FAQ

How is RawPaw packaged? 

Meat and treats come in re-sealable slider bags. Products are labeled with the exact weight and price, along with the date they were packaged.

How do I know where to start? 

If you’re new to raw-feeding we will do whatever we can to make the transition as easy as possible. This includes a consultation free of charge to help assess the needs of your dog and build an appropriate meal plan. We’re here to help! 

What about potential bacteria? 

Our meat is frozen for a minimum of 7 days before being sold. Freezing reduces enzyme activity in meat and poultry and stops the growth of bacteria and mold.
It is important to note that dogs have digestive systems that are designed to destroy bacteria and easily digest animal protein and raw bone.
We recommend handling the meat the same way you would handle your own raw meat. Wash hands and dog bowls immediately after use with warm soapy water.
We have yet to encounter a problem with bacteria!

Can the meat be mixed with kibble?

No – we do not recommend mixing raw meat with kibble. Dogs are not physiologically designed to eat cooked or processed foods therefore it takes much longer to digest them than whole, raw foods. Raw meat will be digested quickly – usually within 3-4 hours while it can take up to 12 hours to digest kibble. The food mixing together in the gut can lead to fermentation and a potential build-up of bacteria.

Can the meat be cooked?

Live enzymes and many important nutrients are destroyed in the cooking process. Dogs require the enzymes in raw meat to build a strong immune system and stay healthy. We do not recommend cooking the meat as it defeats the purpose and benefits of a raw, natural diet. Les enzymes actifs et beaucoup de nutriments importants sont détruits lors du processus de cuisson.

What are the benefits of feeding my dog a raw diet? 

Where do we begin?!
There are many benefits associated with a raw, natural diet. You will most likely notice positive changes within the first few weeks. Some of the benefits include:
- Smaller, less smelly stools. The stool is a crucial marker in determining the health of the animal. Loose stinky stools are a result of poor digestion. A dogs’ natural diet consists of raw meat – it is easily digested and properly utilized, leading to less waste and smaller stools.
- Better weight control. Obesity is a serious medical problem and can lead to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Raw-fed dogs are lean and fit and as a result healthier long term. The quantities of meat are easily adjustable – they are based on the dogs’ ideal weight and level of activity.
- Improved skin and coat. Allergies often clear up. The preservatives and additives in canned food and dry kibble can cause allergies to develop. A raw diet improves digestive health and will help eliminate these allergies. Coats will often become smoother, silkier and less coarse on a raw diet.
- Cleaner teeth and better breath. Kibble contributes to plaque and tartar build-up. Dogs with dirty teeth are much more at risk of heart, liver and kidney damage from bacteria entering the bloodstream through the gums. Raw meaty bones are the natural way to keep teeth clean and healthy.
- Reduced impaction of the anal glands. Problems occur when the stool is too soft, not emptying the glands completely as it passes through. This can be a result of improper digestion. Raw feeding helps to alleviate this problem. An increase in fiber, which can be given to the dog in the form of pureed pumpkin, carrots or celery, is also extremely helpful.
- Healthier kidneys, pancreas and urinary tract. Dogs need protein to thrive and high quality protein benefits kidney function. The commercial pet food industry relies heavily on left over waste from human food processing – food that is rejected or not fit for human consumption. But what is more disturbing is that ingredients from the 4-D class – dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals are commonly used as protein and fat sources. The high phosphorus content in low quality proteins produce more waste than high quality proteins and further burden the kidneys. Not only that – dry processed foods cause your dog to drink more which also adds stress to the kidneys. Natural moisture in the meat helps to alleviate this problem.
- Stronger immune system. Boosting your dog’s immune system through a raw, natural diet will help combat bacteria, destroy toxins and kill viruses. Poor nutrition or feeding a dog in a way that goes against their natural physiology will lead to a weakened immune system and a host of ailments which can include yeast infections, food allergies, ear infections, slow healing wounds, etc. Over-processed, chemically enhanced dry food is a nutritional burden that the dog’s digestive system has difficulty coping with. Wild animals are not plagued by the disorders that are so common in our domesticated dogs!
- Overall improvement in the health and well-being of your dog. The dog has the anatomy and physiology of a predatory carnivore, and domestication has not altered this. Their natural diet consists of raw meat! When you feed them the way nature intended the results are apparent from the inside out. Remember, there is no substitute for whole, raw foods. Watch your dog go from “Surviving” on kibble to “Thriving” on raw!

Isn’t feeding raw more work than feeding kibble?  

Yes! There is no question that it takes more of a commitment to feed raw than to scoop kibble into a bowl. It is also easier to pick up your dinner at a drive through window than to prepare it at home with fresh ingredients. But there is no question which way is healthier! People who feed raw take the extra time because they see the results it brings in the health of their dog. If you are willing to put in a little more effort you will without a doubt notice the results and wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.

If you have any other questions please feel free to send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
info@rawpaw.ca