Raring to Go Raw: My Primal Pet Food and a Giveaway

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

In response to your requests and/or suggestions regarding my transition to a raw food diet, I am going to tell you about the Primal PetFoods Raw Diet and specifically, my Freeze-Dried Duck Formula. 

Primal Pet Foods

Primal Pet Foods has been committed to elevating the health of pets since 2001.  They are a San Francisco based manufacturer of fully prepared, human-grade raw foods and treats for dogs and cats.

Primal raw foods and treats are produced using fresh, human-grade, antibiotic-free and steroid-free meats, poultry and game, certified organic produce, certified organic minerals and unrefined vitamins.  Primal procures its ingredients from ranchers and farmers throughout the US (as well as New Zealand - for their venison and lamb) that take pride in producing wholesome sources of protein through natural, sustainable agriculture.

You can, and should, read their Integrity Statement here.  

Primal Raw Diet Formulas

Primal's Raw Diet Formulas are based on the BARF (Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet.   They are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages.

The BARF Diet is made up of feeding raw meaty bones, muscle meat, organs and raw, fresh fruits and vegetables.  This is the type of diet that mimics the eating habits of animals in their natural habitat where they subsist on the flesh and bones, the innards and any predigested fruits, grasses, leaves and seeds of their prey.

Primal Freeze-Dried Duck Formula

If you recall from last Monday's post, I have been eating both the Primal Frozen Formula as well as the Primal Freeze-Dried Formula.  We wanted to try the freeze-dried to see how easy it would be to prepare - and if you recall, in three steps it was ready to eat - because Ma was thinking ahead regarding our camping trips, travel, etc. 

It would sure be difficult to keep the frozen formulas frozen while camping, so the freeze-dried seemed like it would be a good alternative.  It is just as tasty as the frozen but Ma does admit that it does have a slight odor during preparation (nothing that overwhelmed her though).

So, what are the ingredients of the Primal Freeze-Dried Duck?

I know everyone's moms and dads look at the ingredients list to make sure there are no weird or unpronounceable ingredients in the food and rest assured, everything on the Primal Freeze-Dried Duck Formula is a real ingredient! 

Primal Freeze-Dried Duck Ingredients:  Duck, Duck Necks, Duck Wings, Organic Kale, Duck Hearts, Duck Gizzards, Organic Carrots, Organic Yams, Duck Livers, Organic Broccoli, Organic Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Copper Carbonate, Sodium Selenite), Organic Parsley, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Quinoa Sprout Powder, Dried Organic Kelp, Alfalfa, Natural Vitamin E, Mixed Tocopherols (natural preservative).

Check out the first five ingredients (you know that's what the moms and dads are really looking at) - Duck, Duck Necks, Duck Wings, Organic Kale, Duck Hearts...  All named proteins except for the Kale.  But don't worry because Kale is a superfood that is as good for dogs as it is for humans.  Kale is known to help prevent certain cancers as well as act as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant.

There are a couple other ingredients I would like to point out to you as well:

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar - can help maintain the acid/alkaline balance in a dog's body, helps with digestive health, and allergies

Salmon Oil - can improve skin and coat, help prevent allergies, help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and joint problems

Organic Coconut Oil - helps prevent all sorts of skin irritations/infections (yeast, bacterial, hot spots, dry skin, etc), helps prevent certain cancers, improves digestion, help alleviate symptoms of arthritis

You can see all the product information - Guaranteed Analysis, Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids and Fatty Acids by visiting Primal's product page for the Freeze-Dried Duck Formula by clicking here.  Primal actually lists all this information on their website for EVERY product they make!  Talk about integrity.

And speaking of integrity...

My two previous Raw Food Diet posts, have been based on Ma's purchase of my Primal foods at our local pet supply store.  However, as of this post I have officially been accepted into Primal Pet Foods Product Review Program and I recently received my first package of Primal products to try.  But here is the kicker:

Ma forgot to tell Primal that I am allergic to poultry until after I received my first package of products and what do you think they sent?!?  Freeze-Dried Chicken Formula and Turkey Liver Munchies treats.  (Great dawg, she needs more training.)

After apologizing to Primal for her dopey-ness, Primal said 1) they would send me new proteins and 2) I could do whatever I wished with the Freeze-Dried Chicken Formula and Turkey Liver Munchies, including a giveaway.  So...

Are you raring to go raw?!?

If you have been considering the switch over to a raw food diet, but have been too nervous (as Ma originally was), now is your chance to give it a try!  All you have to do is leave a comment telling me why you want to switch to raw (and you can throw in why you haven't tried to go raw yet too - BOL).  The winner will receive the Freeze-Dried Chicken Formula, the Turkey Liver Munchies and a helping paw from me and Ma!

I will use Random.org to choose the winner.  

What are you waiting for?!?  You know you want to try the Primal Pet Foods Raw Food for Dogs!!!  It is easy to prepare and I just know you will love it like I do!