Raw Feature: Raw Love for your Pets - Q&A

HINT: Read to the end for a lovely gift from the manufacturer!

Part Two
​Q & A

We asked the same questions to each raw food manufacturer. Questions we feel every customer should ask and to which they deserve answers. 

​1a. Are your meal/products registered with the department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries?
Yes, our meals are registered.

1b. Does each product carry a V-number and could you supply it if a customer asks?
Yes, each meal’s V-number is printed on the product label as stipulated by the department.

2a. Are your meals complete & balanced or complementary? Complementary.
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2b. What does it mean when you say something is a complementary meal as opposed to complete & balanced?
We question the minimum daily requirements set by the Department, both in terms of how this is derived at and in terms of the supplements prescribed to attain the required levels.
We deliberately opted for ‘complementary’ status as we would rather add seasonal veg/fruit (e.g. blackberries) providing nutrients in natural format, than inorganic mineral components such as lime to reach a prescribed level of calcium for example.
We highly recommend reading this article for more insight – READ MORE

2c. Please specify which meals are complementary and which complete & balanced
All our meals are complementary.

3a. What is the nutritional analysis of your complete & balanced meals? This information is available on the product labels and on our website at www.rawlovepets.co.za

3b. How did you establish your nutritional analysis - by independent lab reports or data-based analysis?
Initial chemical analysis was done by an independent SANAS registered lab. Subsequent theoretical analysis was done by Department approved service provider. Our maintenance micro testing is done by SANAS registered labs.

4. What is the break-down of ingredients of your complete & balanced meals?
As stated, our meals are not complete & balanced.
See our website for detailed information at PRODUCT INGREDIENTS 

5. In your chicken meals - what cuts do you use?
See PRODUCT INGREDIENTS as above.

6. What tripe & liver do you use?
Referring to PRODUCT INGREDIENTS again, we don’t include tripe. We do include liver in 4 of our variants. That is, venison liver for the venison variant, ostrich liver for the ostrich variant, etc.

7. What is your protein sources?
Our Chicken, Beef, Ostrich and Venison variants are single and pure, i.e. each only contains either chicken meat, or beef, or ostrich, or venison. Consumers may rest assured that there is absolute no mixed meat in the Raw Love single variant meals.
Our Potluck Meal contains protein from 4 meat sources, that is chicken, beef, ostrich and venison.

8. What fruit/vegetables do you use?
We are very careful about the vegetables and fruit we include in our meals, favouring green leafy vegetables rather than sugary, carbohydrate rich options. Note NO potatoes, NO cabbage, NO onions, NO celery, NO beetroot – more importantly, we’re the only company in South Africa providing fermented vegetables/fruit which is crucial for nutrient absorption and unfriendly bacteria management – READ MORE

9. What is your advice to people who would like to switch to raw? 
Remember that you know your pets best. Our advice is to trust your instincts. We’ve become conditioned to be told how much to feed our dogs and cats (as per the instructions on kibble packaging). Just as there is no guide that says how much to feed a 2-year old toddler, or adult female – how you feed your pet is variable and influenced by many factors, including age, breed, level of activity, personality, time of year, etc.
Do your homework around sourcing a reputable brand that you resonate with, ask questions about the product, then simply offer the food. With some dogs (older, or sensitive tummies), you may want to make the change gradually – see MAKING THE CHANGE on our website. We also address this in our FAQ’s section.

10. What are your views on the best way to feed raw? Meals vs cuts, etc.
Both! Think of the diversity in nature and try to emulate. Substitute meals with a chicken carcass, for example, once a week or so. Having meal variations will do a lot for your pet’s overall health and well-being, emotionally too. See our very informative BLOG for more suggestions, and the importance of adding Omega 3 which is typically not available in raw meals.

SERVICE RELATED QUESTIONS:
S1. Do you deliver?
Yes, but we supply through many outlets, all OUTLETS listed on the website.

S2. What is your delivery fee?
It depends on the area – see our website for details.
CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS
GAUTENG

S3. In which provinces are you present?
Western Cape & Gauteng mainly.

S4. Do you custom make meals for specific dietary requirements? No.

 Raw Love for your Pets would like to offer readers of this blog a Special Offer:
15% DISCOUNT off online orders (CPT) placed 17–21 August 2018.
(NOTE minimum orders apply – see Delivery Ts&Cs)
Use coupon code rlintro at checkout.