Frequently Asked Questions

🦴 Why should I feed my pet a raw diet?

A raw diet provides a range of benefits that commercial kibble simply can’t match.

Raw-fed pets often experience:

  • Naturally clean teeth and fresher breath (no more doggy odour!)
  • Smaller, firmer stools that turn chalky after a few days
  • Healthier skin, shinier coats, and more energy
  • Better digestion and fewer allergies
  • Lower vet bills and fewer health issues over time
  • Leaner muscle development and stronger jaw and neck muscles
  • A diet that mirrors what dogs and cats were meant to eat in the wild

πŸ– How do I switch my dog or cat to raw food?

For Dogs:

We recommend going cold turkey β€” stop kibble completely and feed 100% raw.

Mixing raw and kibble can cause digestive upset since kibble digests much slower. You may notice loose stools for a day or two, but this is normal and settles quickly.

If needed to help with the transition, you can add:

  • 1–2 spoonfuls of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • A probiotic supplement to support gut health

For Cats:

To ease the switch:

  1. Mix a small amount of kibble into the raw food initially.
  2. Gradually reduce the kibble over several days until the cat is on 100% raw.

Important: This mixing method is safe only for cats. Do not mix kibble and raw food for dogs, as it can cause digestive issues.

πŸ• How much should I feed my dog?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The ideal amount depends on several factors, but as a general guideline, adult dogs (1 year and older) should eat 2–3% of their body weight per day, divided into two meals (breakfast and dinner).

Example: A 40 lb dog would consume about 1 lb total per day (1/2 lb per meal).

Active dogs may need closer to the upper end of the range, while less active or senior dogs may require less. Always monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust as needed.

Age significantly influences feeding needs:

  • Puppies and adolescents (under 1 year) need more food to support growth, development, and higher energy levels. Their metabolism is faster, and they’re building muscle and bone.
    Feed 5–10% of their current body weight daily.
    Large-breed puppies: Aim for the higher end (8–10%).
    Small-breed puppies: Closer to 5–7%.
  • Adult dogs: Stick to the 2–3% guideline.
  • Senior dogs: Metabolism slows with ageβ€”reduce portions if weight gain occurs or activity decreases.

Your dog’s daily energy expenditure is shaped by:

  • Breed tendencies (e.g., high-energy herding or sporting breeds vs. low-energy companions)
  • Personality
  • Your routine
  • Seasonal weather

In our rainy months, many owners walk lessβ€”reduce feeding slightly if activity drops. During spring, summer, and fall, when outings increase, boost portions accordingly.

Keep adjustments within the 2–3% body weight range and observe your dog’s waistline and energy levels for fine-tuning.

Click on the link to learn more and view the correct Body Condition Score Chart for Dogs

πŸˆβ€β¬› How much should I feed my cat?

An adult cat typically consumes about ΒΌ lb (1 square block) of raw food per day. The exact amount depends on factors like activity level, breed, age, and metabolism, but a reliable starting point is half a block in the morning and half in the evening.

Monitor your cat's weight closely:

  • If they lose weight, increase the portion slightly at each meal.
  • If they gain weight, reduce it accordingly.

Cats prefer their food soft and at room temperature. Thaw portions in the fridge the day before serving for the best texture.

Click on the link to learn more and view the correct Body Condition Score Chart for Cats

🦷 What about bones? Are they safe?

Yes! All raw bones are safe for dogs and cats to eat.

Raw bones are flexible, digestible, and great for teeth and gums.

⚠️ Never feed cooked bones β€” they become brittle and can splinter.

Raw meaty bones also strengthen jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles while keeping teeth sparkling clean.

🐾 My pet is a picky eater β€” what can I do?

Most β€œpicky eaters” come alive on raw food!

If yours still hesitates:

  • Try our Tripe Blend β€” dogs and cats go wild for its smell and taste.
  • Let food thaw slightly for a softer texture.
  • Experiment with different proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, etc.).

Once they taste the good stuff, it’s usually game over for kibble. πŸ˜‹

πŸ’§ Why is my pet drinking less water?

Totally normal!

Raw food has natural moisture, unlike dry kibble. That means your pet stays hydrated through their food and doesn’t need to drink nearly as much.

πŸ’© My pet is going to the bathroom less β€” is that normal?

Absolutely.

Raw-fed pets produce smaller, firmer, less smelly stools because their bodies actually use the nutrients rather than eliminating fillers.

Occasional light straining is fine β€” it even helps express the anal glands naturally.

🐢 Can I raise my puppy or kitten on raw food?

Yes! In fact, it’s one of the best choices you can make.

A properly balanced raw diet supports healthy bones, muscles, and immune development β€” just like nature intended.

🧊 Should I feed frozen or thawed?

Either works!

You can feed the food frozen, or thaw it overnight in the fridge.

For cats and puppies, we recommend thawed.

🚫 Do not microwave or cook the food β€” heat destroys nutrients and enzymes.

❄️ Why is there frost on my food?

Our food is flash-frozen at -25Β°C to lock in freshness.

Over time in a home freezer, moisture may crystallize and form frost β€” especially if the freezer is opened often.

This doesn’t affect quality or nutrition. If it bothers you, buy smaller quantities your pet will finish within 3–4 weeks.

🦠 Is there bacteria in raw food?

Raw meat naturally contains bacteria β€” but healthy pets are designed to handle it.

Dogs and cats have short, acidic digestive tracts that destroy harmful bacteria.

We handle and test our products with strict safety protocols, similar to how you’d treat raw meat for your own dinner.

The real danger lies in heavily processed kibble, which has caused far more contamination recalls than raw foods ever have.

πŸ§ͺ Can I make my own raw food at home?

You can!

Start with our Plain Chicken as a base and mix in your own ingredients.

However, all of our blends are formulated by a certified pet nutritionist to ensure proper nutrient balance β€” so they take the guesswork (and risk) out of DIY.

πŸ‘ My dog can’t eat chicken β€” what do you recommend?

Try our Turkey or Lamb blends.

  • The Turkey Blend contains a small amount (about 7%) of beef liver.
  • The Lamb Blend is the gentlest option and ideal for sensitive tummies or allergies.

🚚 Where do you deliver?

Deliveries are free and made on Saturday's and Monday's, depending on your shipping zone.

  • Saturday: Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission
  • Monday: Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta, Surrey and White Rock

Once your order is placed, you will be emailed either on Friday or Sunday with your next day delivery time. Since we make our recipes in small batches to ensure freshness, please place your order at leastΒ two days before your delivery day.

As always please feel free to email me at darren@deedeesraw.com

πŸ“¦ What if I’m not home during delivery?

No problem!

We’ll leave your order in a safe spot you note at checkout.

In warm weather or if you live in an apartment, we recommend purchasing one of our reusable cooler bags β€” we’ll pack your food in them to keep everything frozen. Just leave the bag out for pickup on your next delivery day.

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