"rawsome"

Co-ops or clubs are ideal for folks venturing into raw food for their dogs. They have built-in support groups, discount bulk pricing and delivery options. Check out the following resources to get started...

In the Raw K9 Grub

530-268-8367

http://www.intherawk9grub.com/index.php

Darlene Boyle

majorliebe@sbcglobal.net

Foothill Raw Feeders

916-690-2916

http://www.foothillrawfeeders.com/

Michelle Boyes

michelleboyes@calwisp.com

The K9's Choice

(916) 682-8604

http://www.thek9schoice.com/index.php

Stephanie Mohr 

thek9schoice@comcast.net
 

Excel K9 Diet

(209) 223-00K9

www.excelk9diet.com 

Renee
info@excelk9diet.com

Marketing is what you do when your product is no good.

More on High Pressure Processing

Have you ever purchased frozen raw dog food (specifically Nature's Variety and Stella & Chewy's) and wondered why the color is so pale and texture smooth like pâté? Well, I've come to learn that these products do not look like other frozen raw foods. You may remember in a previous post I blogged about other types of raw dog food and high pressure processing or HPP. This type of processing explains (to me) why these brands frozen raw food products are pale-colored with pâté-like textures and when I think about it, they're very unappealing. Not to mention they are the most expensive brands. Click here for photos I took of Nature's Variety. Additional perspectives from those who oppose HPP which balances all the stuff we read on Nature's Variety and Stella & Chewy's websites (scrutinize their marketing of carefully chosen words and safety seals and graphics)...

These excerpts are from an on-line retailer's blog (see Resources below for details):  

• "HPP is used by industry to extend shelf life...HPP destroys pathogenic bacteria... a concern is the fact that the beneficial bacteria, enzymes and other functional proteins are known to be destroyed during this process...HPP in effect turns raw food into a processed food, and there is potentially trouble down the road for raw pet food manufacturers that choose to proudly market this process, like the two mentioned above, or those that succumb to fear and ignorance (1)."
• "...the beneficial bacteria found on raw food products, as well as those found in your gastrointestinal tract, are responsible for keeping colonies of pathogenic bacteria from multiplying quickly through competitive inhibition (competing for growth). This leads to my primary concern, which is, once these friendly bacteria are destroyed along with the unfriendly bacteria, there is nothing to keep the pathogenic bacteria from growing out-of-control if the food product is re-contaminated during manufacturing. This is exactly what has happened with several popular brands of kibble dog food recently, as well as over the last several decades, and this re-contamination with pathogenic bacteria, like Salmonella, after the cooking process, without the presence of friendly bacteria, can make people and animals sick (1)."

Excerpts from a frozen raw dog food company on the East Coast:

• "There have been varying opinions within the pet food industry concerning the process of High Pressure Pasteurization (or Processing), often referred to as HPP. Rather than base our decision on opinions and emotions, the team chose to review scientific data and build our knowledge on the research and conclusive facts about this technology. There are many valuable research papers published in reputable scientific journals regarding this technology. We have taken the opportunity to evaluate this research and outline the most relevant conclusions for the concerned pet owner to review (2)."
•  "...When dealing with raw meat there is always an inherent risk from microbial contamination which is a natural part of the animal’s physiology. When processing a raw product it is very important to have strict controls in place to minimize this risk. There are several ways to address this. Generally, the food industry has simply recommended a heat (or kill) step to at least 165°F to eliminate the risk of pathogenic bacteria. However, this obviously negates the benefit of a raw diet since this step denatures proteins and active enzymes as well as depletes vitamins. Another, more recently emerging technology that has been employed to address microbial contamination in food is High Pressure Processing or HPP (2)."
• "...we have chosen to take a different approach to provide a high quality, nutritionally dense, microbially responsible raw food product. First and foremost the best approach to provide a low risk, raw food from pathogenic contamination is by starting with healthy, high quality, properly cared for livestock. Many of the reasons the meat in this country contains the pathogenic bacteria loads it does is directly due to the crowded housing conditions, poor hygiene, improper feeding and handling techniques of livestock animals... we understand the benefits of using livestock that is pasture fed, and never exposed to synthetic hormones and antibiotics. Studies show that healthy, pastured livestock will shed significantly less E. coli. Also, when cows are grass fed there is reduced risk of Salmonella infections. Secondly, butchering and post butcher handling must be closely monitored and controlled to limit contamination (2)."   

