The Common questions, with the simplest answers.

Why feed raw?

Simply put – it is the most biologically appropriate feeding option for pets.
There is so much evidence as to the benefits that our furry friends receive through transitioning to a raw food diet, these include:
- Healthier teeth and fresher breath
- Strengthened immune systems
- Reduction in inflammatory conditions
- Increased energy
- Healthier skin, glossier coats, less shedding and fewer dermatological issues.
- Enhanced digestion
- Improved body composition (more muscle, less fat)

Let’s get into the guts of it, what is a raw food diet?

At Naturally Wild we strive to include the finest, locally sourced ingredients – the best approach to a raw food diet includes a combination of:
- Meat, with a varied protein source
- Organs
- Appropriately sized bones
- Green tripe (this simulates the stomach contents of prey animals) – a carnivore superfood that is low in fat, packed with living enzymes and healthy pre and probiotics (an excellent source of protein too.)

What do you mean by “Naturally Wild”?

All the evidence points towards our pets, being carnivores. Just by looking at their teeth we can see that they have evolved to eat meat, specifically raw meat.

When we provide our pets the nutrition that their bodies are craving, we tap into what our animals were designed to eat for their optimal health. Cats and dogs both have simple, short digestive tracts which were designed to extract the nutrition from raw meats, fats and bones. The research shows us that to live a healthy life, certain enzymes and amino acids are required – which are found in a raw food diet.

This choice of diet is as close to as what your cat or dog would have consumed in the wild and what their bodies were biologically made for.

Okay you’ve convinced me – but where do I start?

Just like any diet, we recommend a slow and gentle transition to ease their digestive systems into a different (but improved) diet. We have put together a complete guide on how to transition your pet successfully. Please be aware, that some weight loss is to be expected, but don’t let that alarm you as this is expected as your furry friends’ body will release retained water. With thoughts to a timeline, it should take approximately 1 – 2 weeks to transition your pet to their new diet, please read our elaborate fail-proof guide to support your success with your change to Naturally Wild feeding.

I can’t wait to start – any tips?!

Changing a pet with an existing health problem to a raw food diet could be life changing for them, you may quickly see an improvement in their conditions. Whilst healthy pets can expect to avoid common ailments and all animals feeding raw can experience a happy and healthier life. Anna Dawson is so passionate about her brand Naturally Wild and helping pets and pet owners make these lifechanging changes, you can contact her via email, phone or visit her in person at 14 Oxford Street in Te Puke for a friendly a knowledgeable chat!

Hints, tips, tricks – What to expect when transitioning your pet to the Naturally Wild raw food diet

First things first – transitioning your beloved furry friend to a new diet does not happen overnight, it is a process that allows for a gentle change that will ease their digestive systems into their new and improved diet. 

Keep in mind – once your pet begins the transition, some weight loss is to be expected, this is due to their bodies releasing retained water. 

Trial and error – Just like us, our pets’ bodies are all built differently. There is no one set rule for your pets’ new diet, feeding them a raw diet can be a bit of trial and error. If you notice them gaining weight, simply reduce their intake and vice versa if they are losing weight, increase their intake.

Let’s look at the timeline**

Ideally, transitioning your dog should take 1 – 2 weeks. Be sure to monitor their stools throughout this process, these are the biggest indicator of how your pets’ digestive system is adapting to the change.

Day 1

For the first day, Naturally Wild raw food should be introduced as a treat throughout the day, otherwise remaining on their “normal” diet.

Day 2 - 4

The amount of raw food treats should be gradually increased over each day. It is important to observe the condition of their stools to check they are normal, if that is not the case then be sure to reduce their portion sizes of Naturally Wild raw food for a few days, this will help support their digestive systems through this change.

Day 5

If stools are normal at this stage, replace their evening meal with their new Naturally Wild raw food. If your dog is only fed once a day, consider the option of splitting their meal into halves, with their original food in the mornings and the Naturally Wild raw food in the evening. If their stools continue to be consistent, then continue replacing their night-time feeds with raw food for the next few days.

After 1 Week

If everything is still looking good in the stools department, then you can take the leap and completely replace their old food with their new and improved raw food Naturally Wild diet! Ensure you carry on monitoring their stools for the next week to be certain that your pet has adjusted to their new diet. If they develop diarrhoea at any time, then we recommend you go back to replacing one meal for a few more days to allow their stomach to settle down, before entirely replacing their diet with raw food. 

Follow the feeding guide and recommendations to support your success while transitioning to the Naturally Wild raw feeding diet for your pet.

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