Here at Cotswold RAW, we want what is best for our dogs. The result is a easy solution for raw feeders and those making the switch from dry food with a product that not only tastes great, but is a complete and balanced meal in a convenient format. So, how do we carefully craft your dog’s meals to make sure that what they receive is complete and balanced?
Meat
Meat is the primary and species-appropriate food for a dog. Muscle meat contains all the essential amino acids necessary for dogs of all ages. Meat contains a range of bioactive compounds that are much harder to source in the plant kingdom. E.g. glutathione, L-carnitine, co-enzyme Q10. It also contains compounds that do not exist in plants, such as taurine, creatine, carnosine and angiotensin. A high proportion of fresh meat in the diets meets a dog’s protein and fat requirements. Protein enables dogs to form healthy organ systems, a strong immune system, and supports muscle growth and maintenance. Dispensable amino acids from protein metabolism provide nitrogen, used for making compounds essential to life, including but not limited to hormones and neurotransmitters.
Proteins we offer: chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, tripe, duck, rabbit, venison, wild boar, pheasant.
Bone
Bones are an excellent source of calcium, which is an essential mineral in blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission, as well as supporting healthy teeth and bones. Another important mineral provided by bones is magnesium, which plays a vital role in the stability of muscle and nerve cell membranes, secretion of hormones and the mineral structure of teeth. Magnesium also helps prevent tooth decay by binding calcium to the enamel. The bone and cartilage in a raw diet provide a wonderful source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which supports your dog’s joints through maintaining the fluidity and elasticity of the cartilage.
Organ Meat
Organ meats are considered nutritional powerhouses, packed full of vitamins and minerals. There are two types of organ meat, those considered ‘muscle’ such as heart organ meat, or ‘secreting’ organs such as liver and kidney. Muscle organ meat can be used liberally, whereas secreting organs should only be used in small amounts due to the huge quantity of vitamins and minerals. Secreting organs should make up 10-15% of the diet in total.
We use beef offal in all our complete meals to ensure they meet the nutritional profiles required by FEDIAF standards to be ‘a complete and balanced meal.’ Beef offal contains high levels of taurine and B vitamins such as: B1, B2, B6 and B12 as well as the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Organ meats have some of the highest concentrations of naturally occurring vitamin D of any food source. They also contain the essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Beef heart contains selenium, phosphorus and zinc, along with essential amino acids that help build muscle, store energy and boost stamina and endurance. Organ meats are also densely packed with minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and iodine, so are used sparingly.
Vegetables
We believe in including fresh vegetables in their diet for a variety of reasons. Plants can provide some harder to find vitamins and minerals such as manganese, iodine, magnesium, folic acid and vitamin K. Raw diets without vegetables have been found to be low in potassium, manganese, folic acid and vitamin K.
Vegetables are also an excellent source of fibre. First of all, it is worth mentioning the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps slow down digestion and can aid with firming up stools following a bought of diarrhoea. Whereas insoluble fibre adds bulk to stool and aids in reduction of constipation by speeding the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Soluble fibre helps provide these beneficial bacteria with food, increases host satiety, and helps with diarrhoea. It encourages a slower percolation of sugars into the bloodstream, lowering blood glucose levels and keeping them consistent.
Herbs
A sprinkle of our herbal ‘Butcher’s Blend’ really packs a punch. Herbs are packed with antioxidants, fill in potential nutritional gaps and enhance the meal.
We include:
Kelp – Rich in vitamins and minerals, and has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. The mix of iodine and minerals in kelp makes it an ideal supplement to help keep your pet’s glandular system in optimum condition, making it an excellent supplement for the thyroid.
Dandelion – Good for allergies, has anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural diuretic. Dandelion is one of the richest green vegetable sources of β-carotene, from which dogs can convert to Vitamin A. It is also particularly rich in fibre, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, B vitamins (especially thiamine and riboflavin).
Milk Thistle – Can be used to support liver health. Contains silymarin –an antioxidant that aids in the control of inflammation.
Alfalfa – Rich in nutrients and minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium and carotene. Nourishes the digestive, skeletal, glandular, and urinary systems alfalfa is known for its anti-oxidant properties.
Nettle Leaf – Natural diuretic. Pain relief for arthritis/joint ailments, muscles. This rich source of phytonutrients (such as chlorophyll, sterols, polyphenols, lignans and gallic acid) has long been used for its positive benefits to the body. Nettle is good for the skin and coat condition, as well as circulation and kidney function.
Turmeric – Provides a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Digestive efficiency is maintained as turmeric supports naturally occurring microflora in the gut, promoting the dog’s natural defence mechanisms against pathogens. Turmeric is also known to provide liver support, help prevent cancer and improves joint conditions.
Extra Goodies
Cold Milled Flax seed – Rich in the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 helps keep your dog’s skin moisturised and its coat shiny. Flaxseed is also a source of fibre. Our UK supplier produces fresh top quality flaxseed products, in a controlled environment free from allergens.
Egg – Eggs host numerous benefits, they can promote good skin health and coat condition, boost metabolism, assist with growth and support immune function. Eggs are an easily digestible, complete protein.
Cotswold Joint Care – Used in our 70/30 enhanced range, to provide an extra boost to older pets. This supports the regeneration of cartilage and synovial fluid, maintaining flexibility of movement in dogs of all ages. Glucosamine forms all of the major cushioning ingredients of joint fluids and surrounding tissues; chondroitin is found naturally in the body and is important in maintaining elasticity of many types of body tissue; MSM supports the formation of collagen and works well with glucosamine. Hyaluronan cushions joints and joints and hydrates skin and hair.
Diaturm – Used in our 80/20 puppy meals. A natural supplement with organic turmeric, freshwater food-grade diatomaceous earth and camomile, widely used for the natural support of intestinal health and maintenance of a hygienic gut. Diatomaceous earth is packed with minerals and helps detox the gut. It has a gritty texture which helps tackle parasite burdens, alongside other prevention methods, by piercing the body of parasites (killing them) and providing some abrasion to remove eggs.
Looking to enhance your pet’s diet? Take a look at Cotswold RAW’s range of raw dog food and raw cat food, including raw meaty bones, dried treats, and puppy food.