Bottom Line: Please read the links below! It will be eye-opening! As a result, I will not be buying frozen raw food from Nature's Variety or Stella & Chewy's anymore (*). There are much better products out there that do not use HPP; that are minimally processed; that look more natural with coarser textures; that offer rational explanations on how and why they make their products the way they do; that are made locally and that are reasonably priced. I can see an awesome post in the near future! I'm confidently piecing together what components or elements are most important to me when I'm selecting frozen raw dog food. Hope you'll keep reading...

Resources:
(1) High Pressure Processing (HPP): is it Safe for Pet Dog and Cat Food? by Natural Pet Health Blog (of The Pet Health & Nutrition Center)
(2) White Paper:  High Pressure Pasteurization ≠ Raw by Answers Pet Food Company. To read the white paper: click on Answers' link, go to Nutrition Ed and scroll down until you find the 6th Q&A (What are the concerns of feeding a raw diet that uses High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP)?)
(*) BTW - Nature's Variety makes excellent dry & wet food and treats (Instinct). Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried patties make hearty treats.

The winner is the chef who takes the same ingredients as everyone else and produces the best results.

Favorite Things > Freeze-dried or Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

SOJOS by Sojourner Farms
1723 Adams Street NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413

1.888.867.6567

SOJOS Complete (blue bag)

Ingredients: sweet potatoes, USDA turkey, whole egg, broccoli, celery, apples, flax meal, pecans, tricalcium phosphate, pumpkin, cranberries, basil, dried alfalfa, ginger root, dried kelp, zinc sulfate, vitamin E acetate, vitamin D2 Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein 22.0% min., crude fat 8.0% min., crude fiber 5.1% max., moisture 12.3% max. Calories: per cup = 480.8 Kcals Note: This is considered a complete and balanced meal.

SOJOS Grain-Free (green bag)
Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Celery, Apples, Whole Egg, Flax Meal, Parsley Leaf, Tricalcium Phosphate, Carob Powder, Kelp Powder, Alfalfa, Ginger Root, Garlic, Vitamin D3 Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein 14.7% min., crude fat 6.5% min., crude fiber 15.4% max., moisture 7.0% max. Calories: No information. Note: This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. To use this food daily feeding, you must follow the instructions and add the proper amount of meat.


Bottom Line:  SOJOS' chunky home-style texture, high palatability and price point make it our favorite dehydrated raw food. We prefer it over The Honest Kitchen. The border collies have eaten SOJOS as toppers and meals and there were no tummy issues. The Complete mix includes meat so it is also perfect for traveling (they ate it for Thanksgiving dinner!). Pair the Grain-free mix with SmallBatch or K9 Kraving raw blend (meat, bone and organ) - well, it's so easy to prep & serve! I feel confident about feeding the border collies SOJOS because it suits our variety & rotation method. It's Josey & Lucas approved too!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM SOJOS E-NEWSLETTER June 2009:

"Since introducing SOJOS COMPLETE last year (ie. the one with the meat already in the bag), many have wondered what the distinction is between our food and other dehydrated mixes on the market. The most important distinction in our opinion is that SOJOS

Why freeze-dried? Air-drying is a simple, gentle method of moisture removal that works well with fruits and vegetables. However it is not ideal for the dehydration of meat. The reason is that air-dried meat must be cooked first (typically at temperatures of 230 degrees F and up) before it is air-dried to destroy bacteria. However, freeze-dried meat can be dehydrated RAW, which our meat is.

Freeze-drying is a process that completely removes water from a material, while leaving the basic structure and composition of the material intact. This is done without exposing the material to temperatures high enough to destroy enzymes and nutrients. Freeze-drying locks in the taste, smell, and nutritional content of food, while preserving it for a longer period of time. Since most savvy pet owners are looking for raw meat for their pets, freeze-dried meat represents the best option for people that want the convenience of a dry food combined with the bountiful nutrition of raw. We still have SOJOS ORIGINAL and SOJOS GRAIN-FREE for people that want to use fresh, raw meat for their pets. SOJOS COMPLETE simply gives you the added convenience of having the meat already in the bag.

