Frequently Asked Questions
Raw Gourmet for Paws is proudly Canadian! Our mission is to make it easier for Canadian dog parents to provide high-quality, nutritious raw meals to their dogs, all while supporting Canadian farmers and suppliers. Our meals are made fresh right here in the Barrie, Ontario with ingredients sourced from local farmers within 100 km. Even our packaging is Canadian!
We start with only fresh, whole foods sourced from local farms in Ontario. All our ingredients are free of hormones and antibiotics, with no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours. We never use feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, or anything artificial, so you know your pup is getting only the highest quality, safest nutrition available.
Not only do we only use ingredients that meet the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards for human consumption, but our meals are also prepared in a kitchen certified to make food for humans. Simply put, our dog-designed food might be higher quality than what you feed yourself. Our food standards go above and beyond industry requirements and most other pet food companies’ practices, because we believe in serving our dogs like family.
With complete and balanced nutrition from Raw Gourmet for Paws, you’ll start to see health benefits in your dog, including improved digestion, more stable energy levels, reduction of allergies and intolerances, brighter eyes, fresher breath, cleaner and whiter teeth, a stronger immune system, a thicker and glossier coat, less flatulence, and firmer stools, to name a few.
Many pets with digestive issues improve on raw because it’s easier to digest and free from fillers. Start with a gentle protein like turkey or chicken, transition slowly, and consider adding probiotics or pumpkin during the switch.
Switching a dog with a sensitive stomach to a raw diet is absolutely possible—you just want to make the transition slow, structured, and very gentle on their system. Here’s a clear, practical way to do it without upsetting their tummy.
To determine how much to feed your dog on a raw diet, calculate 2-3% of their ideal adult body weight for the total daily amount. For example, a 50-lb (22.7 kg) dog typically needs 1 lb to 1.5 lbs (16-24 oz) of raw food daily. Adjust this percentage based on activity level (higher for active dogs) and monitor their weight, adjusting as necessary.
Key Considerations for Raw Feeding Amounts:
- Weight Calculation: Multiply your dog's ideal weight in pounds by 0.02 or 0.03 to get the daily amount in pounds.
- Activity Levels:
- Inactive/Senior: 2% of body weight.
- Average/Moderate: 2.5% of body weight.
- Active/Working: 3% or more of body weight.
- Puppies: Require significantly more, usually 4-10% of their body weight depending on age.
- Adjustments: If your dog is losing weight, increase the amount. If they are gaining weight, decrease it.
- Observation: You should be able to feel, but not easily see, your dog's ribs.
Example Feeding Chart (Daily Total):
- 10 lbs: 3.2 - 4.8 oz
- 25 lbs: 8 - 12 oz
- 50 lbs: 1 - 1.5 lbs
- 75 lbs: 1.5 - 2.3 lbs
Yes! Since our food is made fresh, and we don’t use any preservatives, it’s essential that you treat it as real food (because it is!). When you receive your box, place the meals in the freezer immediately. Meals can be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight or in warm water just before serving. Our vacuum-sealed packs can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before serving.
Absolutely. Young animals often thrive on raw because it supports healthy growth, digestion, and immune development. They do require balanced meals with the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, so always choose a complete formula designed for growing pets.
Our complete and balanced formulas include everything your pet needs. If you’re feeding DIY raw, you may need to add essential nutrients like omega3s, vitamin E, or organ variety. When in doubt, ask us — we’re happy to guide you.
We don’t recommend it. Cooking changes the nutrient profile and can make ground bone unsafe. If your pet prefers warm meals, you can gently warm the bowl by placing it in hot water — never cook the food itself.
We offer selection of high-quality proteins such as chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. Single-protein options are available for pets with allergies or sensitivities.
Some pets need time to adjust to new textures and smells. Try:
- Warming the food slightly
- Mixing with a small amount of their current food
- Adding a topper like bone broth or goat’s milk
Most pets come around quickly.
Raw feeding can cost more upfront, but many pet parents find they save long-term on vet bills due to improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, better weight management, and fewer chronic issues.
No — that’s a myth. Diet does not change temperament. Raw feeding supports physical health, which often results in calmer, happier pets.
Of course. We offer dehydrated and freezedried treats that complement a raw diet. If you use cooked treats, just keep them in moderation.
Yes — we offer convenient delivery options and instore pickup depending on your location. Check our Delivery page for details.
