Why is a raw food diet better than a commercial kibble diet?

A raw food diet is designed to imitate a dog’s natural ancestral diet, before they were domesticated. Dog’s are not genetically developed to consume the 50% plus carbohydrate content of commercial kibble.

Why don't they get sick from raw meat?

Their digestive tracts are much shorter and acidic so they are able to digest raw meat. As unpleasant as it sounds to us a dog and cat digestive systems are like their ancestral wolves are meant to consume the entire animal. Meat, bones, organs and all.

Why does my dog smell better?

Your dog will smell better because there are no by-products, preservatives, fillers, sugars and salts in any of the Raw 101 food blends. Everything is fresh and locally sourced.

Is it normal for my dog or cat's stools to be smaller and firmer on a raw diet?

 

It is completely normal because Raw 101 blends have no preservatives, fillers, grains, wheat, corn, additives or artificial coloring so your animals body is using much of the nutrients that he/she is taking in. So there is far less waste produced.

Can I cook the food?

No, you should definitely not cook any of the Raw 101 food blends. They contain ground bone and cooked bone is not good for your dog. It will splinter and becomes dangerous for your dog. Raw 101 food blends are meant to be fed in their raw natural state like nature intended. Cooking it ruins most of the nutritional value.

Why should I give my dog bones?

Raw bones are a source of physiological and psychological benefits. The physiological benefits result from the massaging action of the gums and scraping of the teeth so they are kept cleaner. The chewing also develops their neck and jaw muscles. It also stimulates anal glands for complete bowel movement. The psychological benefits are derived from the primitive euphoria generated by the dog chewing the bone. This benefit can be observed in your pets apparent exhilaration and behavior of well-being, which in turn may have a bearing upon their immuno-competence and their overall immune system.

Raw 101 advocates the use of raw bones as a healthy treat, served 1 to 2 times per week as part of a raw diet. It also stimulated anal glands for complete bowel movement. All dogs should be supervised when eating/chewing raw bones. Choose a bone size that is appropriate for your dog, one that cannot be ingested whole.

Isn't there salmonella or E. Coli in raw meat?

Ok, let’s face the facts. There is bacteria everywhere. It is on any raw meat, but it’s also found in your fridge, sink, bathroom, your floor, backyard, in the park, generally anywhere outside. Just remember your pet's digestive tract is very acidic and is meant to eat raw natural food. The important thing to do is wash your hands thoroughly after feeding him/her, just like you do after handling raw meat for yourself. In all of our research the only cases we have heard of dogs dying from E-coli or salmonella, were fed commercial dog foods.

Is it expensive?

Raw 101 strongly believes in the philosophy that the quality of a daily diet is the most critical component to health and longevity. This is true with humans as with our pets. Raw diets are a daily investment in the ongoing health of your pet. On a daily basis, they cost about the same as top priced kibble and processed food however, we believe that the complete nutrition provided by this raw diet is paid back to you through the savings from avoiding costly trips to the vet to deal with chronic health conditions that many pets suffer from today. Making a choice to feed raw is an investment in their future and your enjoyment with your pet.

Check out our feeding guide for approximate feeding costs or simply email us for a quote.

I've heard that my pet may detox after starting a raw food diet. Is that true?

Your dog can detox up to 3 months after transitioning to a raw food diet, which is totally normal and a healthy process. They many shed more because they shed out their old, dead, dull hair and begin growing a shiny and soft coat. They may also experience more earwax and debris from the ear, which should be cleaned out. Some dogs may also have mucus in their stools. All of these symptoms if your dog experiences any are completely normal and will pass on their own.

Can I feed a mix of raw food and kibble?

Definitely not. Kibble food is highly processed and moves slowly through their digestive system and raw food is digested quickly because its all natural and not processed so you would be introducing to different digestible foods which could cause stomach problems which could lead to loose stools and vomiting. If you want to feed both raw and kibble it should be done at different meals. Say raw for breakfast and kibble for dinner. Feeding in this manner you will not have all the benefits that a completely raw food diet offers so with that we highly recommend feeding a 100% raw food diet.