The only disadvantage of freeze-dried meat is the cost, as it usually costs up to three times as much as air-dried meat. In our case, because we manufacture our own food, we're able to include freeze-dried meat in our food and still offer our products at a reasonable price that people can afford. How much do our foods cost to feed? Here's an approximation, based on feeding a 25-50 lb. dog our foods:

• SOJOS ORIGINAL (with ground beef @ $2.50 per lb.) - $0.95 per day SOJOS GRAIN-FREE (with ground beef) - $2.26 per day
• COMPLETE is made with freeze-dried RAW turkey.
• SOJOS COMPLETE - $2.28 per day"

Learning never exhausts the mind.

More information on frozen raw food

After reading through the ingredients lists of 11 "chicken" frozen raw food products in an earlier post this week, it prompted me to ask: What are the guidelines or regulations, if any, for raw dog food? Warning: The info below is gag-inducing because it discusses animal feed, raw meat sources, pathogens and other creepy-crawly things, etc.

A quick Google search led me to a document entitled "Guidance For Industry:  Manufacture and Labeling of Raw Meat Foods for Companion and Captive Non-Companion Carnivores and Omnivores" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Surveillance and Compliance in the Center for Veterinary Medicine. It is 14 pages long and each page is stamped with the words "Contains Non-Binding Recommendations." Below are excerpts from the document specific to ingredients that I find interesting, eye-opening...hope you do too!

• "All meat- and poultry-derived ingredients should be United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)-inspected and passed for human consumption." (page 5)

• "We recommend that bones and other hard materials be ground" (page 5) [to mitigate any risks of dental or gastrointestinal trauma] (page 9).

• "All other ingredients should be suitable for use in animal feeds; that is, the ingredients should be of an appropriate grade that qualified experts [by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety of substances directly or indirectly added to food] would agree they are safe for use in raw food for animals. " (page 5)

• "There are generally three sources of animal tissues for raw meat foods for animals: meat obtained directly from human-food processing facilities; meat from animals that have died by means other than slaughter; and meat originally offered, but no longer suitable, for human consumption.  All raw tissues, even those inspected by the USDA and judged acceptable for sale to people for their consumption after proper cooking, pose a risk of being contaminated with pathogenic organisms and USDA requires safe handling instructions on raw meat products intended for human consumption (9 CFR 317.2(l)(3) and 9 CFR 381.125)."  (page 9)

• "However, raw tissues obtained from mammals or poultry that have died other than from slaughter pose significantly increased risk of contamination with pathogenic organisms.  Even when collected from a USDA-inspected slaughter facility, tissues that are typically not offered for human consumption, but instead are permitted for use in animal feed, may not be subjected to the same rigorous inspection needed to minimize the risk of contamination and disease transmission.  Likewise, tissues that originally passed USDA inspection for human consumption, but that were later diverted for use in animal feeds, pose a risk for increased numbers of bacterial organisms, some of which may be pathogenic.  To minimize risk, we recommend that only sources of animal tissue ingredients that come from a USDA-inspected facility and have passed USDA inspection for human consumption should be used for manufacturing foods that contain raw meat, or other raw animal tissues, for consumption by dogs, cats, other companion or pet animals, and captive noncompanion animal carnivores and omnivores." (page 9)

• "Manufacturers of raw meat foods for animals should take all measures necessary to prevent adulteration.  Measures that would help minimize contamination by pathogenic microorganisms and prevent the growth of pathogens could include irradiating the product after final packaging as provided for in 21 CFR Part 579, participation in the USDA’s voluntary inspection program (9 CFR Part 355), and practicing GMP’s such as those for human foods in 21 CFR Part 110.  Development and implementation of a HACCP program would be an effective and rational means of fostering food safety through hazard identification and preventive controls.  The desired outcome is to reduce the risk of microbial contamination or other adulteration for raw animal feed products." (page 9-10)

Bottom Line:  If a company or manufacturer did its homework, it would have considered all or some of these guidelines, which I think are rational and reasonable. Information in bullets #1 and #4 were the most thought provoking. Helps me understand why companies may put a lot of emphasis on the terms USDA-inspected or human-grade and that they are actual, allowable terms (so long as they can be substantiated). The document also discusses: food-borne pathogens and food contamination in the context of human health and safety; the long-term history and practice of raw feeding in zoo-settings; labeling requirements; and nutritional adequacy and deficiency of a raw diet. Worth a read (or download for later use). Information is power!

