Transitioning to a Raw Diet
When switching your pet to a raw diet, it’s common to encounter misinformation, even from veterinarians. Many South African vets still endorse commercial kibble and may discourage raw feeding, despite the benefits of a species-appropriate diet.

These are a few of the myths you may be challenged with:

Feeding raw food will give you and your dog Salmonella poisoning.

High-quality raw food is essential. All raw pet food sold in South Africa is tested for Salmonella and E. coli, with Salmonella-free products required by law.

Dogs and cats are naturally resistant due to short digestive tracts and highly acidic stomachs, but proper hand hygiene when handling raw meat is essential to protect humans.

Our ingredients (except 100% Green Tripe) are human-grade, ensuring safety and quality. Research shows up to 70% of dogs naturally carry Salmonella, making careful handling the key precaution.

Feeding raw food increases the possibility of my pet getting parasites, like Toxoplasmosis.

It’s a common concern that feeding raw food increases the risk of parasites like Toxoplasmosis, but this isn’t entirely accurate.

1. Experience Matters:
In our years of feeding dogs a raw diet, we’ve never had issues with worms or the need for frequent deworming. Regular stool checks by a skilled veterinarian can reliably detect parasites, often avoiding the need for routine chemical dewormers.

2. Freezing is Key:
Freezing raw meat for at least 72 hours effectively kills parasite oocytes, including Toxoplasma, and reduces bacterial load. Never feed raw meat that hasn’t been properly frozen.

3. Reduced Coprophagia Risk:
Raw-fed dogs produce small, nutrient-dense stools, which are unappealing to dogs that eat feces, reducing parasite transmission compared to kibble-fed dogs, which produce larger, more tempting stools.

4. Hunting Cats:
Cats that hunt may need extra attention. Daily Diatomaceous Earth can help prevent parasites, and in severe cases, a veterinarian may recommend initial chemical treatment.

By following proper handling, freezing, and feeding practices, raw diets can be safely fed with minimal parasite risk, while also reducing the likelihood of coprophagia-related infections.

 

A raw diet is not balanced.

A raw diet can be perfectly balanced, but it depends on the approach. Traditional B.A.R.F diets require feeding raw meaty bones alongside offal, vegetables, and fruit. Skipping bones can lead to mineral deficiencies, especially calcium, which is vital for bones, alkalinity, and thyroid function.

At PaleoPet Pure™, our Classic Complete Meals are carefully formulated to provide the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Supplementing occasionally with our 100% range ensures your dog’s nutritional needs are fully met. With no fillers or additives, every ingredient supports your pet’s health and well-being.

Bones are dangerous for dogs.

Bones can be beneficial but require care. Dense, small bones cut from larger ones can pose risks like choking or bowel obstruction, so size and supervision are crucial.

We size bones according to your dog

Extra-large for giant breeds

Large for medium breeds

Medium for small breeds

Small for toy breeds

As a rule, the bone should be wider than your dog’s muzzle, and dogs should always be supervised while chewing.

For beginners, softer bones like raw chicken carcasses or necks are easier to digest. Novices may prefer minced-bone options, like our 100% Chicken products.

Dogs may need time to adjust if they’ve eaten commercial food for a long time. Gradually mix in raw bone meals to ease the transition. Bones are an essential part of a natural diet, so feed them responsibly or use products with minced bone for safety.