Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns

​

 

How much do I feed?

​

For an adult dog (68+ weeks) we typically recommend feeding 2-3% of their ideal body weight. However, this is just a guideline. Activity level and the individual needs of your pet must also be taken into consideration. For example, a dog that goes on 3 hour hikes every day would obviously have greater caloric needs than a dog that only goes on a 30 minute walk a day. Some pets also just naturally have lower or faster metabolisms, activity level aside. Thus, 2-3% is a great starting point that may require tweaking as your start to understand the individual needs of your pet. We recommend to feed adult pets twice a day and puppies three times a day.

 

For puppies, we recommend the following feeding guide:

7-10 weeks - 10%

10-16 weeks - 8%

16-20 weeks - 7%

20-24 weeks - 6%

24-36 weeks- 5%

36-56 weeks - 4%

56-68 weeks - 3.5%

​

Example calculations:

​

Non active, older pet weighing 25lbs

25lb x 0.02% = 0.5lb total per day

We recommend this amount being split into 2 feedings per day

​

Active, high energy pet weighing 75lbs

75lb x 0.03% = 2.25lb total per day

We recommend this amount being split into 2-3 feedings per day

​

9 week old puppy weighing 10lbs

10lb x 0.10% = 1lb total per day

We recommend this amount being split into 3 feedings per day

​

 

Can I feed thawed or frozen?

​

Ultimately it comes down to your pets preference. You may have to thaw to portion appropriately. Feeding whole parts frozen can maximize the benefits of teeth cleaning, enrichment and jaw exercise.

​

Things to be mindful when feeding cold or frozen. Some pets can be sensitive to the temperature and may throw up undigested food.  

​

​

Can I heat up or cook my pets raw food?

​

We do not recommend altering the raw pet food. This can result in significant loss of nutrients and more importantly cooking any bone matter can cause monumental damage to your pet's mouth, throat and intestinal tract. When bones are cooked they become much more difficult for your pet to breakdown in the gut and can lead to digestive upset as well as possible bowl obstructions. However, when fed raw, bones are essential in a diet and add essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus to a diet. 

​

​

Can I mix both kibble and raw?

​

We do not recommend feeding both kibble and raw. Kibble contains up to 60% starch, which alters the digestion process particularly the pH levels in the gut. The acid in the digestive tract needs to be low (2) to be able to properly predigest food, prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria, and help absorb important minerals from their food. When the gut doesn't have the proper pH levels to predigest foods, this can introduce harmful bacteria, cause digestive upset, diarrhea and potential harm from not being able to break down bone matter.     

​

​

Can I thaw and refreeze food?

​

Yes. We recommend to:

1. Safely thaw in refrigerator

2. Portion as needed

3. Re-freeze immediately 

 

We do not recommend to thaw and freeze more than once. Thawing, refreezing and re-thawing can result in product quality and loss of moisture.

​

​

My pet isn't drink as much water, is this normal?

​

Yes this is normal! You are now providing your pet a food full of moisture and therefore your pet may not be as thirsty. When being fed a kibble diet, it is not only dry but is high in salt which causes your pet to be in a constant state of de-hydration. 

​

​

My pet seems to be more hungry since recently switching to a raw diet, is this normal?

​

This can be the case for some pets. A dry commercial kibble diet expands in size during digestion. This process stretches the gut and gives your pet that full sensation. A raw diet digests much quicker, with less volume and has a high caloric density. It may take some time (typically a week) for your pets stomach to adjust.

​

​

My pets bowel movements are not as large, frequent or messy as before, is this normal?

​

A dry commercial kibble diet is filled with a number of grains and other fillers that are not fully processed by your pet. This results in voluminous stools that tend to be more frequent. By feeding a biologically appropriate raw diet, it is far more digestible and results in smaller, and less frequent bowel movements.

​

​

My pet seems to require more effort to have a bowel movement and seems constipated, how can this be addressed?

​

This can be the case for some pets. Too much bone in your pets diet can result in constipation. Every pet is different, so determining the correct balance may take a bit to figure out. If you are concerned about your pets difficulty in passing stool, you can decrease the amount of bone within a meal by adding more boneless meat options or increasing organ  content.

​

​

What treats should I feed my raw fed pet?

​

We always recommend feeding single ingredient, minimal processed treats such as freeze dried, dehydrated, or fresh whole parts such as hearts, gizzards, feet, etc.  

​

We recommend to eliminate all processed treats, rawhides, cooked/smoked bones, and dental chews. 

​

​

How do I place an order?

​

Please refer to the "How to Order" tab for further instructions.

​

​

Have more questions? Ask one of our knowledgeable Primitive team members!

​

Reach out by stopping by, giving us a call or send us an email!