Resources
"Guidance For Industry:  Manufacture and Labeling of Raw Meat Foods for Companion and Captive Non-Companion Carnivores and Omnivores" - FDA Office of Surveillance and Compliance in the Center for Veterinary Medicine. Additional copies of this guidance document may be requested from the Communications Staff (HFV-12), Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA, 7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD  20855 and may be viewed on the FDA website.

All progress occurs because people dare to be different.

I love to cook and read recipes. So I thought it interesting to collect ingredient lists (1) from 11 frozen raw food chicken products and where I could find it, I pulled guaranteed analysis info, too. Most look just like my grocery list! We can learn a lot from them.

Get the Facts
Do you read human & dog food labels and ask - What does this term really mean? I'm talking about natural, organic, free-range, hormone-free, etc. In college I studied soil science so when I think of organic, it is a sustainable way of producing & harvesting food crops without conventional pesticides and fertilizers, etc. At the moment, I know no one can claim that organic produce is more nutritious than conventionally grown produce. The scientific evidence is just not there yet; but it's coming! Because dog food companies claim to use human-grade food stuffs, the facts below pertain to human foods and may or may not apply to dog foods.

• No steroid hormones are approved for use in poultry (chicken & turkey) and swine (pork). (2)
• Certain steroid hormones have been approved for use at very low concentrations to increase the rate of weight gain and/or improve feed efficiency in beef cattle. (2)
• A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural. (3)
• "No antibiotics added" may be used on labels for meat or poultry products if sufficient documentation is provided by the producer to the [USDA] demonstrating that the animals were raised without antibiotics. (3)
  
• The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. (4)
• Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water. (4)
• Natural does not mean organic. Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with "organic." (5)

I like these facts because I can balance it with what I already know. They guide me. Helps me decide if that package of organic, antibiotic-free, hormone-free boneless chicken meat is worth buying.
 
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!
I respect the companies (below) for daring to be different in the pet food industry. Though frozen raw food, in my opinion, should stay a niche market. It's too unconventional for the mainstream. Each chicken recipe below is unique and we already know there is no right or wrong way to feed raw. Some products appear more homemade looking than others. Some come in commercial packaging and others packed in simple containers. A few with added vitamin and mineral supplements and others without. Read on!

Aunt Jeni's Chicken - Ingredients: Bell & Evans® Chicken; Chicken heart; Chicken liver; Chicken gizzards; finely ground, real, raw Chicken bones; pureed carrots, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and apples; farm-fresh whole eggs (including shells); ground organic flax seeds; fresh garlic; raw, unpasteurized honey; organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar; powdered organic alfalfa and kelp; fresh parsley. Guaranteed Analysis: Moisture 71.0%, Protein 10.0%, Fat 10.0%, Fiber 2.0%, Ash 2.3%, Calcium 1.07%, Phosphorus 0.85%.

Bravo Original Formula Chicken - Ingredients: Antibiotic-free chicken necks & frames, antibiotic-free chicken, antibiotic-free chicken organs (hearts, gizzards, liver), green beans, acorn squash, broccoli. Guaranteed Analysis: Moisture 70.38%, Protein 14.24%, Fat 8.32%, Fiber 0.2%, Ash 3.41%, Calcium 0.96%, Phosphorus 0.60%.

Creston Valley Meats Berry Chicken Mix - Ingredients: ground chicken with bone and organs, Spinach, Squash, Broccoli, Carrots, Raspberries, Blueberries, flax seed, honey, salmon oil. Guaranteed Analysis: No information available.

