FAQs
1. What is raw meat pet food and how is it different from kibble or canned food?
Dogs and cats are biologically meat eaters (carnivore). Our raw meat only pet food is designed to mimic the wild animals that dogs and cats would hunt and consume in the wild. Raw meat only pet food is uncooked ground fresh meat, bones, and organs. Unlike dry kibble or canned food, it is not cooked at high temperatures, which helps preserve natural nutrients and enzymes. We also recognize that dogs and cats do not eat vegetables, grains, or legumes in the wild and we will not use these as fillers like other “Raw” companies do.
2. Is raw meat safe for my dog/cat?
Yes, when handled properly. We use USDA-inspected meat, follow strict food safety standards, and keep everything frozen until it reaches you. Pets’ digestive systems are designed to process raw protein safely after a slow transition from commercial food. Click here for links to numerus educational videos.
3. How do I transition my pet from kibble to raw food?
Start by mixing a small portion of raw with your pet’s current food and gradually increase the raw portion over 20-30 days until they are fully on raw. Online subscribers will receive a custom transition plan tailored to their pet. Just Meat Pet Food uses a longer and more conservative transition plan to reduce nearly any chance of any upset stomachs. We believe there is no need to rush the process to sell more food. Our focus is on your pet’s long-term wellbeing.
4. How much raw food should I feed my pet per day?
A general guideline is 2–3% of your pet’s body weight per day, divided into one or two meals. For puppies/kittens, feed 5–8% of their body weight. Our online calculator or our instore literature can be referenced to determine how much to feed and how to transition your pet. Police K9s and other working dogs tend to eat more then typical pets. We have special programs for law enforcement agencies. If you are a member of a law enforcement agency please see our law enforcement page.
5. What are the health benefits of feeding raw?
Owners report shinier coats, cleaner teeth, better digestion, reduced allergies, and increased energy in their pets. There is numerus documented examples and studies that dogs live longer lives if they simply do not eat commercial dog food. One trial of 200 dogs fed only raw meat showed an 85% reduction in unscheduled veterinarian visits.
6. How do I store raw pet food?
Keep it frozen until ready to use. Thaw portions in the refrigerator and use within 5 days after thawing. Refreezing is not normally recommended, but may be necessary when transitioning very small animals under 10 pounds with our packaging sizing. If this applies to you, you will be given special instructions.
7. Do I need to add supplements to the raw diet?
We believe our foods are formulated to be nutritionally complete and mimic what a carnivore animal would eat in the wild.
8. Is raw food more expensive than kibble?
Per pound, raw may cost more than kibble, but pets often eat less because raw is nutrient-dense. For many small “fancy” types of can food that are marketed to toy dogs and cats the cost of raw might actually be less and will absolutely be far more nutritious. Many owners also report fewer vet bills due to improved health.
9. Do you deliver raw food?
Yes, we offer insulated shipping with dry ice as needed for online orders inside most of California, local pick up and local delivery for certain areas. Food stays frozen during transit. See instructions at check out for detailed options.
10. Where are your products made?
All products are made in our two central California facilities using USDA-approved meats. The same meats you can buy at your grocery store or butcher for your family. Both locations are licensed and inspected by the California Department of Agriculture, local health departments and/or the USDA.
11. Do you offer sample/taster packs or trial sizes?
Yes, you can purchase a small one-pound size so your pet can “taste” it in small amounts. A transition plan IS required for anything more than a spoonful taste twice a day for a medium size dog. Please contact us for more details. Feeding raw meat generally requires a commitment to the transition plan unless you are switching from another pure raw meat diet.
12. Do you offer subscriptions or auto-ship?
Yes, you can set up recurring monthly deliveries. Subscribers receive discounts. All new subscriptions will start with a transition package, instructions, and a custom schedule to gently introduce your pet to an all-meat diet. Your second month's order will be scheduled to ship after six weeks instead of the normal four weeks to compensate for the lower food consumption during the transition schedule.
13. Can I buy your products in a store?
Our food will be available in select retail locations in Clovis and Fresno in October and/or November 2025. The location will be listed here as soon as dates and contacts are finalized.
14. Is raw feeding messy or difficult?
Not at all. Just follow the instructions provided. Measuring out portions with kitchen scale is recommended to ensure pet are not over/under fed. We suggest you keep opened unused portions in a reusable covered plastic or glass container. Just follow basic hygiene practices, like washing hands and bowls.
15. What if my pet doesn’t like the raw food?
Some pets take time to adjust. We recommend sticking diligently to the transition plan for best results with NO treats or human food. Sometimes changing to once-a-day feeding might be helpful. Please contact us if you have questions.
16. Can I feed raw to both dogs and cats?
Yes, all of our products are appropriate for both cats and dogs. All of our products contain taurine that cats especially need.
17. Do you use fillers, grains, or preservatives?
Never!! Our recipes are 100% meat, bones, and organs with no artificial preservatives or fillers. As a matter of fact, our license from the California Department of Agriculture dictates that we cannot use any fillers, grains, or preservative. That is exactly what we believe and stand by as a company.
18. How is shipping handled in hot weather?
Orders are packed with dry ice as required in insulated boxes to ensure food stays frozen during transit, even in warm climates.