Raw Dog FAQs
Welcome to our Rawsome FAQ page! Below you will learn how to get started with the Raw diet for your pets. You can also find out how to get our products and learn about our refund policy. If you need any additional help, you can CONTACT US directly!
It All Starts here
When you take toxic foods out of the body and feed a species appropriate diet you will see so many positive changes in your pets you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
The stories are endless about the incredible transformations pet parents have seen in their senior or chronically ill pets.
Listen to The Raw Dog Food Truth Podcast each week as we talk about how to get your pet on the road to health and longevity too!
Here are just a few benefits pet parents have reported.
- Less poop because they use all the food
- Healthier skin less itching and allergies
- Fresher breath brighter eyes
- Shiny coats
- Less joint pain
- Less digestive issues
- Less dog smell
- More energy
- Happier pet
The only blends we don't recommend for cats is the HVM - Healthy Variety Mix with veggies.
Cats are obligate carnivores so they are strictly meat eaters. Our blends have the meat bone organ and fat already mixed in.
Cats eat approximately 3% of their best body weight. How to calculate?
Example 15 pound cat x 3% x16 to convert to ounces = 7 ounces of food per day.
Cats love real fish like our sardines and mackerel. Many cats enjoy extra heart in their diets and you can do that by adding in our stand alone heart or ground heart rolls.
Have fun with it. Keep all processed dry foods out of the diet and your cats kidneys will love you for it!
Dump the kibble and go!
Cold turkey is alway best. If you would like to warm the food up to room temperature with hot water or put on the stove that is fine just don't put in microwave. You will kill the good stuff!
Here's Why You Want to Transition Cold Turkey with Certified Pet Nutritionist DeDe and Nealy.
Some people do mix a processed food/chemical food with real raw, however it is not recommended. Read why raw is best!
The question is always "Why are you feeding raw?" If it is due to allergies, skin issues, digestive issue or just want to ensure the best health for your pet, then kibble would not be the best.
Why we say "Friends Don't Let Friends Feed Kibble"
It does not matter where you start. It doesn't matter the breed (Dalmatians can be the exception) and it doesn't matter if its large breed or small breed. All dogs are decedents of the wolf. We may have domesticated them but their physiology has not changed.
Here are some great short articles regarding suggestions on how and what to start feeding from Certified Pet Nutritionist Nealy Piazza.
But don't stress just have fun with all the different blends and your pet will thrive!
It's always frozen and the rolls come in either 2 or 5 pounds. Purchase either in single rolls, cases or variety boxes. We have lots of options.
Many of the 5 pound rolls come in 30 or 40 pound easy ship options.
We also have lots of variety packs to choose from.
Our food is pure raw dog food. This means no fillers, no preservatives, no additives, no oils, no seeds, no grains, no nothing except meat, bone organs and fat.
Some blends will have tripe or a fruit and veggies mix as well.
Complete and balanced suggest you can feed one food and it have every thing a human or pet needs for life. This just isn't possible.
The only way to get complete and balanced is through variety variety variety!
Listen to Dr. Ian Billinghurst "Father of Raw" talk about what pets should eat!
Rule of thumb is try not to stay on one protein longer than a week.
Variety Variety Variety is the Key to a complete and balanced diet. Sometimes a pet only likes a couple of proteins and if your pup only likes beef and chicken then we recommend you add in Phyto-synergy/Phytoplankton to get all the vitamin and minerals your pup or cat may be missing.
If it at all possible get as many proteins and blends (tripe, veggie, pmr's) rotating through the month. Here is a great example of what a rotational diet might look like.
It's super easy with our adult and puppy feeding charts!
For Adults Dogs put in your pets best body weight. Meaning if he/she needs to gain weight use that weight in the calculator and the same if pet needs to lose weight.
The calculator will tell you how much to feed PER DAY.
Puppies - put in weight and use the drop down menu for their age in weeks.
Our philosophy regarding food, treats and supplements is all the same...pure without fillers, additives, synthetics, preservatives or inactive ingredients.
We have the most powerful and clean probiotics on the market. Our freeze dried whole food is a big hit! Want an organic antioxidant? Check out Red & Green Rover.
Want to include some incredible Omega3's? Try the Phytoplankton and Green Lipped Mussels.