Excel K9 Diet Chicken - Ingredients: Whole ground chicken, including bone and organ meat, assorted fruits and vegetables as season permits, kelp, alfalfa, lecithin, whole egg, organic apple cider vinegar, organic salmon oil. Guaranteed Analysis: No information available.

K9 Kraving Chicken & Vegetable - Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Liver, Ground Chicken Bone, Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Linseed (Flax) Meal, Sunflower Meal, Tomato Pumice (Dry), Carrots (Dry), Kelp (Dry), Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Natural, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Niacin, D Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Selenoyeast, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine HCL, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, EDDI (source of iodine). Guaranteed Analysis, As Fed: Crude Protein (Min.) 13.0%; Crude Fiber (Max.) 1.0%; Crude Fat (Min.) 10.0%; Moisture (Max.) 70.0%.

Nature's Variety Chicken - Ingredients: Chicken, Raw Ground Chicken Bone, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart, Apples, Carrots, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Chicken Eggs, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Apple Cider Vinegar, Parsley, Honey, Salmon Oil, Olive Oil, Blueberries, Alfalfa Sprouts, Persimmons, Duck Eggs, Pheasant Eggs, Quail Eggs, Inulin, Rosemary, Sage, Clove. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min): 13.0%; Crude Fat (min): 6.0%; Crude Fiber (max): 2.0%; Moisture (max): 68.0%.

Primal Chicken Mix - Ingredients: Chicken Neck, Chicken Frames, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Organic Carrots, Organic Dandelion Greens, Mango, Organic Apples, Organic Parsley. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 13.0%; Crude Fat (min) 6.0%; Crude Fiber (max) 1.0%; Moisture (max) 71.0%.

Raw Advantage Organic Chicken Dinner - Ingredients: organic chicken, organic millet, organic oats, organic carrots, organic zucchini, organic kale, organic beets, organic ground flaxseed, organic dried kelp, organic wheatgrass, organic garlic powder and organic lecithin. Guaranteed Analysis: No information available.

SmallBatch Chicken - Ingredients: Free Range Chicken Frames (including muscle meat and bone), Yams*, Egg Yolks*, Kale*, Carrots*, Broccoli*, Squash*, Basil*, Parsley*, Rosemary*, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar*, Kelp*, Bee Pollen*, Grapefruit Seed Extract*. (*organic) Guaranteed Analysis: Moisture 72.2%; Protein 12.1%; Fat 9.9%; Fiber 0.5%; Ash 2.8%; Calcium 0.51%; Phosphorus 0.3%.

Stella & Chewy's Chicken - Ingredients: Chicken (ground with bone), chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash, organic apples, organic blueberries, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, direct-fed microorganisms (Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium), magnesium oxide, natural tocopherols, vitamin E supplement, biotin, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement. Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein min 15.0%; crude fat min 9.0%; crude fiber max 2.0%; moisture max 70.0%.

Steve's Real Food Chicken - Ingredients: Ground chicken (with ground bone), Broccoli, Romaine Lettuce, Carrots, Cantaloupe, Chicken livers, Chicken gizzards, Flaxseed, Egg Shell Powder, Sardine/Anchovy Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Kelp, Sea Salt, Extract of Chicory (FOS), Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Rosemary Extract, Natural Flavors. Guaranteed Analysis: Protein: 10.0% minimum; Fat: 6.0% minimum; Fiber: 1.0% maximum; Moisture: 78.0% minimum.

Bottom Line: Reading through the ingredients, helps me sort out what's most important in a frozen raw food product. Raw is a part of my variety/rotation feeding method and these products make it convenient. At the same time, I'm interested in learning how to make it myself, too. 

Resources:
(1) All of the product ingredients were sourced from companies’ websites.
(2) Food & Drug Administration (FDA) - Product Safety Information on Steroid Hormones
(3) U.S. Department of Agriculture - Meat & Poultry Labeling Terms
(4) Organic Trade Association - National Organic Standards Board Definition of "Organic"
(5) U.S. Department of Agriculture - Understanding Organic

Notes: This post was updated on October 20, 2010 to include facts on meat and poultry labeling. Other updates were made, too.

Always pay attention to very quiet people because they are usually a triumph of mind over chatter.

