Discover Raw

What is Raw Pet Food?

A raw pet food diet has never been exposed to any type of heat whether it be steaming, baking, slow cooking, or sous vide. When heat is introduced the food starts to loose its nutritional effectiveness. The first to go are enzymes, and then nutrient degradation.

Types of Pet Food

Pet food comes in various forms, each differing in how heat is applied during preparation, which can significantly affect the nutritional content of the food.

• Sous Vide: Sous vide involves cooking food slowly at low temperatures in a water bath. While this method helps retain moisture, it still involves heat, which can begin to degrade enzymes and certain nutrients over time. The low heat preserves more nutrients than higher heat methods, but it still isn’t as nutritionally dense as raw food.
• Gently Cooked: Gently cooked pet food is prepared at higher temperatures than sous vide but lower than traditional cooking methods. Though this method maintains more nutrients than kibble, it still results in the degradation of heat-sensitive enzymes and vitamins. Essential fatty acids may also start to break down, reducing the food's overall nutritional value.
• Kibble: Kibble is the most processed form of pet food, often cooked at high temperatures. The intense heat used in extrusion strips the food of most enzymes and essential nutrients, which are often added back in synthetic form. This processing method not only depletes nutritional value but also results in a dry product that can dehydrate pets as they digest it.
• Raw: Raw pet food is prepared without heat, preserving the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your pet’s health. By feeding raw, you provide a diet that closely resembles what your pet’s ancestors would have eaten, ensuring maximum nutritional effectiveness. The absence of heat processing means your pet receives the full benefits of natural, whole foods.

Is raw dog food grain-free?

Yes, Steve's Real Food is grain-free. Dogs and cats do not have a nutritional requirement for grains, and the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has no minimum requirement for grains in pet food. A grain-free diet can help prevent common issues like allergies and digestive upset that some pets experience with grain-based diets.

Can raw dog food be cooked?

We do not recommend cooking raw dog food, as heat degrades the nutrients, diminishing the health benefits. Additionally, our raw diets include bone, which can become brittle and pose a risk of digestive upset when cooked. If you want to warm your pet's food or forgot to defrost it, we suggest leaving the food on the counter to reach room temperature or adding some warm (not boiling) water to the food.

Is raw dog food hypoallergenic?

Yes, raw diets are often hypoallergenic because they lack common allergens like starches, fillers, and synthetic vitamins found in other types of pet food. This makes raw food a great option for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.

When can you start a puppy or kitten on a raw diet?

Puppies and kittens can be weaned directly onto a raw diet. A study by the National KLibrary of Medicine showed Puppies with a diet of least 20% raw food saw a large drop in allergy and atrophy related skin symptoms as adults, giving them a healthier start and stronger immune system.

What’s wrong with kibble?

Kibble is highly processed and subjected to high heat, leading to significant nutrient degradation. It also lacks moisture, forcing your pet to use their body's water to digest it, which can lead to dehydration and digestion issues. Additionally, kibble often contains low-quality ingredients like legumes, starches, and synthetic additives that may not provide the optimal nutrition your pet needs.

How do I feed raw pet food?

For frozen raw diets, portion the food and defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. Feed it to your pet in a thawed state. Freeze-dried raw food should be rehydrated according to the package instructions if fed as a complete meal, but it can also be served dry as a food topper or treat.

Can I buy raw dog food without a subscription?

Yes, you can purchase Steve's Real Food as a one-time order. We also offer a 10% discount if you choose to set up a subscription for auto-shipments, providing convenience and savings.

Where can I buy raw dog food in bulk?

Steve’s Real Food offers 20-pound bulk boxes of raw pet food, perfect for those looking to buy in large quantities. You can purchase them directly from our website at rawpetfood.com.

Does raw dog food have probiotics?

Yes, Steve’s raw dog food includes probiotics, along with raw goat milk in every line, providing an extra boost to your pet’s digestive health.

Will raw dog food help my dog lose weight?

A raw diet is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which can help maintain a healthy weight and support muscle development. The natural, unprocessed ingredients also contribute to better overall digestion, which can aid in weight management.

Is raw dog food safe?

Yes, Steve’s raw diets undergo a process called High-Pressure Processing (HPP) to eliminate harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. HPP is a completely natural method that uses only pressure and cold water to achieve a 5-log reduction in bacteria, ensuring your pet's food is safe without compromising nutritional integrity.

FORMULAS

Steve's Real Food has 5 complete and balanced formulas that are perfect for both your cat and dog. Each diet far exceeds AAFCO's nutritional requirements, and are regularly lab tested. Steve's Real Food incorporates super-foods like Kelp, Raw Goat Milk, and Egg Shell Membrane making it perfect for both growing puppies, active adults, or aging seniors.