How about cancer prevention mushrooms? We've got those too. Chaga and Turkey Tail are powerful double liquid extracts!
Just like with food give your pets variety and health with our exceptional line of homeopathic, holistic and whole food supplements.
All our air dried chews are made without any irradiation for shelf life, no fillers, no preservatives, just real food that is air dried for optimal health.
Keep these chews either in the freezer or refrigerator since they have no preservatives.
Thaw rolls in a container in the fridge. Make sure you capture any juice and feed that to your pups. This juice has lots of amazing minerals much like a bone broth would have.
Rolls will leak so thaw in a container.
Tip: Cut the plastic off the rolls before it totally thaws. This will keep the meat from sticking to the package.
Watch our new feeders webinar for more tips and suggestions on thawing, storing and warming food.
Some pet parents only thaw 2-3 days worth of food and some pet parents thaw up to 5 days worth of food.
Keep food in a container in the refrigerator.
What is a pet worth? Some people think they should only spend $1.00 a day on pet food.
A raw feeding species appropriate lifestyle will not be an option at that price. Protein/meat and organs are the main components for our beloved pets. These components come from living animals that are grown sustainably not created in a lab or mixed in a chemical soup.
Feeding good food pays off in the long run.
If your pet develops kidney disease from dry processed food, or allergies from flavorings, plant proteins and preservatives, or cancer from too many toxins the body can't expel....those medical cost can run into the tens of thousands. Raw diets are the foundation for any healthy pet.
Good health starts with feeding the body whole nourishing foods first!
Although we do not have control over inflation, we are committed to delivering the healthiest raw dog food, at the lowest cost available.
We are so glad you asked and are willing to get fully educated on the raw diet.
This is a fairly long explanation but one that all health conscious pet parents should read and understand.
We are a pure raw dog food company. We pride ourselves on only providing the best raw food available. We do not recommend any processed kibble.
Most all of our Raw blends contain Meat, Bone, Organ, Fat, Tripe and a Veggies.
We do not use fillers, preservatives, synthetic vitamin and minerals, soy, seed oils or grains.
We do not sell Dead, Diseased, Down or Dying animals.
Organic is simply organic feed like corn or wheat. But if it's organic it will state organic.
Family Farmers do not allow us to list their names any longer as too many phone calls and unexpected visits interrupt their business.
We only work with sustainable, ethical and producers who honor the animals welfare before during and after life.
Raw Dog Food has an extensive learning center!
Learn about:
Various Health Issues and Raw Feeding
Puppy feeding and rotational diets
How to talk to your vet about raw diets
The truth about raw diets and bacteria
and much much more!
Also listen to the Raw Dog Food Truth Podcast!
Raw Dog Food and Company has some of the top Raw raw-feeding vets, Certified Pet Consultants, and Pet Chiropractors.
We are in the Pet Health Business and love being part of a group that has been feeding raw for over 2 decades and is committed to putting health first!
If you have a simple question about food or food amounts just contact the Raw Squad here.
If you have tried everything to alleviate itching or gut issues, contact Certified Pet Consultant Nealy Piazza.
Has your pet been diagnosed with Cancer, Kidney or Heart Issues? Do you want a holistic approach to wellness? Work with Dr. Judy Jasek, DVM
Before your pup commits to surgery for ACL tear or hip problems work with Pet Chiropractor Dr. Andi Harper for a second opinion.
Your Pet's Health Is Our Business & Friends Don't Let Friends Feed Kibble
We can help! We have a short questionnaire to help us understand your pet and needs more.
Some situations may require a consult with Dr. Judy Jasek, DVM our consulting vet or Nealy Piazza our top pet nutritionist, but lets get you started by filling out this short form.
How to Get Raw Dog Food
We are an online store only. Without a brick and mortar shop we keep the prices low so more pet parents can feed a species appropriate raw diet.
Shop online and pick up at our warehouse 6 days a week, schedule a home delivery - 7 days a week (130 miles from warehouse in Colorado) or pick up from one of our Friday routes!
We make it easy for you to get pure raw dog food at the best prices!
Pick up from the warehouse in Commerce City Colorado 6 days a week! Put in your order same day or any day of the week except Monday. Warehouse is open Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 - 4:30.