Other types of raw dog food 

Raw dog food is not always frozen. It comes in other more convenient forms like dehydrated, freeze-dried and "air-dried." Hmm...isn't air drying dehydrating? All of these manufacturing processes remove water from food to preserve or reduce loss of certain nutritional properties. Ok, basic science but let's look into it more......(reader beware this is a ridiculously long post so grab a cup of coffee or tea!)

Definitions  As a starting point, I found several resources on-line to differentiate these terms in the context of human food science and technology (see below).

• Drying is traditionally used for thermal removal of water to about 15-20% moisture at ambient (atmospheric) air conditions (1). 
• Dehydration is traditionally sued for drying foods down to about 2-5% moisture (1). 
• Freeze drying is a slow and expensive process. The frozen material is subjected to a pressure below the triple point (at zero degrees C, pressure: 610 Pa) and heated to cause ice sublimation to vapor (gas phase). This method is used for high-quality dried products, which contain heat-sensitive components such as vitamins, antibiotics and microbial culture. The virtual absence of air and low temperature prevents deterioration due to oxidation or chemical modification of the product. It also gives very porous products, which results in high rehydration rates. Rehydration is a process of moistening dry material (2). 
• High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a method of food processing where food is subjected to elevated pressures (up to 87,000 pounds per square inch or approximately 6,000 atmospheres), with or without the addition of heat, to achieve microbial inactivation or to alter the food attributes in order to achieve consumer-desired qualities. Pressure inactivates most vegeta-tive bacteria at pressures above 60,000 pounds per square inch. HPP retains food quality, maintains shelf life. The process is also known as high hydrostatic pressure processing (HHP) and ultra high-pressure processing (UHP) (3).
  

Keep in mind dog food companies will use marketing terms like “low” or “gentle” heat to describe their manufacturing processes and to make their products appear superior to traditional processes or other brands. Think about this: we use heat to cook our fresh foods, we eat heat and cold processed foods, and human food manufacturers do not claim or make a big deal that their processes preserve vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals, etc. [the way dog food companies do]. This is a perfect example of balancing the information you read on dog food labels to reality. By doing your homework (or reading my blog!), you decide what to do with the information and prioritize what is most important to you.

Reading between the lines  Here are excerpts from three companies describing their processes:

“Whole foods minus water. The Honest Kitchen’s foods are made using a technique called dehydration. This is a slow, gentle method of very minimally processing the food, which removes the moisture from our raw ingredients. Dehydration takes several hours, and uses warm air to ‘blow away’ the moisture (mostly at temperatures below 104 degrees, except for our meats and eggs, which are dehydrated at over 120 degrees in order to kill any pathogens that may be present, and make the food completely safe even for an immune compromised pet). Dehydration is much gentler than canning or extrusion, which generally involve very high heat and pressure, and are used to manufacture most types of pet food including most kibbled diets. Canning and extrusion involve such high temperatures, that many of the natural nutrients in the raw ingredients are actually destroyed, meaning the manufacturer must replace them with dozens of artificial vitamins and minerals, in order to make the finished product meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles.” - from The Honest Kitchen website

“Hydrostatic High Pressure (HHP) is a technology that ‘puts the squeeze’ on food pathogens without cooking out vital nutrients or changing the natural taste. It’s based on the discovery that bacteria cannot survive at pressures five times those found at the deepest sea level. To date, HHP is the only scientifically recognized pasteurization process that does not use heat or irradiation to accomplish this. But that’s just one of the steps we take to protect the health of your family and pet...When you freeze-dry a product, it starts out frozen. The ice crystals turn directly into water vapor, skipping the liquid stage. Through this process, practically all the nutritional value of the raw meat and produce is retained. In contrast, dehydrating a product requires high temperatures to evaporate the water. Since dehydrating is similar to cooking, many of the vital nutrients are lost.” - from Stella & Chewy’s website

"Raw without the thaw - the raw ingredients are gently air-dried to maintain the highest nutritional integrity.  Available in air-dried pouches. The gentle air-drying process delivers a high quality diet while maintaining the nutritional integrity of the natural raw materials. Air-drying is a sterile and safe food processing method, carried out under controlled conditions. Food is best used within 30 days after opening and can be stored in the freezer. - from ZiwiPeak website

