Welcome to
PAWS and CLAWS Pet Pantry
www.freshpetfood.ca
Email:
information@freshpetfood.ca
Tel: 1-866-975-Pets (7387)
Fax: 519-756-6047
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F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions .. and Answers
1. What Is The Paws and
Claws Pet Pantry Advantage?
We use only the top quality human grade ingredients formulated to meet
the species specific nutritional needs of our carnivorous pets. We use NO
additives, NO preservatives and NO chemicals, in
our large variety of products to ensure a healthy and wholesome diet.
Our large variety of products ensures the nutritional needs in all
stages of your pet's life is met. All products are fresh frozen, in
convenient ready to thaw and serve vacuum sealed bags. Veterinary and
Breeder recommended.
We are the only fresh raw food company that provides individually made
diets to meet the specific health and/or nutritional needs of companion
animals upon request. To this end we work closely with our clients and
their pet’s heath care providers.
2. Do I Need To Add Supplements?
When starting a raw diet or when feeding an older animal it would be
advisable to add a pre-biotic (digestive enzymes) and pro-biotic (
healthy bacteria) for a few weeks. A good quality essential fatty acid
high in omega 3's such as salmon oil or flax seed oil.
3. What Should I Expect During The
Feeding Transition?
Some animals do go through a “detox" process. During this time the
stools may be loose, with or without mucous. There may also be some
discharge from the eyes. The changes in the stools are due to the
digestive system adapting to the new diet and the body’s production of
new amounts of digestive enzymes needed to digest the new foods. The
mucous is indicative of the body getting rid of toxins which have built
up due to poor diet, poor health, and treatment with drugs or
vaccines.
4. What Changes Should I See After The
Transition?
You will notice smaller harder stools because fresh
raw foods are high in moisture and have no salt added. You will notice
a great reduction in the amount of water your pet will drink. You may
notice white powdery particles in the stool, this is due to the bone
content in the diet. Excess calcium that is not needed by the body is
excreted. Also, you will notice an increase in your pet's energy level,
cleaner teeth, ears and healthier gums, less gas, healthy skin and
shiny coat.
5. Why Are The Vegetables Ground Up?
Carnivores are unable to break down the cellulose in
the cell walls of plant matter, a process which is necessary before the
nutrients can be extracted and utilized from the vegetables. Our
vegetables are finely ground enabling your pet to obtain optimal
nutrient value from them.
6. Are Raw Eggs Safe To Feed?
Eggs, a good source of Vitamin "A" are a complete
protein. If possible, use free-range eggs or certified organic eggs.
When whole raw eggs (whites as well as yolks) are fed there is no
concern about biotin deficiency caused by raw egg whites. If you do not
feel comfortable feeding the eggs raw, lightly scramble or cook them as
an alternative.
7. Am I Feeding Too Much Protein By
Feeding A Raw Meaty Bone Diet?
No, in fact the protein level in raw meaty bones is
lower than in kibble. This is because fresh meaty bones are not just
meat but also bone, minerals and of course water. Kibble on average is
10% water whereas fresh raw foods contain over 75% water. Protein in
fresh foods are more readily assimilated by the body and are of a
higher quality than the protein in kibble. It is much easier to digest
the proteins in fresh raw foods that have not had their amino acid
chains altered by high heat.
The quality of protein used by Paws and Claws Pet Pantry is much easier
to digest and process than kibble. Because of this it is much more bio-
available, which means it is absorbed and assimilated better. This
means that your pet’s kidneys, liver and other organs do not have to
work overtime to extract and process nutrients from the food they are
fed.
8. How Long Can I Store The Frozen
Food?
Because Paws and Claws Pet Pantry uses only the
highest human grade quality ingredients it can be treated just like any
other foods you purchase for your personal use. The freezer "shelf
life" of our vacuum sealed foods is up to 1 year. Thawed meals may be
kept in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days for optimal nutrient value.
9. Is There Taurine In The Cat
Food?
YES. Taurine is an amino acid found in meat. Taurine
is destroyed by heat that is why commercial pet foods have to have
synthetic taurine added back. By feeding fresh raw meat you can be
assured that your cat is getting adequate levels of taurine in his diet.
