Raw Food Nutrition FAQs

Q. Why a raw meat diet?

A. The answer is very simple – undamaged enzymes and amino acids! A raw meat diet contains natural digestive enzymes and the most complete amino acid profile (the protein building blocks) totally undamaged in this natural state. Many of the important amino acids and all digestive enzymes are destroyed by temperatures in excess of 110 degrees F.

Most processed and canned pet foods are cooked at ultra-high temperatures in excess of 212 degrees F. Animals consuming these highly processed foods often become nutritionally compromised and manifest dry and itchy skin, dull coats, weight problems, lethargy, and many more not so obvious symptoms.

Enzymes are essential biological catalysts that enhance the quality and quantity of nutrient assimilation. This allows your favorite pet to conserve its own enzyme energy for other important life enriching health benefits such as longevity. Wouldn’t we all like our four legged companions to live long, healthy and happy lives?

Q. I am a vegetarian and have a hard time digesting meat - why would it be best then to feed it raw to my dog or cat?

A. Human beings, being omnivorous (feeding upon animal and vegetable food), do not have the digestive tools our ancient ancestors had, in order to handle raw meat. Even though we would digest our meat better if eaten raw, we no longer possess the tools to handle the bacteria as well as today's carnivores do when eating or feeding on raw meat.

The natural nutrients derived from fresh raw meat diets (frozen or freeze-dried) are necessary for optimum health. The difference between a grain/vegetable and an AFS product fed dog/cat is incredible. Once the condition is seen and compared, there isn't anyone who wouldn't prefer feeding AFS products to their dogs, cats, and ferrets. (The fresh organ meats, meaty bones and blood are necessary to achieve peak health.)

Q. How does your diet compare to dry kibble in terms of protein and fat composition?

A. When comparing diets, one must always compare on a dry matter basis to get equivalent values. When compared on a dry weight basis AFS diets are not low at all, 44-50% protein and 29-35% fat.

The more important aspect of protein is the quality and source of protein, or the biological value (the measurement of how much of the protein is actually turned into body tissue). AFS diets are at the “top of the food chain” when it comes to digestibility and biological value.

Q. Can I mix dry kibble food with AFS Raw Meat Diets?

A. Not recommended for small breeds, but many large breed and/or multiple dog owners reportedly feed this way when budget restraints are an issue. The reason being is that AFS product ingredients are very rich in all the necessary nutrients, plus fortified with natural vitamins and minerals (because we cannot be absolutely certain the soil that the free-range cattle are grazing on is complete and balanced at all times and on all days).

The quality of the kibble should be considered (price is not a consistent indicator of quality). Even on a 50/50 ratio, in as little as 1-2 weeks, very positive changes will be apparent in your dog's appearance, mobility, behavior and stools (fecies are greatly reduced in size and frequency!).

In less than 30 days, it will seem as though you have a different dog--apparent to you AND your neighbors! That's when you will want to make the final decision...stay on the 50/50 ratio, or go all the way and feed AFS products 100%.

Kibble will primarily consist of indigestible grains and other ingredients that you are simply causing volumes of fecal matter in the yard. In addition, the meat source that goes into most kibble is “meat and bone meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, fish meal, etc.” These ingredients are NOT fresh or whole real meats. Check labels and use kibbles that are predominately meat based.

Q. Why is there such a difference in the stools on AFS Diets?

A. The high biological value of the protein in AFS Diets will result in a large reduction in the amount and frequency of stool elimination.

Most commercial pet foods are filled with indigestible ingredients that cause dogs and cats to overeat which create the need to eliminate several times a day.

Animals on AFS Diets generally eliminate just once a day or even every other day. In addition, this kind of digestibility greatly reduces stool odor and is a healthy and more natural occurrence, just as in the wild. Simple test: stools from well-digested foods, when placed in water, “float like a boat.”

Q. Is it harmful for me to cook the food before feeding it to my dog or cat?

A. Meat that is cooked above 120 degrees F loses its natural digestive enzymes as well as some of the important fragile amino acids such as Taurine.

The preventative health benefits of an uncooked, balanced, raw meat diet can be seen in the testimonials of AFS customers. Meat eaters, from small pet ferrets, through all sizes of domestic dogs and cats, to the Carnivora Magnificent lions and tigers build strong immune defense mechanisms on AFS diets, protecting them from infection and affording them the healthiest diet prescribed by Mother Nature - raw meat!

Q. Aren’t all “complete and balanced” diets equally nutritious?

A. The words “complete and balanced” on packages of dog or cat food do not speak to their nutritional adequacy or bio-availability of the food. To legally use this phrase, the foods need only meet minimum requirements to keep an average pet alive. Most of us have more than average pets and wish more than to just keep them alive!