Nature Does It Best! Raw Food Benefits

Heat processing, which is standard in the pet food industry, changes or destroys many important nutrients. In fact, some nutrients now recognized as essential have only been identified in the last few years.
Doesn’t it make sense to stay as close to food’s natural state as possible?

Many pet owners have been convinced that so-called corrective diets (a special regimen for allergy, digestive troubles, obesity, etc.) are the best way to improve health problems. They may help certain symptoms simply by providing a change, but may not treat underlying causes. By feeding your pet a diet rich in raw foods, you’re letting nature provide the best - naturally balanced - nutrition.

Are there special precautions when feeding a raw food diet?
Good hygiene should always be practiced. Always clean and disinfect working surfaces, utensils and food bowls. Wash your hands after preparing meals.

How do I start my pet on a raw food diet?
It is always a good idea to start out slowly on a new diet with any pet. Slowly increase the amount of new food being added to the present diet over a period of 3-4 weeks. If any digestive upset or loose stool occur, make this transition more gradual. It is a good idea to allow your pet’s digestive system to calm down and return to normal before proceeding. There is no need to rush this transition.
 
How much do I feed my pet?
How much you feed your pet is affected by factors like weight, actvity level and type of food you are feeding. For feeding information based on your pet's weight and activity level.

Nutrient Questions

What is ash?  Should I be concerned about the ash content in pet food?
First of all, ash is the inorganic mineral portion of any substance.  When referring to dog and cat food, "ash content" is the mineral matter, including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and copper.  The ash analysis does not reveal the percentage of each mineral, therefore it does not tell much about the food.  It also does not tell much about the food's contribution to urinary tract infections, such as Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS).  The latest findings show that urinary tract trouble occurs when the urine becomes too alkaline.  So, some commercial foods now add extra acid.  There are side effects from use of these acid formulations, however, and all they do is cover up the problem instead of curing it.

If ash isn't the problem, then what is?  How do I prevent urinary tract problems?
There is much proof that feeding an obligate carnivore primarily a grain-based dry diet can contribute more to a urinary stone problem than any other single factor.  The long-term dehydration that occurs causes concentrated urine and places considerable strain on the kidneys.  Feeding poor-quality food to pets results in toxicity and an excessive elimination load on the lining of the urinary system.

By contrast, a diet of meat, bones, and organs contains a mineral content - or ash content - that is not synthetic or artificial.  When a whole food substance is ingested, the animal has a very slim chance of developing a mineral imbalance.  Taking in nutrients as they occur in their natural state or as a whole food source will prevent the animal from concentrating minerals or vitamins, thus causing health issues.

Rotate for Variety and Health!

Maintaining good health and reducing the risk of disease has a lot to do with feeding a wholesome, variety diet. The complete line of Nature’s Variety Prairie Brand products provides a convenient way for pet guardians to rotate pets with:

• Meat-based kibble diets enrobed with Bio-Coating™
• Canned foods made with 95% muscle and organ meat
• Frozen or freeze dried diets made with 95% muscle and organ meat and ground raw meaty bones
• Counter quality natural meat and bone treats

Natural, Wholesome Ingredients
Alfalfa Sprouts
These certified organic sprouts are sources of vitamins, minerals, and protein. They are a complete food that is nutritionally rich with a high potency of over 50 different amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. They have a detoxifying characteristic, enhance the immune system, have a cholesterol reducing capacity, improve absorption, and also contain antioxidants.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many processed foods do not have a proper PH balance.  Apple Cider Vinegar helps to maintain proper acid/alkaline balance in the body.  It also contains numerous minerals and helps in calcium assimilation.  It also has potential benefits  to protect against certain parasites, fungus, and kidney and bladder. 
Apples
A natural source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C & K. Also high in fiber. 
Blueberries
Are outstanding sources of powerful antioxdants to suppoort urinary tract health. 
Bones, Ground Bone
A significant source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, naturally occurring compounds  associated with joint health. 
Broccoli, Lettuce, and Spinach
These vegetables are rich in calcium, natural antioxidants, lutein, Vitamin A and C. 
Brown Rice
Superior carbohydrate source. Rich in B vitamins. 
Carrots
This yellow vegetable is rich in Vitamin A, C, potassium, and natural fiber.  Carrots supply nutrients necessary for the health of the eyes, immune and digestive systems. 
Chelated Minerals
Minerals which are absorbed more easily and retained longer. 
Chicken, Duck, Quail, and Pheasant Eggs
Often known as one of the best complete foods, eggs provide a complete amino acid profile including other essential nutrients necessary to ensure optimal health.  Nature’s Variety has chosen a wide variety of eggs, including the shells for additional natural calcium and to ensure a better and more complete nutrient profile. 
Flaxseed
Source of essential fatty acids and other essential nutrients. Essential fatty acids are vital for the health of skin, coat, cardiovascular, immune, reproduction, and nervous system. Nutritionists recommend flaxseed for health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, heart, and reproductive problems. 
Honey
High in protein and enzymes and contain much of the necessary dietary amino acids.  Other concentrated essential nutrients found in honey are minerals, B-complex vitamins, and vitamins C, D, and E.  It has natural antiseptic characteristics and is a good source of energy. 
Inulin
Stimulates growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. 
Kelp
A source of numerous trace minerals and is known for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities.  The iodine content of kelp is believed by some nutritionist's to be useful in treating some cases of hypothyroidism.  Kelp is known to improve the circulatory stimulation and promotes growth of good hair coat. 
Norwegian Virgin Salmon Oil and Virgin Olive Oil
These oils are a great source of Vitamins and is a source of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.  The source of the salmon is the pristine, unpolluted waters off the North Sea Coast of Norway.  It is rich in astaxanthin and other trace elements.  The oil blend is naturally rich in antioxidants and is naturally preserved.  This oil blend provides dietary nutrients known to benefit the cardiovascular system, nervous, immune and reproductive systems and are good for health ailments such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and reproductive problems. 
Menhadden Fish
Aids in palatability of food and is a source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. 
Montmorillonite Clay
A Sodium-Calcium Aluminosilicate which contains a combination of over 50 mineral compounds including Antimony, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Bromine, Cadmium, Carbon, Cerium, Cesium, Chloride, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Dysprosium, Fluoride, Gadolinium, Gallium, Germanium, Iodine, Lanthanum, Lithium, Manganese, Neodymium, Nickel, Phosphorus, Rhenium, Rubidium, Samarium, Scandium, Silicon, Silver, Strontium, Sulfur, Tellurium, Thallium, Thorium, Tin, Titanium, Vanadium, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc, and Zirconium. Recent feed studies by the Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory at Texas A&M University have shown that montmorillonite clays can effectively bind and remove toxins. 
Persimmons
Persimmons can be found growing naturally in the forest of many countries including the United States and are a favorite fruit of many animals foraging in the wild for food.  This fruit is a good nutritional source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. 
Parsley
Source of Vitamin A, C, and Calcium.  Also has antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal characteristics. 
Rosemary, Sage, and Clove
Herbal ingredients with antioxidant characteristics.
Tapioca
Tapioca, from the root of the cassava plant, is grain-free and gluten-free. There are no known alergies to tapioca, and many veterinary teaching hospitals incorporate tapioca into their hypoallergenic, homemade recipes for food allergies and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

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