10. What Will This Diet Cost?
Not much more than a top quality kibble, but more
than a supermarket quality kibble. The difference in cost will be off
set by the health benefits you will see in your pets.
11. Is it Safe To Feed Bones?
It is safe to feed Raw Bones, NEVER FEED COOKED
BONES as they splinter and can be dangerous. Raw bones clean teeth
and keep gums healthy and naturally express anal glands, which result
in less veterinary bills.
12. How Can I Keep The Cost Down If I
Am Feeding Multiple Large Dogs?
We suggest feeding whole chicken pieces such as
necks or backs, pork necks, beef necks or turkey necks for one meal and
our meat with vegetable dinners for the second meal.
13. Doesn’t Kibble Keep My Pet’s Teeth
Clean?
No, in fact it does the opposite. Carnivores do not
chew their food as we do. They have teeth specifically designed to rip,
tear, shred and crush meaty bones after which they gulp and swallow. It
is the enzymes in raw meats and vegetables that keep the teeth clean
and the gums healthy. The added benefit of gnawing on raw bones is both
mental (enjoyment) and physical (exercise).
14. Is The Bacteria In Raw Meats A
Problem For My Pet?
No. The internal physiology of our carnivorous pets
is the same as that of feral cats and wild wolves. Through breeding we
have been able to change the outward appearance of our domesticated
pets but we have not been able to change their internal physiology.
Their digestive systems are specifically designed to digest raw meaty
bones and food. To that end their digestive system is much shorter than
ours and the hydrochloric acid in their stomach is five times as strong
as ours.
For pets that are not immunologically compromised, raw foods are not a
problem. Bacteria are all around us and all surfaces that we come in
contact with. Our pets come into contact with millions of bacteria
particles every day. Walking outside on the road or in the woods ,
wading in streams or drinking from puddles, or bird baths don’t seem to
bother them. In fact when they groom themselves and lick their feet,
coats and “privates” they do not get sick yet they are ingesting
bacteria all the time. Some of our pets even eat the feces of other
animals with no ill effects. It is us humans who can not tolerate the
bacteria in raw food, that is why we must cook our meats and practice
proper hygiene when preparing raw foods whether it's for ourselves or
our pets.
15. How Can I Maintain A Healthy
Environment In The Kitchen While Feeding Raw?
When dealing with any raw foods make sure your
working environment, dishes and utensils are washed with hot soapy
water and an anti-bacterial agent, such as pure vinegar or bleach. It
may be advisable to keep a bottle of bleach diluted with water, or full
strength vinegar by the sink for easy access.
16. Is It Safe To Mix Different
Protein Sources?
There's no scientific basis for limiting the use of
one protein source. Dr. Pitcairn encourages a variety of meats for
optimal health. When our out-door cats catch their own food and eat a
mouse they do not say to themselves "well I better not go after that
bird or rabbit today as I have to stick to rodents for the day".
17. Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Eating grass scours the digestive tract and removes
worms. It aids in the regurgitation of consumed matter that just does
not sit well in the digestive tract.
18. Is The Raw Diet I Am Feeding
Balanced?
If you are feeding a diet consisting of 50-70% raw
meaty bones, as well as a good variety of green leafy vegetables,
muscle and organ meats, dairy products such as yogurt, cottage and
ricotta cheeses, eggs, canned fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines) each
week then you are feeding a balanced diet. A balanced diet is achieved
over a period of time and not in one day.
19. How Can I Provide Calcium If I Do
Not Want To Feed Raw Meaty Bones?
There are raw diets that use eggshell powder or
human-grade bone meal added to plain ground meats. For every pound of
ground meat add ½ tsp of eggshell powder. You can make your own
eggshell powder by simply leaving eggshells to dry and grinding them
either in a coffee grinder or blender.
20. Why Is Fruit Not Included In The
Diet?
Small amounts of fruit may be fed a few times a week
or even daily as treats. Just remember that fruits are high in natural
sugars and are digested rapidly so it may cause loose stools,
especially if fed with meals. Animals with cancer or yeast infections
should stay away from fruits as these cells thrive from sugars
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