FAQ's
We work out feeding in grams, and use kilogram for your pets bodyweight.
This example is for a pet weighing 4.8kg needing 2.5% of its body weight daily. You can use a calculator to work this out.
4.8 x 25 = 120
(Formula is pets body weight in kg, times by daily food percentage, removing the decimal point for percentage eg 2.5% is 25)
Your pet would need 120g daily.
You can use our raw food calculator here
YES! It is very common for people to think what they are feeding does not look enough, especially when switching from kibble to raw.
Raw food is full of nutrients, and meat is much more filling that carbohydrates.
Think of it like switching from pasta to steak – you wouldn't need the same amount for the same level of satisfaction!"
The most important thing is that your pet is of a healthy weight. Only start to worry if you notice weight loss, in which case, up the food a little. Please see our 'body score' chart below.
We only stock products from DEFRA-registered companies. DEFRA, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, sets strict regulations concerning hygiene, processing, and storage of pet food in the UK. This ensures the meat used is of high quality and suitable for both pets and humans (though not intended for human consumption).
Just remember to follow the same standards when prepping meals as you would when preparing your own raw food. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw pet food. Disinfect surfaces that come into contact with raw food. Always pick up your pet's bowl when they have finished eating and wash it.
Raw food can be stored in your freezer alongside your own food, but when defrosted, keep it in the fridge in a sealed container on the bottom shelf away from cooked/fresh food.
When feeding raw, meals tend to be eaten in one go, which means it isn't left sitting around all day like a bowl of kibble.
By following these simple hygiene and handling guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of raw feeding while minimising any potential risks, making it no more of a risk than handling and preparing your own food.
We recommend a straight switch to raw,but gradual introductions work too! Do what feels right for your pet ,considering their age,personality and dietary history.
Vets often receive training on commercially produced pet food during their education which can make them biased towards kibble, while some also specialise in pet nutrition (these are much more likely to be pro-raw and also helpful when it comes to advice regarding a raw diet).
Additionally, they may encounter cases where unbalanced home-prepared raw diets have caused health issues in pets. This can lead to concerns about raw feeding in general.
We offer a variety of carefully formulated raw minced diets, including options from Paleo Ridge & Cotswolds. As members of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS), both brands ensure their foods are vet approved and their recipes are developed by expert nutritionists. These complete and balanced meals provide essential nutrients for your dog when fed according to the guidelines. Choosing a commercially produced, nutritionally complete raw diet, like those from Paleo Ridge or Cotswolds, can minimise the potential risks associated with unbalanced home-prepared raw diets and can be a responsible way to explore the potential benefits of raw feeding for your pet.
The good news is, in recent years, many vets are becoming more aware of raw feeding and the benefits it has to offer. Many are also learning more about it, making the switch themselves and expanding their nutritional knowledge to advice accordingly.
You can find your nearest pro raw vet by clicking the link here.
The nearest one to Dagenham is Wylie in Upminster. Click here.
One of our goals is to make raw feeding as simple as possible, which is why 99% of the minces we stock are balanced. Any of the 80:10:10 or complete minces are included, they are already mixed for you so all you need to do is defrost and feed.
The paleo Ridge essentials and cotswolds recipes are vet approved complete meals.
The 80:10:10 recipes are balanced, but its recommended to feed a variety of proteins (flavours) to form a complete diet.
Bones and extras/whole prey are optional - though your pet may really enjoy them as a treat!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us or check out our switch to raw guide.
FEDIAF stands for European Pet Food Industry Federation. It's the trade association representing the European pet food industry, with members from approximately 18 countries and five companies.
Here's what FEDIAF does:
- Sets guidelines and standards for pet food production and safety in Europe. This includes regulations on ingredients, nutrient content, labeling, and manufacturing practices.
- Conducts research on pet nutrition and health. This research helps ensure that pet food products are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats at different stages of life.
- Advocates for the interests of the pet food industry. This includes lobbying governments and regulatory bodies on issues that impact the industry.
What does being FEDIAF-approved mean for raw food?
When you see a raw food product labelled as FEDIAF-approved, it means that it has been independently tested and verified to meet the strict nutritional guidelines and safety standards set by the organization. This gives pet owners assurance that the product is complete and balanced, providing all the essential nutrients their dog or cat needs for a healthy diet.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
The 80:10:10 ratio refers to a the ratio of meat, bone and offal in a raw food diet.
- 80% muscle meat: This provides the main source of protein and energy for your pet. The meat can come from various sources, like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.
- 10% offal: This includes offal meats like liver and kidney. These are rich in vital nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, that are essential for your pet's health.
- 10% bone: Bones provide valuable nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.
Complete and balanced: When feeding a variety of proteins, this ratio can provide all the essential nutrients your pet needs for a healthy life.
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. It refers to a balanced raw diet that contains vegetables and/or fruits/superfoods.
Here are the key components of a BARF diet:
- Muscle meat: This forms the majority of the diet, providing protein and fat. Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey and fish are common sources.
- Offal: Livers, kidneys, and are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
- Bones: Edible bones provide calcium, phosphorus.
- Fruits and vegetables: These offer additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They might be included in small amounts (5-20%)
When feeding a balanced raw diet, there is no reason or need to mix with biscuits. Your pet will be getting all the nutrition they need from a balanced raw diet.
However, it is completely safe to mix the two if you wish to do so, we suggest choosing a high quality kibble. We are happy to help choose a kibble if needed, just ask us.
Any of the 80:10:10 minces are perfectly fine to feed to your cat or ferret. Avoid feeding any B.A.R.F foods as these contain fruits and veggies which are not needed in cats and ferrets diets.
Taurine is essential in cats and ferrets diets, whilst it is found in all meat, it is higher in dark/red meats and heart. This includes thigh, beef, lamb, pork,goat and venison.
If in doubt, you can always add a taurine supplement for peace of mind.
Overall, you can absolutely feed dog food to your cat or ferret, it all has the same ingredients and is based off prey model raw.
body score chart
Body score chart taken from pet obesity prevention.
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Unanswered questions?
For more information and requests, please get in touch via phone or e-mail.
Call us on 07931 208 951.
Email: rfd@rawfeedingdagenham.co.uk