Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why feed raw?

Pets thrive when they are fed food that is biologically appropriate. By choosing to feed your pet raw food, you are giving them access to what they would be eating in the wild, just as nature intended. Raw foods are also rich in nutrients and enzymes and unaltered by the harsh processing that goes into creating kibble and canned food.

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Why choose freeze dried?

There is no question that kibble is convenient. But what if you could get a shelf stable product, that was as convenient as kibble, had all the flavour and nutrition of fresh raw food, but without the mess? Welcome to the world of freeze dried raw food!

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Why feed a high-meat diet?

In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of the nutritional needs of our pets and the impact that diet has on the quality of their lives. Research has shown us that dogs and cats thrive on a natural diet high in meat and rich in vitamins and minerals. Our naturally derived Woof recipes ensure that all the nutritional goodness of our ingredients is maintained, while eliminating unnecessary fillers such as grains, corn, and wheat.

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Is feeding a raw diet expensive?

Though feeding a raw or freeze dried diet may seem like it is costlier at the checkout, there are a few reasons why it might not be as expensive as you think. Firstly, our food contains no fillers, so you feed less than what you would with mainstream processed pet food. The second is that in the long run feeding your pets fresh, wholesome pet food can also save you money on vet bills by helping to keep your pets in top condition and health.

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Is it safe to mix WOOF or MEOW with other foods?

Yes! We totally understand that your pet’s diet needs to work in with your own individual needs and that for whatever reason it may be more convenient for some of our customers to use our products as a meal mixer or as a topper. You can do this by sprinkling WOOF or MEOW over food as a topper or by replacing some of your pet’s current food and mixing WOOF or MEOW in.

 

How do you know your food is safe for my pet to eat?

The safety and quality of your food is very important which is why all our meat and produce are sourced from human grade suppliers in New Zealand and can be traced back to the local farms they come from. We produce our food in small batches and each batch is thoroughly tested before it leaves the factory.

 

Are your recipes GMO-free?

Yes! All of our products and ingredients are GMO-free.

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Do I need to add a vitamin or mineral supplement?

You don’t need to add anything as our WOOF and MEOW raw and freeze dried food recipes are formulated to meet the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. We have formulated our foods to include a natural and organic blend of vitamins and minerals that provide all the nutrients your pet needs, it is a complete balanced meal.

 

Is WOOF and MEOW easy to use?

For our complete WOOF and MEOW recipes, just add water, soak and serve. You can also choose to feed our freeze dried food dry, though because it does not have sufficient water content, it is very important to make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water.

 

Can I feed my pet WOOF or MEOW if they have allergies?

Raw diets are ideal for allergy prone dogs and cat’s due to the fact that common allergy-inducing fillers and skin irritants have been eliminated. We have specifically formulated our recipes with allergy prone pets in mind as they are either made from a single source protein or from no more than two protein sources, all of which is very clear from our ingredients list. Of course, you should consult your pet nutritionist or Vet for advice about specific allergies.

 

Is raw food bad for my pet’s dental health?

One of the common misconceptions is that a crunchy food such as kibble will help to clean your pet’s teeth as they chew. But would you ever substitute chewing on a crunchy snack for brushing your teeth? Of course not. And the same goes for your pet. It’s not how soft or crunchy the meal is, it’s how healthy the ingredients are that make a difference.

 

Aren’t raw bones dangerous?

Bones are an important part of your pet’s diet, but we understand the concern many people may have regarding bones in a raw diet posing a risk to pets as a choking hazard. All of our bones are put through a 5mm grinding process when the product is being mixed in our factory to ensure that these will not be a problem when your pet is enjoying their meal.

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Why choose freeze dried?

There is no question that kibble is convenient. But what if you could get a shelf stable product, that was as convenient as kibble, had all the flavour and nutrition of fresh raw food, but without the mess? Welcome to the world of freeze dried raw food!

 

Why is there sometimes variation in colour, size, and texture of your food?

You may notice that the colour, size, and texture of our WOOF freeze dried food can vary from one bag to the next. This occurs because we use 100% natural meat and organs, and no artificial fillers, colours, or preservatives. Of course, the ingredients and nutritional value in every batch of WOOF or MEOW are the same, regardless of the colour, size, or texture of the food in each bag.

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What temperature water should I add to freeze dried WOOF or MEOW?

Room temperature water or slightly warmer is ideal for rehydration. We recommend you do not add boiling water, as this can decrease the natural enzymes found in the food.

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Why is it important to soak freeze dried food?

While you can feed our freeze dried food dry, soaking it in water before feeding can help your pet soak up the most goodness. Dogs and cats have a strong, but short, digestive tract designed to quickly break down and absorb foods. Grains and veggies require more complex digestion than meats, fruit and other foods, so having them soak in water for 10 minutes or more will help improve digestibility.

