April Raw Feeders Week | Wilderness Raw

Thank you all for your support. On April 10th, we celebrate 3 years as a brick-and-mortar. Did you know that when we first started Wilderness Raw (pre-covid), we started out in our garage with a single freezer? And... some hopes and dreams as well. To celebrate our brick-and-mortar 3 year milestone. We will have one-day specials to celebrate, of course, available online as well.

Our Heartfelt Thanks

At Wilderness Raw, we believe that pet care is more than just a routine; it’s a language of love. Your continued trust in our knowledge and our commitment to high-quality nutrition is what keeps our community thriving. From our specialized storefront in Innisfil to our regional delivery routes, every interaction with your furry family members reminds us why we do what we do. Thank you for being an essential part of our pack and for allowing us to support your pets’ health and happiness every single day.

April 1-7th is Raw Feeders Week

During the first week of April, we celebrate: National Raw Feeders Week, started by

Kimberly Gauthier in 2018. 

If you are considering feeding a raw diet to your dog or cat, there are some key things to look for:

• Is it produced in a government-inspected facility, or are the animals sourced from government-inspected facilities before being processed into raw dog food?

• Do they put date codes and batch numbers on their product for traceability?

• Is it considered complete and balanced, or are there important vitamins/minerals/amino acids that are lacking/missing?

Not all raw pet food is prepared the same way, and not all companies share the same standards for processing, handling, and sourcing. If you are thinking about DIY’ing your Dog’s/Cat’s food (not purchasing a commercial product) you must be cautious about proper ingredient sourcing (to avoid parasites, spoilage/bacteria.

If you are looking for a reliable source for diet formulation, we suggest: https://www.feedreal.com/calculator. It will formulate an Ancestral, PMR and/or BARF diet for you.

Also, Stephanie can provide information regarding the companies we carry in-store and what they recommend to provide a balanced diet. You can always check out Our Raw Brands Info Page as well.

Types of Raw Diets

Ancestral Diet: is comprised of Muscle (63%), Bone (12%), Seafood/Fish (10%), liver (5%) + other secreting organs (5% ) and Fur/Fiber (5%)

PMR or Prey Model Raw: Muscle (80%), Bone (10%), Liver (5%) + other secreting organs (5%)

• The focus is more on whole prey, everything still being intact.

BARF or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food: Muscle (70%), Bone (10%), liver (5%) + other secreting organs (5% ), fruit/veggies (10%).

• This feeding type doesn't typically include fur or feathers.

As always, feed the dog/puppy in front of you, and what works best for your family/dog. Even a simple addition to any diet can do wonders for your pet's health.

*The heart is not considered a secreting organ but is actually a muscle meat.

A Different Take on Protein Variety

The concept of energetics in food refers to the inherent heating or cooling properties of different foods, which can affect the body’s balance. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), food energetics is used to align with a dog’s specific health needs:

• Hot/Warming Proteins: Suitable for dogs that always seem to be cold, indicated by symptoms such as lethargy, seeking warm places, and cold extremities. However, warming proteins can worsen conditions in dogs that tend to run hot, leading to increased inflammation and allergic reactions.

• Neutral Proteins: Generally safe for all dogs, providing a balanced approach without strongly affecting the body's temperature regulation.

• Cooling Proteins: Ideal for dogs that seem hot , indicated by symptoms like restlessness, seeking cool places, and hot skin. Cooling proteins help reduce inflammation and are beneficial for dogs with allergic reactions and skin issues.

If you would like to read more about this topic: Click Here

Adding Raw Fish To Your Dog's Diet

• Adding raw fish or fish oils to a dog's raw diet can be highly beneficial due to their rich omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3s play a vital role in promoting healthy skin and coat, supporting joint health, and boosting overall immune function. These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly beneficial for dogs with arthritis or allergies. Omega-3s also support cardiovascular health and cognitive function, making them essential for dogs of all ages. Additionally, DHA is essential for brain development and cognitive function, making it important for puppies and senior dogs.

• However, it's important to ensure that the fish used is fresh, high-quality, and free from contaminants.

• It's recommended to serve 5 mls per 25 lbs of body weight once a day (fish oil) or to feed whole fish 2-4 times a week.

  
  

Can't do fish? That's okay, there are alternatives as well, like hemp and ahiflower oil.

At-home Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash your pet dishes: in hot soapy water or the dishwasher. After every meal, regardless of whether you raw feed, use freeze-dried, kibble or canned products!

• Clean all food prep surfaces and tools.

• Store opened food in a food storage container in the fridge for no longer than four days.

• Wash your hands.

April Promotions

• Big Country Raw Side Dishes/Upsides $2 off

  • Upsides and side dishes can be added to any meal. They can also be defrosted and put in a tray by themselves or with goat milk as a treat for later.

• Earth Rated Waste Bags $2 off

• Smack 1.5 kg or larger bags $7 off April 24-May 3

• Let us know what else you would like to see!

  
  

Check out our Social Media Profiles for our April 10th one-day specials.

By: Stephanie Ross

Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN)

Wilderness Raw

Please Note: This information is intended to provide information only. Each animal’s health situation is unique. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of specific health problems or diseases and should never be considered as a substitute for veterinary advice or care.