When you arrive at warehouse Text 720.839.4975 with the name on your order and the Raw Squad will bring out your order.
It's that simple!
We deliver via our freezer truck every other week. We have Friday routes with locations throughout the Denver Metro area, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Littleton, Colorado locations.
When you check out use the scroll down menu to find the location, date and times of that weeks delivery schedule or use the delivery schedule page here.
Check out our many routes here.
Get Pure Raw Dog Food delivered right to your door with our Raw to Your Door Service.
Our service is available to residents 130 miles from our Commerce City warehouse. If you are unsure that you are eligible you can select home delivery at check out and put in your zip code. The system will let you know if your address is within the milage limits.
Cost is just $14.99 - 7 Days a Week!
For those over 85 miles it's just $21.99
Deadline for home delivery is noon the day prior to when you would like your food delivered.
You do not need to be home for delivery. Drivers will leave on your front porch.
Food is packaged in an insulated lined box.
Raw Dog Food and Company ships via UPS to all lower 48 states and Alaska.
Raw Dog Food Ships Every Monday. Deadline to order for shipping is Sunday Night at Midnight.
Air dried chews and Supplements can be shipped any day and will be shipped USPS.
Shipping rates are calculated at check out based on weight and delivery location.
There is a minimum of 20lbs to ship and a maximum of 80lbs per order. You can order as many times as you like.
Some large items are not eligible for shipping.
If you get an error code during check out make sure you have at least 20lbs, not over 80lbs and no un-eliglble items in your cart.
UPS Does not ship to PO Boxes.
Best rates for UPS shipping is 40lbs or 80lbs.
Allergies & Digestive Issues
Have you been feeding a processed food like kibble, or a prescription diet? Has your dog reacted negatively to the "said" protein that is in the blend? It may or most likely isn't an allergy to a certain protein.
If you have been feeding a kibble or prescription diet and your pup has started itching or had loose stools...forget thinking it's an allergy.
If your pup has taken an allergy test while eating any of the above foods...forget thinking it's an allergy.
Kibble and prescription diets are not raw. Take a look at the ingredients list on the back of the bag. There is so much stuff you can't possibly know what your pup is reacting to. But we know the "said" protein is a very very small portion. Furthermore it's totally denatured. This is not raw.
First you must get all processed foods and treats out of the diet. Then reassess allergies.
Here is a great Where to Start article for dogs who appear to have allergies.
Most digestive issues come from dogs eating an inappropriate species diet.
Dry kibble or processed foods is not species appropriate no matter how the pretty pictures and fancy marketing want to make it.
Dogs and Cats are Carnivores. The dominant diet is meat, bone, organs, fat, tripe and some fruits and veggies.
High carbs, fillers, dry pellets, synthetics, flavorings and preservatives will play havoc on an animals digestion.
Once these are pulled out of the diet and a species appropriate diet is fed, we see digestion issues either totally go away or are greatly reduced.
Some guts in pets are greatly disrupted and must take time to heal so that pets can absorb all the vitamin and minerals needed for health.
There is no time like the present to get started healing that gut!
Feed PMR blends and 80/10/10 blends to start. See how the poops are. Poops should be nice and firm, smaller than when on kibble or processed food and will turn white when dry.
Leaky gut can look like a lot of things!
A recurring ear infection may clear up, but then the dog suffers disorders like hot spots, full blown allergies or hypothyroidism. In many cases this is because the initial trauma causing the disease – leaky gut syndrome – is not healed … because you can’t see it.
Leaky gut has been referred to as the “great mimicker,” appearing in the form of many chronic diseases that plague our beloved animals. Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Diseases of the skin (allergies), thyroid, joints, heart disease, spinal cord, eyes or brain
- Inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial and chronic cystitis, collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic disorders.
- Behavior problems such as aggression and obsessive-compulsive disorders or self-mutilation.
- Autoimmune disease and nutritional deficiencies, which, left untreated, could lead to some forms of cancer because of the chronic inflammation.
Leaky gut syndrome is an increasingly widespread condition in both animals and humans, yet it’s still not well known in the medical community. Leaky gut in dogs is exactly what it sounds like.
