Why Raw
A species-appropriate diet supports increased vitality. The nutrients in ADR meals provide for a healthy, active pet – the way nature intended!
If you would like to schedule an appointment to connect with our Nutrition Specialist, contact us today!
Species-Appropriate
It’s simple, a raw-fed diet is how mother nature intended! The benefits to feeding raw include:
- Improved digestion
- Less, and more consistent, firmer stool
- Strengthens the immune system
- Less (or no more!) allergies
- More energy
- Provides a soft and shiny coat
- Whiter teeth, fresher breath
Getting Started! Making the switch to raw and not sure where to start? Below are some tips to help you make the transition from kibble to raw. If you still have questions, contact us to schedule an appointment with our Nutrition Specialist!
Tips for Transitioning
ADR believes in transitioning to raw in a way that will properly support gut health and set your canine or feline companion up for success.
If you currently feed kibble, you can transition to raw either cold-turkey or gradually by mixing it in with your kibble. You’ll know the transition is going well by the consistency of your pet’s stool.
Check out our recommended transition phases below.
Transition Phases
BASIC BLEND
Start with a Basic blend (meat, bone) for about 2-4 weeks. ideally this should be poultry.
DINNER BLEND
NEXT MOVE TO OUR DINNER BLENDS (MEAT, BONE, ORGAN). THIS SHOULD BE THE SAME PROTEIN YOU USED DURING THE BASIC STEP.
RED MEAT & SUPPLEMENTS
After 2-4 weeks you can start introducing red meats AND ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS OR TOPPERS.
Feeding Calculator
Food Safety
Standard food safety and food handling is required when feeding dogs and cats raw. Maintaining clean hygiene and proper storage methods prevents contamination.
Safe Handling
We recommend following the same safety practices that you would for yourself when you bring raw meat into your home. Be sure to wash all surfaces that come in contact with raw food with warm soapy water or vinegar.
Our food goes through a flash-freezing process to ensure any potential bacteria is killed before it is packaged. Storing your pet’s raw food in the freezer until it’s time to thaw and serve prevents bacteria growth. Once your pet’s meal has thawed in the refrigerator, portion it and serve. Keep all unused portions in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2-3 days.
Avoid leaving your pet’s raw food out for long periods of time, as this can allow bacteria or harmful pathogens to grow. Bacteria can actually start growing at 4°C, and can grow quite rapidly.
Salmonella
Salmonella can only survive in higher pH conditions (4-8+) and requires at least 12 hours to reach incubation. The hydrochloric acid in a carnivore’s stomach is a protective enzyme against pathogens.
Dogs and cats have a highly acidic stomach (about a pH 1) while their digestive system is short and lacks complexity. Bacteria is killed when ingested and passed within 4-6 hours as waste. Since the time to complete digestion is very short, the bacteria does not stay in the body for long.
Cats
All about Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to survive. Cats do not need fruits, vegetables or carbs in their diet, but do require organ. Cats thrive on high-protein, high-moisture diets rich in substances found in meat such as amino acids, fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals.
Our best options for cats are any of our Dinners blends (meat, bone, organ, heart).
It is generally recommended that you feed between 2% and 4% of your cat’s ideal bodyweight, split into two or three meals a day.
Every cat is different though, so when determining how much raw food to feed your cat you need to take into account factors such as:
- Age
- Current Weight
- Appetite
- Metabolism
- Activity and Exercise Levels.
If your cat has normal activity levels OR you want to maintain their current weight, 3% of their bodyweight is a good place to start.
If you choose to feed your cat a raw diet, we suggest that you consult with a vet nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and complete.
ADR PET STORES
The Way Nature Intended