Prime Raw Canine Cuisine Elevating Your Dog s Wellness with Raw Meals
Raw dog food the big questions
Raw dog food diets have been around as long as dogs and their ancestors have been around. Until the creation of dry dog food and canned dog food, dogs lived off raw meat, scraps and anything they could scavenge.
You may have heard of the old English expression as fit as a butchers dog, which implies that a dog living off meat, bones and offal is likely to be in fine fettle.
However, after the creation and growth of mass-market dog food, domestic dogs diets changed and the feeding of raw dog food became less common. That is until recent years
Raw food for dogs has increased in popularity in recent years; some of it homemade, some produced by cottage industries, but increasingly provided by medium to large companies for a national market.
What are the best raw dog foods?
Some work on the prey model, which is an 80% meat, 10% ground bone, 10% organ meat (offal) blend. Others use the recipes akin to the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model, which includes a small percentage of vegetables.
Both kinds profess an authenticity based on dogs evolutionary diets.
It being something new (but also very old) it has generated a lot of doubt, cynicism and questions alongside its popularity.
We put some of the questions we most frequently get asked by readers to Amy Zalneraitis, the CBO at 5-star-rated We Feed Raw.
Is raw dog food safe for dogs?
AZ: Raw dog food is not only safe for dogs, its what is most biologically appropriate for them. Dogs have thrived on a raw, meat-based diet since the dawn of their existence. While weve domesticated dogs and bred them for their appearance, behavior, and temperament, in form and function, their digestive system is identical to their ancestors. With highly acidic stomachs, sharp, pointy teeth, and short, simple digestive tracts, a dogs biology tells us what they should be eating.
So any raw food will do?
Not all raw pet foods are created equal. We use only high-quality, USDA, human-grade meats. We produce our recipes in a USDA-certified facility and all ingredients must comply with rigid incoming quality assurance specifications. Most importantly, to ensure safe raw feeding in the home, we use HPP (high-pressure processing) a non-thermal pasteurization technology that uses extreme cold water pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to ensure our food is free of pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.
While not all raw companies in the U.S. do this, we incur the extra cost because it ensures a safe product. Because the process uses pressure rather than heat, there is no change in product taste, texture, or nutritional value.
Is raw dog food safe for humans?
It depends if you mean to eat or handle. While our food is sourced from USDA, human-grade meats, our recipes are not intended for human consumption. Our formulas contain the correct ratio of muscle meat, organ meat, finely ground bone and a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix for full and proper canine nutrition, not full and proper human nutrition.
As for handling, dogs can cope with bacteria in ways that humans cant, but HPP offers extra peace of mind while feeding raw in the home. HPP is used by many reputable raw pet food companies because its a natural way to reduce harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients.
When youre purchasing raw pet food from a reputable company, its easy to feed raw food safely you use the same basic hygiene practices you use when preparing your own raw meats to cook, like washing hands, surfaces, and bowls.
Its more expensive than kibble why should I spend extra?
Because the quality of the food our dogs eat has a direct impact on how well they live. Eighty percent of immune capability is in the gut and low-carb raw diets help to promote healthy gut microflora. Raw food will always be more expensive because quality costs more. Hands down, raw costs more to source and make and its not packed with cheap fillers. While youll pay more upfront with raw, youll save money down the line because youll have a healthier, happier dog and far fewer vet visits.
Why wouldnt I just make raw food at home?
If youre a DIY raw feeder, amazing! Great job! But weve found that many pet parents dont have the time, energy, interest, or resources to make properly balanced raw food at home. Thats where we come in. We plan, portion, package, and deliver. All you have to do is thaw and feed. No concern that your dog is missing important nutrients, no trips to the pet food store, no guesswork.
Do dogs need vegetables?
Our recipes are based on the Prey Model Raw diet: approximately 80% muscle meat (with connective tissue and fat), 10% organ meat (all of which is secreting organ), 10% finely ground raw meaty bones plus a small amount of a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix.
Some of our customers will choose to add veggies to the meals, and thats great, as long as they dont overdo it. If your dog does well with a bit of extra fiber, our Ph.D. nutritionist suggests around a 5-8% veggie inclusion. With dogs, plant matter usually passes out as part of the stool, undigested because their bodies have to work much harder to break it down.
We usually recommend pureeing veggies: dogs do not have natural cellulase, an enzyme that helps to break down fiber, so pureeing them will help aid in digestion.
Do I need to add supplements?
Not with our food. Our food is complete and balanced as is. No need to add supplements. That said, its totally fine to add a small amount of your preferred probiotic, prebiotic, fish oil or omega-3 oil, etc. We just advise that pet parents dont add a multivitamin, as we already include a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix to our recipes.
When it comes to adding other whole foods, like canned pumpkin, phytoplankton, sardines, green-lipped mussels, etc, these can be wonderful, healthy additions and we totally support those as toppers to our meals.
Are there any proven benefits to a raw diet?
