When You Can't Access Raw Essentials
HOW TO RAW FEED WITHOUT RE
Some of our clients from around the North Island have bought a large freezer, and visit us every few months to stock up. If you are unable to do this, you can still feed a species-appropriate diet. Have a look at these options:
An internet search may reveal providers of raw food in your area. Aim for the following criteria:
- Do NOT feed a mix of raw and processed - choose one or the other (read why this is important here)
- Preservative-free
- No grains or starches – the ingredients should mirror what your dog or cat would eat in the wild (ie meat, bone, organs, tripe)
- Quality protein sources (human-grade and wild, NZ-grown)
- Choose species-appropriate protein sources if possible (can you reasonably imagine your pet catching and consuming this in the wild?)
- A range that provides variety (at least three different protein sources over the period of a week)
- A range that allows balance (meat, bone and organs)
LOCAL BUTCHER
For dental and psychological health benefits, you need to source raw, meaty bones. Get to know your butcher. Ask them to find human-grade carcasses (or parts of carcasses) with plenty of meat on them, and organs left in if possible. These should ideally be from animals that you could reasonably imagine your pet hunting in the wild.
Chicken frames are great for dogs, and the necks are great for cats. Stock up your freezer and feed a meaty bone every day or two. You can defrost them in a sealed container in the fridge overnight, or just toss them on the lawn frozen.
Use the same hygiene practises that you would for meat that you would eat yourself.
DR TOM LONSDALE
Dr Tom Lonsdale is an expert on species-appropriate nutrition. His ‘Works Wonders’ book provides helpful advice to raw-feeders. You could show this handy feeding guide to your local butcher. TOM LONSDALE'S GUIDE TO RAW FEEDING
Raw feeding is simple, but some guidelines need to be met in order for it to be beneficial. Check out the ‘Essential Rules’. We have lots of other helpful articles too. Happy reading!
RAW ESSENTIALS | Wildly Good Advice & Nutrition
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