Just a brief list of brands for each type of raw food:
DEHYDRATED/AIR-DRIED

• The Honest Kitchen 
• ZiwiPeak
  
• SOJOS by Sojourner Farms
• Dr. Harvey's
• Happy Dog

FREEZE-DRIED

• Nature's Variety
• Stella & Chewy's
• Grandma Lucy's

Show & Tell  Don't know about you but I like to touch, smell and inspect my dogs' food especially if I want to try new products. So I'm saving you the trouble....below are three raw food products by The Honest Kitchen (dehydrated), Stella & Chewy's (freeze-dried) and ZiwiPeak (air-dried). They are considered "complete & balance" by AAFCO guidelines but depending on your dog's condition, additional supplements may be a good idea.

The Honest Kitchen

Free 1 oz. sample. Powder form + water turns into soup and later into oatmeal like texture.

Product: Embark Ingredients: USDA hormone-free turkey, organic flaxseed, potatoes, celery, spinach, carrots, organic coconut, apples, organic kelp, eggs, bananas, cranberries, rosemary, tricalcium phosphate, choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, potassium chloride, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate. Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 29%; Fat 16%; Moisture 7.8%; Calcium 1.6%; Phosphorus 1.0%; Magnesium 0.18%; Sodium 0.5%; Folic Acid 1.6% mg/kg. Calories: 524.64 kcal per cup (dry); 243.75 (as served, hydrated). Don't you agree that this calorie information is confusing? 

Stella & Chewy's 

6 oz. bag (12 patties) $10.99. Serve as is or rehydrate w/ 1/4 cup water per patty

Product: Freeze-Dried Dinners Duck Duck Goose. Ingredients: Duck (ground with bone), goose, turkey liver, turkey gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach,organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash, organic apples, organic blueberries, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, direct-fed microorganisms (Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium), magnesium oxide, natural tocopherols, viamin E supplement, biotin, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement. Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein min 40.0%; crude fat min 28.0%; crude fiber max 4.0%; moisture max 5.0%. Calories: 55 kcal per  patty. I could not find information on the size (oz.) of each freeze-dried patty.

ZiwiPeak 

Another free sample. Texture is like bits of chewy jerky.

Product: Daily-Dog Air Dried Cuisine Lamb. Ingredients: Lamb - Meat (min. 65%), Liver, Tripe, Heart and Kidney (min. 19.5%), Chicory Inulin, Green-lipped Mussel (min. 4%), Fish Oil, Lecithin, Kelp, Vitamins and Minerals, Parsley, Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols, Additives: Vit. D3 592 IU/kg, Vit. E 7.4mg/kg, Copper (copper proteinate) 9.8mg/kg. Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein min 33.0%; crude fat min 27.0%; crude fiber max 1.5%; moisture max 15.0%; ash max 8.0%; calcium 2%; phosphorus 1.1%. Calories: 4,250 kcal/kg; 518 kcal per cup. I could not find any specific information about the company's air-drying process.

Bottom Line  These dog foods (and the list of brands) presented here are all excellent types of raw food products.  Clearly, all three companies are doing something different than the mainstream. They are making better dog food! Period. Sticker shock will keep typical dog owners away from these foods. Who is feeding this stuff to their dogs? I think there are two types of people: 1) people who want only the absolute best for their dog and willing to pay top dollar and 2) people who are cognizant, who want to add variety to their dog's diet, rotate different forms of dog food but are cost-conscious. Me? I'm #2. Stella & Chewy's is marketed for small breed dogs under 30 pounds. S&C's freeze-dried patties are special, high-value treats or toppers for my BCs. The Honest Kitchen mixes are expensive so I get the free 1 oz. samples for toppers (there are also handy 4 oz. travel sizes, too). THK may give some dogs bulky poop. Also, there are high mark-ups on a 4 lb. box of Embark; prices ranges from $35.95 to $53.99; THK sells it for $43.50.

Resources  (1) Handbook of Food Processing Equipment by Saravacos & Kostaropoulos; (2) Handbook of Food Preservation by Rahman; (3) High Pressure Processing Fact Sheet for Food Processors by Ohio State University. 

