Feeding raw pet food is simple
A healthier, happier life with our animal companions can start with a small change, like incorporating raw into your dog or cat’s diet.
Eating a diet rich in raw, unprocessed foods is just as good for our pets as it is for us. Raw has some clear benefits that cooked, processed foods like kibble or cans just can’t provide—more nutrients with no cooking toxins.
Raw, uncooked foods retain the natural flavors, valuable antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals that pets need in a bioavailable form their bodies can actually use. Simply put, the raw meat, fruits, vegetables and wholesome ingredients in Instinct frozen raw provide what a dog or cat needs in a complete and balanced meal.
“My Great Dane, Toaster, really struggled to keep his weight up while eating a traditional kibble diet,” said Jackie Berezoski, Events and Promotions Coordinator at Poudre Pet & Feed Supply. “I switched him to an Instinct raw diet and Toaster thrived. He gained some much needed weight and muscle mass, not to mention his coat became so healthy and shiny.”
Feeding frozen raw is easier than you might think:
- In the evening, pull the next day’s meal portion out of the freezer and thaw in a sealed container in the refrigerator overnight. Raw can remain in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- If you feed Instinct brand Bites, just scoop them directly into the bowl. Instinct’s Medallions and Patties can be served broken up, mashed or whole depending on your pet’s preference. Some raw feeders recommend adding warm water or broth for those first meals so your pet can get used to the cooler temperature.
- Serve and see your pet’s excited, raw happy dance. Discard any uneaten food after 30 minutes, though you’ll usually see clean, empty bowls. Like handling any raw meats, use hot soapy water to wash hands, surfaces, and bowls that come in contact with raw.
Pets love raw so it’s only natural to see their eagerness for the new food—but take it slowly. Nutrients in a food affect the bacteria of your pet’s gut and how your pet processes it. Your dog or cat may be used to a dry diet high in carbohydrates versus a raw diet high in protein and low in carbs. The good bacteria in the gut need time to readjust, so a gradual transition allows time for your pet and their stomach to get used to it.
Seeing a difference in your pet’s stool may be the first thing you notice as a benefit of raw. When animals are able to process and use the food more, they’ll have smaller and firmer stools. It’s a win-win for you and your pet!
Once transitioned to raw frozen, you can rotate between different protein recipes to give your pet added variety. No transition needed between proteins! And if you’re not ready to fully switch to raw, you can incorporate Instinct raw into their food rotation, top their current food with it, or use it as a treat. Any amount of raw is better than none.
Poudre Pet & Feed Supply carries a broad variety of frozen raw diets, and their knowledgeable staff will gladly help you determine the best one for your furry family member.
