FAQs

Most healthy puppies and adult dogs can switch to raw immediately, meaning you can feed kibble today and start raw tomorrow. Some puppies and adult dogs that have been fed kibble their entire life may experience digestive upset and need a slower transition. The slower transition involves removing a small portion of their current diet and replacing it with raw. This process usually lasts about a week but may take longer depending on the dog. Please contact our nutrition specialist to schedule a consultation about the best way to transition your dog’s diet and how much to feed.

Dogs have short digestive tracts that move much quicker than humans’ digestive systems. Bacteria generally move through the system before they have time to colonize. Dogs also have very acidic stomachs—a pH of between 1 and 2 — which assists in breaking down meat and prevents bacteria from growing. Dogs are unlikely to get sick from raw food unless their immune systems are already compromised in some way. Please contact our nutrition specialist to schedule a consultation about the best way to transition your dog’s diet.

• Stronger immune system
• Cleaner teeth & gums
• Better breath
• Healthy skin & shiny coat
• Smaller stool
• Less odor (body & stool)
• Increased muscle tone
• Reduced risk of allergies

• A balanced raw diet is composed of edible bone, organ meat, fat, and muscle meat.
• When feeding raw, “organ meat” refers to secreting organs, such as the liver. Other organs, such as the heart and lungs, are considered muscle meat.
• Certain fruits and vegetables are acceptable to add to the raw diet in moderation.
• Vitamins and supplements may also be added to the diet to create a fully balanced diet.

• Organ meat can act as a multivitamin for your dog. Organs provide vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, iodine, potassium, sodium, zinc, EPA, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acids. These vitamins and minerals help in creating a well-balanced, nutritionally sound diet.

What kinds of organs are served and what are the nutritional benefits?

• Brains are high in iron, zinc, and copper
• Eyes are rich in DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid that fights inflammation
• Liver contains lots of vitamin A, this acts as a powerful antioxidant. It is also a great source of folic acid, B vitamins. Do not feed more than 5% liver as it can cause vitamin A toxicity.
• Lung should be fed as a muscle and is high in protein and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Pancreas helps support your dog’s pancreas function. You should not feed more than 2 oz. per 20 lbs. of body weight per day.
• Heart is a great source of protein, B vitamins, iron, and taurine.
• Tripe has loads of digestive enzymes that help cleanse blood and remove toxins, parasites, and fungus.
• Tripe contains essential fatty acids linoleic acid and linolenic acid and has a 1:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Tripe can be rich so you will want to keep an eye on your dog when introducing it into the diet.
• Kidneys provide a great source of B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, iron, and zinc.
• Trachea is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin.

• Dogs get the plant material they need from the herbivores they eat so a balanced raw diet usually gives the dog the nutrients it needs. To discuss the specific nutritional needs your dog may have you can set up a nutrition consultation with one of our specialists.

• Most dogs will enjoy their raw diet compared to other food, so often they are very eager to eat. Unless the dog has pre-existing aggression and resource-guarding issues, it is unlikely they will become aggressive after they are fed a raw diet.

• The act of pulling meat off of a bone mimics a flossing action for dogs while chewing the bone helps scrape plaque and tartar off the teeth. Always supervise your dog while chewing a bone of any kind. Never feed cooked bones. Once the bone is cooked it will become very hard and splinter, which can be dangerous for dogs.
• There is a common misconception that because kibble is hard, it helps clean and scrape teeth, but the opposite is true. Kibble can get stuck in your dog’s teeth and can cause plaque and tartar build-up.

• Dogs’ digestive systems have evolved to thrive on a raw diet, so a raw diet will typically put less stress on their digestive system than a more processed diet. Please note, if your dog has pre-existing digestive issues, it is best to transition slowly. Once your dog is fully transitioned to the raw diet, you most likely will begin to notice your dog’s digestion improving. Please always consult with your veterinarian.

• A raw diet contains a lot more moisture than kibble alone. This moisture in the diet helps to keep our dog hydrated, usually resulting in less thirst.

• Not all veterinarians will agree with a raw diet. Your vet should always have an open mind while discussing your personal preferences to care for your dog.

• We strongly advise not to feed ONLY ground muscle meat from the grocery store, as this does not provide a balanced raw diet. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies that could form major health issues.

• Raw bones are soft and digestible. However, always use caution when giving your dog harder, weight-bearing bones as they can cause damage to your dog’s teeth. Never give your dog a cooked bone since they harden and can splinter once cooked. It is important to always supervise your dog with any bones/ long-lasting chews.

• Puppies under 6 months should be fed 2-5 times per day. Dogs 6-24 months can be fed 2-3 times per day. Adult dogs can be fed 1-2 times per day depending on activity level and how much food you are giving. Take our quiz to learn how much food you should give your dog or talk to one of our expert dog nutritionists today.