Northwest Naturals provides raw frozen and freeze-dried diets for dogs and cats in various protein combinations and offers single-ingredient treats.
This food boasts above-average levels of proteins and fats while being low on carbohydrates. Furthermore, it includes chelated minerals for added support.
Food for all life stages established by AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles is available as chubs, dinner bars, and nuggets. It meets their nutritional levels.
Ingredients
All Northwest Naturals recipes are grain and gluten-free, grass-fed with no antibiotics or hormones added, and contain 10% raw ground bone to provide essential calcium for maintaining strong teeth and bones and aid digestion by giving bio-available minerals for your pet’s diet. Their food also meets high product testing standards, and they have long-standing relationships with their suppliers to guarantee high-quality nutrition for your furry family member.
Chicken is the main component of this food, consisting mainly of muscle meat and bone-inclusive chicken necks, hearts, and liver. Chicken gizzards – low-fat organs which aid digestion in canines’ stomachs – are considered canine delicacies. The egg is another excellent source of species-appropriate protein, while nine additional ingredients provide additional nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and lettuce for your pet to consume.
Morasch Meats of Portland, Oregon, produces this food product and uses freeze-drying technology to extend its shelf life and decrease pathogen contamination risk. All ingredients undergo an exhaustive inspection and testing process before entering their facility; processing then includes HPP treatment that uses heat and pressure to break apart harmful microbe cells without harming other essential nutrients or proteins.
Biological Makeup
This freeze-dried raw dog food is ideal for travel, camping, and hiking adventures. The nuggets thaw quickly to provide high-quality protein for the daily energy needs of your pet, as well as various vegetables, fruits, and natural ingredients for a complete and balanced diet.
This company only uses human-grade and certified organic ingredients when crafting its foods for pets, manufacturing them in the U.S. without hormones or antibiotics, aiming to educate pet owners about the advantages of raw diets through recipes, nutritional support materials, and educational materials.
Northwest Naturals’ chicken and salmon formula meets all life-stage nutrient profiles. Furthermore, Northwest Naturals freeze-dried foods have also been designed to ease the transition to raw diets over time, starting by providing 1/4th of what would usually be fed thawed, gradually increasing it over 7-10 days.
This food features above-average protein and fat levels with below-average carb content, featuring chelated minerals that attach chemically to proteins for easier digestion by dogs and cats. Fish oil provides plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Finally, inulin provides additional soluble fiber prebiotics that promote healthy bacteria growth within a pet’s digestive tract.
Digestibility
As obligate carnivores, dogs have developed digestive systems capable of efficiently breaking down raw meat and bones, helping prevent stomach upset so they can live an energetic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Northwest Naturals provides an assortment of freeze-dried recipes for Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), and All Life Stages that are grain-free and contain at least 10% raw ground bone, including chubs, dinner bars, and nuggets.
Chicken provides the primary protein source in this food, with chicken muscle meat, heart, and liver all making up significant parts of its composition. Fresh ground bone provides additional calcium intake. Ground flaxseed and psyllium husk powder contribute to an impressive 5.8% fiber level in this meal on a dry matter basis, along with fish oil as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Though raw diets may cost more than conventional kibble, many pet owners claim their long-term health advantages outweigh the higher cost tag. Beyond improved digestion, some dog owners report healthier skin and coat conditions and successful weight management. It should be introduced gradually under a veterinarian’s supervision to prevent potential issues; the food must also be adequately thawed and fed at appropriate proportions to ensure your and your pet’s success.
Health Benefits
Many pet owners report switching their pets to raw food increases energy and enhanced skin and coat health, likely due to high-quality meats and nutrients supplying concentrated energy sources.
Food produced using low-temperature processing techniques extends shelf life and lowers pathogen risk without altering amino acids, fibers, enzymes, or other essential nutrients – eliminating the need for preservatives.
Additional advantages of the food include its inclusion of ground flaxseed, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and inulin from chicory root as a natural soluble fiber source that promotes beneficial bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract and supports their overall well-being.
Food that provides antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals supports strong immunity, fights free radicals, and improves overall health.
Raw diets may cost more than traditional kibble, but many pet owners find the long-term health benefits outweigh their higher costs. If you want to transition your dog onto a raw diet, speak to your veterinarian to ensure a smooth introduction process and provide specific advice based on his unique needs.