The delicate intestinal mucosa that lines the gut and allows tiny digested nutrients to pass through to the blood stream can be likened to cheesecloth or a tea strainer.
This is how nutrition is assimilated into the body – but this lining also acts as an incredibly important barrier to keep out toxins, pathogens and undigested food particles.
The mucosa becomes traumatized and inflamed, causing the junctions (the spaces in the cheesecloth) to become stretched or damaged to the point where they’re no longer able to filter out larger food particles, bacteria and toxins.
These substances can now pass through the intestinal wall and make their way into the blood stream and lymphatics.
This sets off a series of events in the body, which begins with the liver working over-time to screen out the particles; it has no chance of keeping up with the onslaught, and the pathogens begin to accumulate.
The immune system is then triggered to fight the intruders, but it too becomes overwhelmed, leading to particles being absorbed into body tissues.
This causes inflammation; but even worse, the immune system can attack these intruders, which can lead to autoimmune disease.
The body starts to perceive food as its enemy – the reason we see so many dogs who are allergic or reactive to almost every protein and many vegetables and grains.
This leaves little to choose from when it comes to feeding, in addition to the challenges of allergies to grass, pollen and more; but more importantly, and sadly, the result is an animal who’s in a chronic and constant state of inflammation and distress.
Primary Causes Of Leaky Gut
1. Poor Diet
Specifically highly processed, grain based foods containing wheat, rice, spelt and soy, food additives and preservatives; the lectin found in unsprouted grains; sugar; genetically modified foods (GMOs); pasteurized dairy; and meat from stressed factory-farmed animals.
2. Drugs And Other Toxins
This category includes the unnecessary use of steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), deworming drugs, flea and tick treatments (many contain pesticides) and antibiotics (leading to an imbalance of healthy gut flora, also known as dysbiosis).
3. Over-vaccination
When the body is forced to respond to a vaccine to which it has already established antibodies, this wreaks havoc on the immune system and can cause a number of chronic diseases.
Chronic stress or boredom can also influence gut health.
Not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, or being left home alone for long periods, can be a major cause of stress for a pack animal. Stress negatively affects the immune and digestive systems.
Help prevent leaky gut with these 5 steps:
- Stop feeding processed foods and feed a raw, species appropriate diet.
- Stop routine vaccinations; instead ask your vet for blood titer tests to measure antibody levels. Get a copy of the results and ask a holistic vet to interpret them, as there are differing opinions on what the results actually mean.
- Stop using chemical flea and tick products that contain pesticides. Use natural products and protocols with proven success.
- Stop all drugs where possible.
- Determine your dog’s source of stress. Make the time to go for longer walks or hire a dog walker or someone to check in on them during the day or even add a playmate.
Returns/Refund Policy
Due to the perishable nature, all raw dog food and treat products are sold “as is”. You assume responsibility for your purchase.
Returns/Credits are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be requested within 10 days of pickup or delivery of your order.
If a return is approved a credit will be issued via a Raw Dog Food and Company Gift Card.
Customers assume responsibility for the accuracy of their order at the time of pick or delivery. Customers have 24 hours from the time of pick up or delivery to contact us to resolve issues with their order.
We are unable to issue credit on food that has been discarded or fed. NO EXCEPTIONS
Approved returns are required to have a return form accompanied by the returned food.
Food must be kept frozen and in the same condition, it was originally received by the customer in order to be eligible for a credit/e-gift card.
Returned items are subject to a 10% restocking fee. A gift certificate will be issued for the balance of the returned item.
Contact us at contact us - orders@rawdogfoodandco.com
Non-returnable items:
- Sale Items
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and dog care items
To complete your return, we require a return form fully filled out.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds/gift certificates are granted (if applicable):
- Any item not in its original condition is damaged or for reasons not due to our error
Any item that is returned more than 10 days after delivery or pickup is not eligible for a refund.
All refunds will be applied to a Raw Dog Food and Company Gift Certificate
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a Raw Dog Food and Company gift card will be sent to the email associated with the order.
Sale items (if applicable)
Only regular-priced items may be refunded, unfortunately, sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges (if applicable)
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at orders@rawdogfoodandco.com for exchange instructions.
Shipping
To return your eligible product, you should contact us at orders@rawdogfoodandco.com for return instructions.
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