A dogs digestive system is identical to its ancestors. They didnt lose the ability to digest their evolutionary diet just because kibble was invented mere seconds ago in geologic time. Therefore, isnt it prudent to imitate what nature provided as a guideline?
As for specific studies, were excited about the work being done at the University of Helsinki on the benefits of a raw dog food diet. Led by veterinary scientist Dr. Anna-Hielm Bjrkman (DVM and PhD), The Dog Risk Study is a university-led, cruelty-free study using 16,000 dogs of all breeds and ages.
The program has already proven that puppies fed raw (vs kibble) have fewer environmental allergies as adults and a reduced risk of developing IBD later in life. Some of the other specific studies its exploring include hip dysplasia, GI issues, chronic ear infections, cancer and tumors.
How do I transition my dog to raw food?
Our intro plan helps to gradually introduce dogs to raw food over a 10-day period. The detailed directions instruct pet parents on how to mix their pups current food with We Feed Raw and increase the percentage of We Feed Raw over the course of 9 days until theyre feeding 100% raw.
What are the best raw dog foods?
Will there be side effects?
While some dogs transition to raw with no issues, other dogs with sensitive stomachs may require a bit more TLC and time. Its all normal. The long-term effects of a healthy, species-appropriate diet make it all worth it: smaller, less smelly stools, shiny skin and coat, cleaner teeth, improved digestion, stronger immune system, better weight control the list goes on.
Can I mix raw food with cooked food?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage pet parents to feed what works for their budget and lifestyle. Adding even 25% raw food to your dogs diet can have life-changing health benefits. Raw feeding isnt an all-or-nothing approach. Using it as a base, mixer, or topper with cooked food or kibble can still have amazing overall health benefits.
Why are some vets anti-raw food?
Were seeing a real shift with conventional vets becoming more raw-friendly. In fact, we work with many conventional vets who not only recommend raw to their clients but feed it to their own pets.
So while the tide is changing, here are some reasons that conventional vets may not be pro-raw: 1) Theyre not taught about raw diets in vet school; 2) Theyve seen homemade raw diets go wrong (imbalanced, missing important nutrients, incorrect ratios); 3) They think its a danger to the humans feeding it. However, serious and reputable raw brands in the U.S., like our company, use HPP to neutralize pathogens for safe feeding in the home.
Is raw dog food human-grade?
Raw dog food is meant to be fed raw and usually contains bone, and therefore cannot technically be labeled human-grade as a whole. So while our food is sourced from high-quality human-grade meats and produced in a USDA-certified facility, we do not make the human-grade claim on our labels.
Are bones and offal actually good for dogs?
Not only are they good for dogs, theyre essential to a complete and balanced raw diet. Organ meats, particularly liver, are packed with vitamins and minerals. Bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus.
Is Canine Prime Good for Dogs? All Around Supplement Reviewed
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
There are many dog supplement brands on the market today that claim to be the best. But how do you know which one is really going to work well for your pooch?
Canine Prime is a UK company that has been launched by a veterinarian, Dr. Michael Lazaris, who wanted to create a new range of dog supplements that would be suitable for all dogs and provide them with advanced nutritional products.
In this post, we shall take a closer look at what they offer and find out is Canine Prime good for dogs, and if they are worth the price tag.
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What is Canine Prime Dog Supplement?
Canine Prime is a brand of pet supplements and treats created by the UK company Your Pet Nutrition.
You would find products that are suitable for both dogs and cats, including specially created ones such as relaxing and calming supplements and low-fat snacks.
The company was founded by Dr. Michael Lazaris, a veterinarian who wanted to provide dog owners with a product that was superior to what the market offers currently.
The companys pledge is to use scientifically proven and tested ingredients to create their products, as well as incorporate only the purest and highest quality ones.
Not only that, but they have also committed to using environmentally friendly methods in the production of these supplements and treats, but there is not a lot of information regarding this though.
Here are some of the areas that the Canine Prime supplement would help:
- Skin And Coat
- Digestion
- Joints
- Energy Levels
- Bones And Teeth
Doggy says, you may also like: Is YuMOVE Good for Dogs? Joint Supplement Reviewed
Who is Dr. Michael Lazaris?
South African-born Michael Lazaris is a veterinarian, television host, and subject matter expert.
He was educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he completed his veterinary and zoology degrees.
He is also the founder of Your Pet Nutrition, the company that makes Canine Prime.
Canine Prime Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients found in Canine Prime:
Mushroom Blend (reishi, shiitake, maitake) | Gum Acacia |
Green lipped mussel | Magnesium, Ascorbic acid, Zinc, Calcium Carbonate |
Chlorella | Potassium, Kelp, Manganese |
Spirulina | Biotin, Niacinamide, Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate |
Carrot | Cholecalciferol, Calcium D-pantothenate |
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) | Pyridoxine HCL, Riboflavin |
2 Billion CFU per scoop | Vitamin B2, Selenium |
Enterococcus faecium | Thiamine HCL, Cyanocobalamin, Folic acid |
Lipase | Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate |
Papain | Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E |
Amylase | Beef liver |
Protease |
Pros And Cons of Canine Prime
Benefits of Canine Prime
- The ingredients are made from high quality, natural sources
- The company uses environmentally friendly production methods
- There is a 90 days money back guarantee
Disadvantages of Canine Prime
- The taste might be a turn-off for some dogs
- Price is higher than most other supplement brands
- Your dog might encounter a side effect of sloppy poo
How Much Does Canine Prime Cost?