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Are the amounts listed in the feeding guidelines per meal or per day?

Our feeding guidelines recommend your dog’s daily portion size. So, if you feed twice daily, simply divide the portion in half to determine how much you should feed per meal.

 

Are the amounts listed in the feeding guidelines per meal or per day?

When transitioning from a cooked food such as kibble, you should go slowly and gradually increase the portion of raw food each day as you decrease the other food. Most Vets typically recommend transitioning over 7-10 days.

Here are some suggested transitioning guidelines:

      Days 1-2: 25% WOOF + 75% kibble or canned

      Days 3-4: 50% WOOF + 50% kibble or canned

      Days 5-6: 75% WOOF + 25% kibble or canned

      Days 7-10: 100% WOOF

It’s important to remember that some digestive upset is normal during a transition and that this can appear in a variety of different symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. This will eventually subside as your pet adjusts to the new food.

Of course, you can always choose to use WOOF or MEOW as a nutritional boost by simply adding it as a topper or by mixing it to your pet’s current food.

Note: Cats can be especially picky and may take longer to adjust to new smells, textures, and tastes. Patience and persistence is key!

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How do I store freeze dried food and treats?

Our freeze-dried food should be stored in a cool, dry place. Do not store dry WOOF or MEOW in the refrigerator. Once the food has been rehydrated you may refrigerate for up to 3 days.

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How long will WOOF or MEOW freeze dried dog food last?

WOOF and MEOW freeze dried food have a 24-month shelf-life from the time the batch is made to the time it is open, when stored in a cool, dry place. This is reflected in the best before date that is printed on the bottom corner of the back of your bag. Once the bag has been opened, we recommend feeding within 3 months to ensure your pet is getting the freshest food possible.

 

Why is my Dog/Cat hungry all the time?

It’s not uncommon for pets to exhibit higher energy levels after they’ve transitioned to a raw diet. This is generally a great thing, but may take some adjustment on your part!

It doesn’t help that WOOF and MEOW taste delicious so your pet may just be trying to get their paws on some more food. Of course, it’s always possible your pet does need an increased portion from what we suggest in our guidelines. Every pet is different and no one knows your pet better than you do. Our feeding guidelines are just that—guidelines. Every dog is different and you know your pet best. Of course, you should consult your pet nutritionist or Vet for feeding advice if you have any concerns.

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Why isn’t my Dog/Cat drinking as much water as before?

For many pets, this is because they’re now consuming plenty of water when they eat their rehydrated WOOF or MEOW meal. This is particularly apparent for pets that have transitioned from eating a processed, dry food like kibble. Of course, we always recommend you consult your pet nutritionist or Vet for advice if you have any concerns.

 

Why has my Dog/Cat stool changed?

WOOF and MEOW are packed with natural nutrients and goodness that are easier for your pet’s body to take in. If is very normal to notice a change in the look of your pet’s stool, as well as a decrease in the amount due to more of these nutrients being absorbed in the digestion process. This is particularly apparent for pets that have transitioned from eating a processed, dry food like kibble.

 

What is green tripe and why do you use it in all your meal recipes?

Green tripe is a natural superfood for pets. We use Lamb Green Tripe in all of our meal recipes as it is an excellent digestive aid containing live, naturally occurring microorganisms and healthy prebiotics and probiotics. Animals love the taste, so adding this to our recipes is a great way to boost their food and help nourish your pets.

 

Can WOOF and MEOW be used interchangeably?

While it is not dangerous for a cat to eat WOOF or vise versa, our WOOF and MEOW ranges are specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements that your pet needs, so we recommend using the product that is intended for them.

 

How do you keep your product fresh?

Our factory uses an innovative technology known as Nitrogen flush to ensure freshness in each bag of food. The nitrogen flush dramatically reduces the oxidation within the dog food bag (replacing the oxygen and cushions the contents) ensuring that the food will taste as fresh as the day it was made when you open each bag.

Unlike oxygen, nitrogen doesn't react with foods, so they stay fresher longer. And it doesn't affect the flavor or texture of the food, so it's perfect for food preservation. There are no worries about the nitrogen gas as it is completely safe as we are exposed to nitrogen constantly because it makes up about 70 percent of the air we breathe.

 

Do you TB test the Wild Brushtails?

TB is Bovine born and transmitted to possum and venison.

All our possum are sourced from Northland which is a “vector risk free area” on the www.tbfree.org.nz site.

Our hunters are registered to us and undergo training in supply. GPS co-ordinates and poison/ TB statements accompany all animals supplied. The harvesting of wild animals is subject to intense scrutiny which includes residue testing by the MPI VS and carries $100,000. – $500,000. fines and a min. of 5 years imprisonment should anything be found.

All animals are post-mortem checked before processing