Disclaimer  When I blog about dog foods, supplements, treats, etc., my sole intent is to share information & experiences based on my own research and condition of my dogs. It may or may not pertain to your dog and it does not replace your vet's protocols. I am not a veterinarian, vet tech or canine nutritionist and I am not trained in any medical field. 

Notes  You made it to the end! Thank you! Very much appreciate that you read the entire post. I already blogged about frozen raw foods and now, other types of raw foods - all of which will be included in Favorite Things soon! In case you are wondering, I do not receive products, product samples or any financial incentives from companies & manufacturers. Free samples were picked up at independent retail stores (get to know your favorite store's owner/manager and they'll be happy to give you samples),

Make decisions from the heart and use your head to make it work out.

For informed dog owners and enthusiasts, raw food is the number one choice for feeding. I've fed frozen raw food to Josey & Lucas for the past two years as part of my variety & rotation diet but never exclusively for extended periods. The packaged brands of frozen raw food are too cost prohibitive. However, I keep going back to it! Like I did this past weekend. Purchased a trail size of Nature's Variety Frozen Raw Chicken (0.75 lb. bag or 12 medallions @ $4.99). A 3 lb. bag or 48 medallions @ $13.99.

Bought frozen raw food + picked up free samples of dry food, too

Each medallion is 1 oz. and 65 calories.

Medallions as a topper on dry food with yogurt & supplements

Does the 'pasteurization' of this product result in its pale color? I love the idea of feeding my BCs raw food more often and exclusively (so long as it is affordable). Wanting to find out if I can make it work, I researched the large and small companies/brands:

Frozen Raw Food

• Aunt Jeni's
• Bravo 
• Creston Valley Meats
• EcoPawz Sushi for Pets
• Excel K9 Diet
• Feed This, Inc.
• K9-Kraving
• Nature's Variety
• Oma's Pride
• Primal 
• Raw Advantage
• Small Batch
• Stella & Chewy's
• Steve's Real Food
• Wagalicious

Some of these brands are available at my independent retail stores or via raw food co-op. They offer the convenience of feeding raw without the mess, hassle of making your own. The major question is, as I understand it, do I choose a complete or incomplete raw food product?  Basically, complete (meat-M, organ-O, bone-B, vegetable, fruit, whole food, supplement, etc.) is considered "complete & balanced" by AAFCO guidelines and you can feed it solely; and incomplete (M-O-B only or M-O-B with some vegetables) means you still need to add fresh foods and supplements etc. Some brands make both complete and incomplete products. For each brand and its product, I collected the following criteria (detailed in a spreadsheet):

• Complete or Incomplete
• Price per Pound
• Form (chub or patty)
• Amount (pound) to feed per day
• Price per day for 2 dogs
• Availability
• Ingredients
• % protein and % fat (for complete meals)
• % meat et al and % other (for incomplete meals)
• calories (as kcal per cup)

All of the information I sourced directly from the company's website. To compare apples to apples, I tried my best to calculate the price per pound ($/lb.) because that is how much I'd feed each BC - one pound per day. What am I willing to pay price per pound?

Bottom Line: After careful thought and dose of reality, I came up with a frozen raw food product to try on the BCs.  Oma's Pride (incomplete). Sold at the raw food co-op, In the Raw K9 Grub, who claims to have the best prices. There is no annual membership fee, no minimum order and no delivery fee (if you pick up at designated location) but orders are placed every 15th of the month for once-a-month delivery and they charge state tax plus a local county tax.

To feed my BCs frozen raw food every day for one week, I would need approximately 15 pounds. Each BC would get 1 lb/day (split into 2 meals). Example prices:

• 15 lbs of Oma's Pride (combo of 1 lb. chubs in Chicken, Turkey, Beef and Lamb) @ $28.33

The math works out to $30/week to feed frozen raw food. There would be additional expenses for feeding incomplete because of factoring in supplements, fresh foods, etc. but I always have these on hand anyway.

Only one week out the month? It's a good starting point and fits well into my variety and rotate feeding for Lucas & Josey.