amounts can be split between two or three meals.
Keeping these guidelines in mind, some dogs with higher metabolisms may require more food, and older, less active dogs may need less.
It’s a good idea to weigh your dog every few weeks, especially when starting a raw diet, so that you can adjust accordingly.
For adult cats, we suggest feeding 2% to 3% of their body weight.
It is perfectly safe to thaw food in your fridge and subsequently re-freeze it. However, if you choose to defrost your food at room temperature, such as in your sink or on your counter, it should be consumed within a three-day timeframe. Under no circumstances should you re-freeze this food. Do be aware that the process of thawing, re-freezing and then re-thawing raw meat can result in moisture loss, potentially compromising the product’s quality. We also advise against using a microwave to defrost raw food. Doing so may ruin the active phytonutrients, enzymes, and nutrients in the food, plus any ground bone pieces present in certain proteins might become brittle and potentially hazardous.
Food thawed in your refrigerator will be good for a maximum of four days. However, if it’s defrosted at room temperature and then refrigerated, it will last up to three days. This, of course, also depends on your dog’s size and the amount of food you will be serving.
Yes- Raw Performance Dog Food is crafted from human-grade meats that are certified hormone- and antibiotic-free and produced in government-inspected facilities. These meals contain no preservatives or fillers, just real food that you can feel good about feeding your pet.