At the time of writing this (Aug 2022), a jar of Canine Prime costs 49.95.
There are a few other doggy products that you can consider too:
- Relax + Restore A calming formula that helps your dog relax naturally and reduce stress levels. 34.95 per jar.
- Alpha Bites A high-protein snack from venison. 24.99 per pack.
How Long Does a Jar of Canine Prime Last?
Each jar of Canine Prime weighs 115g and serves 30 scoops.
Depending on the size of your dog, you will need to use between 1 to 2 scoops each day.
Heres the breakdown:
Small Dogs (up to 14kg) | 1 scoop per day |
Medium Dogs (15 23kg) | 1.5 scoops per day |
Large Dogs (23+ kg) | 2 scoops per day |
Where to Buy Canine Prime?
Where can I buy Canine Prime powder?
Well, Canine Prime can only be purchased directly from the companys website at this time.
They offer free shipping for all orders above 50, and a subscription service is also offered.
However, there is not a lot of information on how the subscription service works, so I would rather give it a miss.
Canine Prime Amazon UK
Can you actually get Canine Prime from Amazon UK? No, you arent able to at this moment. The only place to get it is on the official website.
Where Does Canine Prime Ship To?
Canine Prime ships to the United Kingdom and Europe only, despite writing on their site that they ship internationally.
This could be an effect of the pandemic, so if you live outside these regions, you might want to check back in the future.
Is Canine Prime Good For Dogs?
Your dog needs to be healthy, and that means getting the nutrients they need from natural dog food, but they sometimes dont get all the nutrients they need from its food alone.
Many of the same things that cause problems for humans are also common problems for dogs: poor diet, lack of exercise, and stressors like over-stimulation or poor medical care.
These all lead to a weakened immune system, which means that your pet is much more likely to get sick.
That does not mean you should go out and buy all the supplements offered right now.
A more sensible approach would be to arrange for a health check for your dog and discuss with your vet if supplements are necessary.
If Canine Prime is on your radar, you would want to send relevant information to your vet about the ingredients too.
When you do decide to add supplements to your dogs diet, we recommend adding them in small amounts so as not to upset their stomachs.
Doggy says, you might be interested in reading this too: My Dog Doesnt Like Royal Canin!
Do Vets Recommend Canine Prime?
This information is not readily available online, so a check with your vet would make more sense.
Be sure to share the ingredients list with them to make a better assessment and read through reviews from other dog owners too.
Canine Prime Reviews
Before we get into the alternatives that you can consider for Canine Prime, you might want to read about what others say too.
The company has received a reasonably decent score on ScamAdvisor, with a score of 66 which puts it in the green.
Over at TrustPilot, there are over a thousand reviews from users, receiving a favorable rating of 4.8 at this time of writing.
Canine Prime Alternative UK
It is pretty hard to find an exact one-to-one match for Canine Prime, but here are the closest alternatives you can consider:
Our Top Alternative: Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multifunctional Bites for Dogs
Functional supplement chews for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.Supports physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health.Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E help maintain normal moisture and reduce oxidative stress for sensitive skin.CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil, and Vitamins A, C, & E promote healthy cardiovascular function, liver health, and immune response.Dr. Mercola Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement Mix, For Adult Dogs
GMO-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.It helps prepare nutritionally balanced, fresh homemade meals for dogs.The recipe can be customized with vegetables and starch.The meal mix is complete and balanced, optimized for a dogs weight and activity level.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Pets at Home Sell Canine Prime?
No, Pets at Home does not sell Canine Prime. You can purchase Canine Prime through their official website.
Is Canine Prime a Con?
It does not appear to be a scam or con. There are numerous reviews on several different platforms where pet owners have shared their feedback and comments openly.
In Conclusion: Is Canine Prime Good for Dogs
We do think its a great option to have for any dog owner looking for an all-natural and holistic approach to its health and wellness.
The fact that its formulated by a renowned veterinarian, as well as all the high-quality ingredients makes this product stand out.
That said, you will need to understand the needs of your dog (together with the help of your vet) to determine if Canine Prime is suitable for your dog, not to mention the rather steep price rag.
Continue browsing around our site and read other articles about dog diets such as whether dogs can eat sticky weed, why your dog is always hungry on a raw diet, if bully sticks can cause diarrhea, and much more.
Youve made it to the end, but I hope its not the end of our journey. We want to hear your voice! Share your thoughts, problems, suggestions, or anything related to your dog in the comments section. And dont forget to join our newsletter today too.