WE KNOW YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
So did we when we started our
family's furry friends on
Rowdy's Raw Dog Food.
We have answers for you.
If you have a question not listed below, reach out to us here.
Q: Why should my dog
eat a raw diet?
A raw diet is a natural way of feeding. No fillers, preservatives, bonding agents and or anything else we cannot pronounce. Commercial diets can’t even come close to the benefits of raw feeding. Benefits include:
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Naturally cleans teeth, no toothbrushes, descaling or gum disease.
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Less doggy odor.
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Stools are much smaller as there is very little waste. Their bodies can absorb more of the food leading to better nutrition. After a few days the stool turns to a chalky powder. No more landmines!
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Decreased or nonexistent vet bills, your dogs are healthier.
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Mirrors what they would be eating in the wild – dogs digestive tract is exactly the same as a wolf.
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Many people with dog allergies report their symptoms have even decreased after making the switch to a raw diet for their dog.
Q: How do I switch my dog to raw food?
When switching to raw, you will want to make a fast transition. To avoid any upset stomach, a minimum fasting period of 12-24 hours should be applied. The more your dog will let you get away with the better. Feeding both raw and kibble causes diarrhea and indigestion. If this happens upon the switch, don’t be alarmed, it should resolve within a day or two. We do recommend having pure pumpkin puree on hand, found at your local grocer – in the baking isle. Feed half-one teaspoon per day until resolved.
Q: Can my dogs have raw bones?
Yes absolutely! You should never cook bones prior to feeding them to your dog as any bones will splinter when cooked. Chicken bones and turkey bones are softer than beef bones. However, both are great for your dog. Bones help them develop cheek and neck muscles, giving them great definition.
Puppies need more calcium when they’re young, so having raw meaty bones on hand is a must for their nutrition. Do be careful, as the bones get smaller, there can be a choking risk.
Q: Can Dogs get worms from eating raw food?
This is a common misconception about raw feeding. Worms come from the environment and not from raw food. Worms and parasites can be picked up from a walk as they check out smells and objects on the ground.
Q: Do I need to cook the food before serving?
Absolutely not! The best nutrition is in the raw food itself. Cooking the food only takes away from the maximum benefits of a raw diet and destroys the natural enzymes that your dog needs for digestion.
Q: How do I feed it?
Our food is made for convenient feeding. Weigh your first couple of feedings so you know how much to give. (Example: 2 or 3 blocks). Some people prefer to thaw for feedings. Other prefer to feed frozen. Either one is fine. It depends on what suits your lifestyle.
Nope! The raw food contains the moisture your dog requires. Their bodies no longer require large amounts of water to break down the fillers and bonding agents they were getting in kibble.
Q: Should I be worried my dog is drinking less water?
Q: Will I get sick if I feed my dogs raw?
You should handle your dog’s food the same as you do raw meat from the grocery store. Always wash your hands before and after. Make sure to wash any surfaces that may have been exposed to the meat. Wash the dog’s dish after feedings.
Q: My dog has allergies, can I feed raw?
Yes, you can. Always be sure to try raw recipes even if your dog is allergic to the same in a certain kibble product. Raw diets are much easier at identifying allergies using the process of elimination.
Q: How much do I feed my dog?
Portion size is determined by age and activity level.
Here is a simple guide to help you get started.
0 – 2 Years
3% of their body weight per day.
This number will be changing as they grow so be sure to weigh your dog every few weeks to ensure appropriate portion sizes. Their meals may be broke down into different feedings.
Puppies also need more calcium in their diet so raw meaty bones (RMB) should be readily available.
2 + years: 2.5% +- Based on Activity Level
Your dog's activity level will help you determine the right portion size.
If you have an inactive dog you may need to feed less then the 2.5%
Seniors
2% of their total body weight.
There is no set age for seniority in dogs as dogs age differently according to size. The bigger the dog, the faster it ages. Always be sure to research your breed to know approximately what age this is for your dog.
Overweight dogs
Your dog should always be fed to the appropriate size they should be,
not their current weight.
Example: Your adult dog weighs 80lbs but is 15lbs overweight.
65lbs (proper weight) x 2.5% (adult active dog) = 1.625 lbs/day.
CONTACT
We love four-legged friends and family, so we would love to hear about yours.
If there is any information we can share with you to help keep your furry friend healthy, just let us know.
Belle River, ON N8L 1K1, Canada
Phone from anywhere: 1-855-2ROWDYS
(1-855-276-9397) or
Local: 226-240-4300
