Raw Food Health & Handling FAQs

Q. Why do some animals apparently do fine on commercial dry and canned food, and yet others do so poorly?

A. Some dogs, especially when they are young, have an amazing ability to digest just about anything that looks like food and do well on it. However, even they have a tendency to degenerate as they grow older, usually at 4-5 years of age.

When the organs of the body, especially the all important digestive machine, the pancreas, starts to age, it is much easier on the animal’s system to be eating a diet with the digestive enzymes still intact and undamaged by heat processing. Raw foods provide this.

Numerous people from European countries who feed raw meat diets confirm the health benefits and longevity of large breed dogs, i.e. Great Danes, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, etc. to ages of 15 years or longer. This reality is nearly unheard of in our country, except those companion pets on raw meat diets like those produced by AFS. Wouldn’t you want the same for your favorite furry companion?

Q. What if my veterinarian says a raw meat diet is unsafe?

A. Unfortunately, many veterinary schools provide less than adequate education on basic canine and feline nutrition. Few veterinarians know that AFS has provided these same raw meat diets to zoos, circuses, wildlife parks, and professional dog and cat breeders for nearly three decades.

AFS raw meat diets were developed under the scrutiny of, and consultation with the most discriminating veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Ask any Pet Patty customer, and you will discover health benefits from a raw meat diet that far outweigh any risk factors.

Q. Does the AFS raw diet reduce/prevent tartar on teeth – why?

A. Raw meat diets do not produce tartar on teeth for one reason – enzymes. Raw meat left between teeth or along the gum line will self-digest because of the undestroyed natural digestive enzymes. On the other hand, cooked food particles can remain on the gum line, setting up the perfect host for bacteria to proliferate, causing tartar and bad breath. Excessive tartar can cause periodontal disease.

Q. What is the proper way to feed the 5-pound rolls? How do I thaw the rolls before feeding?

A. Defrosting AFS raw meat diets should always be done slowly in the refrigerator. Remove the plastic wrapper from the frozen roll, place in a covered container and place in refrigerator. Each day the outer layer of meat will be thawed enough for feeding. Another technique: place 5-pound roll in refrigerator overnight, then cut with large or electric knife into desired daily portions for individual defrosting. Wrap and replace unused cut portions in the freezer immediately.