Chow Now Pet Food

I've seen a lot of raw foods - what makes Chow Now different?
My veterinarian says feeding raw food is dangerous.
How do I transition my animal to raw?
How much do I feed?
Why does your label say “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only”?

What else should I feed in addition to Chow Now?
Do we need to supplement?
Where can I buy Chow Now?
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Why are you doing this?

I've seen a lot of raw foods - what makes Chow Now different?
We source our ingredients ourselves - from our local farmers - no middle men. Our lamb is 100% grass fed, chemical free and never experiences time on a feed lot or at auction. Minimal stress means a healthier animal, high in CLA's (conjugated linoleic acid). Our chickens are truly pasture raised, using rotational grazing methods and are chemical free. We refuse to purchase from factory farms or sight unseen. Our produce is all certified organic. We don't mix proteins or include ingredients that are known allergens. We don't include “novel” ingredients for marketing purposes. We produce in small, hand packed batches at production facilities that are human grade and follow all of the applicable HACCP and safe food standards (in fact, we're the only “pet” food made there). Our ingredients are traceable from farm to bowl. And that's just the basics!
My veterinarian says feeding raw food is dangerous.
Properly sourced and prepared raw food is anything but and has been used by holistic vets and animal caregivers for as long as cats and dogs have been domesticated. If you look at the long (unfortunately) list of pet food recalls you'll note a trend - they're all kibble/dry/moist foods and treats and processed canned foods. You may be interested in speaking to another veterinarian who is more knowledgeable about true nutrition - try the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website - www.ahvma.org.
How do I transition my animal to raw?
Transitioning, especially cats, requires patience and perseverance. We recommend starting by mixing in a minute amount of raw food with the animal's regular diet (about the size of a pea). Gradually increase the amount added, while decreasing the old food. Watch your animal's stools during this time and slow the process down if encountering diarrhea or constipation. A period of detoxification is normal, while the body expels toxins (this can manifest in runny eyes, soft stools, skin changes, etc.) The transition phase can take a week or several weeks, as all animals are individuals.

Our raw diets can be cooked, however, that is not how they are intended to be fed long term as full nutrition is achieved through the feeding of raw foods in their natural state. If cooking during transition, please cook lightly in a sauté pan on top of the stove, never in the microwave.

Do not allow your cat to go more than two meals without eating something. If your animal does not take readily to raw - most dogs do - and goes on a “hunger strike,” feel free to use flavor enhancers (during transition) like a small amount of water from canned tuna or their dry kibble crumbled and mixed in. Don't feed treats between meals; a hungry animal is a more receptive animal. Many cats, especially, become addicted to one brand of kibble and need to be weaned off of it and taught to eat real food. Keep in mind that eventually enticements and cooked and processed foods should be phased out.

Raw food should be kept frozen and thawed in the refrigerator. It can take 24 hours to thaw in the fridge, so plan accordingly. Defrosted raw food has a refrigerator shelf life of three to five days. The food should be served at room temperature. This can be easily achieved by mixing in a small amount of hot water (not too hot and not too much as you don't want to “cook” the meal). It's best to feed in stainless steel or glass bowls.

What your animal doesn't eat within 20 minutes (usually not a problem) should be immediately refrigerated or discarded. Bowls should be washed in hot, soapy water and left to air dry.
How much do I feed?
The general rule is that a cat or dog should be fed 2-3% of its total body weight per day, divided between two meals. The 2% amount is if slow weight loss is desired, 2.5% is for maintenance and 3% is for slight weight gain. For example, a 10-lb.(160 ozs.) cat that should maintain its weight would be fed 1/2 cup (or 4 ozs. total) per day (160 ozs. x .025 = 4 ozs.).

Monitor your animal's size and adjust accordingly, activity levels and metabolism differ greatly.
Why does your label say “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only”?
We don't add in vitamin or mineral mixes to meet AAFCO's “complete and balanced” diet requirements. We don't believe that any ONE food can be truly “complete and balanced.” We believe that true nutrition comes from a varied, whole foods based diet.
What else should I feed in addition to Chow Now?
First, you don't have to add anything. But we believe in variety and would encourage it. We're constantly working on new formulations to cover an even wider spectrum of whole foods - stay tuned for new releases. That said, there are many choices to complement your animal's diet if there are no intolerances. Try wild Alaskan salmon a couple of times a week (lightly cooked, unless you purchase sushi grade). Canned sardines in olive oil or water. Whole eggs, raw, with the shell finely ground (be sure from a safe source). A small amount of local, raw honey (not for diabetics). Raw, organically grown fruits and veggies, in small amounts. Raw almonds and walnuts, in small amounts. Don't feed: any processed human foods, grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts (for a more comprehensive list, see the ASPCA's website).
Do we need to supplement?
Not unless there's a specific need. And that should be determined by a holistic veterinarian.
Where can I buy Chow Now?
Please look at our retail listing on our home page. If we're not in a store convenient to you, let us know where you'd like to find us.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Contact us, for futher information.
Why are you doing this?
We truly love animals and want to revolutionize the “pet food industry”. We hate to see animals suffering needlessly and it's time to take a stand. “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete” - Buckminster Fuller