Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Once Were Wolves FAQs, where we answer all your questions about providing your pets with the natural, raw diet they were evolved to eat.
Discover how our BARF diet, tailored specifically for dogs and cats, supports their health and well-being by mimicking the nutrition of their wild ancestors.
Have a question not covered by our FAQs?
Please email us at hello@oncewerewolves.com.au for personalised support.
Raw Diets Generally
A raw diet typically consists of raw meat, bones, offal, and fresh vegetables for dogs, and raw meat, bones, and offal for cats, mimicking their natural diet in the wild.
Benefits can include improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy levels, better dental health, and overall enhanced well-being.
Yes, a properly balanced raw diet is safe for most dogs and cats. It's important to source high-quality ingredients and follow food safety guidelines. Just like humans, the needs of individual pets will vary, therefore it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns regarding your specific pet.
Using human-grade ingredients and following proper food handling practices minimizes the risk of bacteria and parasites.
That our production facility is a human-grade butchery provides the best assurance of food safety.
Remember to wash your hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw food.
Our BARF recipes are delivered fresh and sealed in cryovac bags, which means they can generally be kept sealed in the fridge for up to three weeks (two weeks for chicken recipes).
Once opened, the contents of each bag should be used within 5 days, but only up to the maximum total of twenty-one (21) days from delivery (fourteen for chicken recipes).
Our bulk pet food and bones are delivered frozen, so they should be stored in the freezer and thawed in the refrigerator before serving. Keep them refrigerated and use within a few days once thawed.
The greatest benefit of the BARF diet is that it typically provides all necessary nutrients for your dog or cat. However, specific needs can vary, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian regarding your pet's specific needs.
Signs of thriving include a shiny coat, healthy skin, good energy levels, normal stools, and overall good health.
Your pet should be monitored for behavioural changes, such as an unexpected increase in the amount of grass they consume.
Regular veterinary check-ups are important and especially when major dietary changes have been implemented.
Transitioning to a Raw Diet
It is best practice to gradually introduce raw food by mixing it with your pet's current food, increasing the raw portion (and proportionately decreasing the old food portion) over 7 days until fully transitioned.
Our feeding guide offers very clear guidelines on how much of our BARF recipes should be fed to your pets, based on their weight.
Typically, dogs should eat 2-3% of their body weight per day, and cats around 2-4% of their body weight per day, divided into two meals.
The sizes of our daily meal portions have been calculated using these recommended proportions, for average adults pets.
Adjustments may need to be made based on your pet's activity level and metabolism. For these specific requirements, see the next few FAQ.
Some pet owners mix raw food with kibble. Whilst this is considered safe, it is not generally required when following a BARF diet, and it's best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure your pet's diet remains balanced.
It's common for pets to be cautious when trying new foods, including the BARF diet. The different smells and textures may be unfamiliar.
To encourage them, start by mixing a small amount of the BARF recipe with their current food, gradually increasing the amount over several days.
You can also try warming the food slightly or adding a favourite treat, like a spoonful of plain yogurt or cheese, to make it more appealing.
Additionally, some pets might prefer cooked food or find the richness of the BARF diet overwhelming. In these cases, lightly searing the meat or offering smaller portions might help them adjust.
If your pet continues to show little interest, it's important to consider other factors. A sudden change in appetite could indicate an underlying health issue, so consulting your veterinarian is a good idea to rule out any medical concerns.
Patience is key when transitioning to a new diet, and it may take up to two weeks (or longer for fussier eaters) for your pet to fully adapt. If your pet still isn’t interested after trying these methods, it may be necessary to explore alternative diets or seek further advice from your vet to determine if there is an underlying health issue.
Specific Needs
Yes, puppies and kittens can eat a raw diet, but it's crucial to ensure it is balanced and meets their specific nutritional needs for growth and development. It is always advisable to seek veterinary advice for the individual needs of your specific pet.
Unless your pet is extremely active every day, we recommend purchasing from the lower weight range and supplementing with raw meaty bones such as raw brisket bones for breakfast each morning. Check out our selection of dog bones select suitable options.
The recommended daily intake for a dog (2-3% of body weight per day) can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, and metabolism. Here are some guidelines:
- Puppies and young dogs: Closer to 3% or even higher due to their rapid growth and high energy needs.
- Active or working dogs: Around 2.5-3% of their body weight.
- Adult or less active dogs: Around 2-2.5% of their body weight.
- Senior or overweight dogs: Closer to 2% of their body weight.
The recommended daily intake for cats (2-4% of their body weight per day) can vary depending on the cat's age, activity level, and overall health. Here are some guidelines:
- Active or young cats: Closer to 4% of their body weight.
- Adult or less active cats: Around 2-3% of their body weight.
- Senior or overweight cats: Closer to 2% of their body weight.
It's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the precise amount of food required for your specific pet's needs.
Our products are made with high-quality, natural ingredients which means they should be suitable for pets with various health conditions, but we strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian before introducing any new food, especially if your pet has specific dietary requirements.
The ingredients used in each of our recipes are listed in the product description on our website.
If your pet has an adverse reaction to our product, stop feeding it immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Feeding Raw Bones
Yes, adding raw bones to your dog's BARF diet is beneficial as they provide essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for healthy teeth, bones, and overall well-being. They also help to keep your dog's teeth clean and strengthen jaw muscles.
When adding bones, you may need to adjust the serve sizes of the raw food to maintain a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. For example, if your dog receives a bone as a snack, you should try to observe how much of the bone has been consumed between each feed and reduce the amount of raw food given accordingly.
Raw, meaty bones are safe for dogs and provide significant health benefits. Examples include chicken necks, wings, and thighs, beef neck bones, and lamb ribs. You can browse our range of bones here. All our bones are available on a subscription basis, so you'll never run our of treats!
IMPORTANT: Never feed cooked bones to your pets, as they can splinter into dangerously sharp pieces.
It is generally recommended to feed bones to your dog 2-3 times a week. This ensures they receive the nutritional benefits without the risk of overfeeding, which can lead to constipation or other digestive issues.
While raw bones are generally safe, there are a few risks to be aware of. Always supervise your dog while they are eating bones to prevent choking. If your dog is overly enthusiastic or eats bones too fast, they may become a choke risk or cause damage to their teeth. Feed smaller bones if in doubt.
Additionally, make sure the bones are appropriately sized for your dog to avoid any swallowing hazards. If purchasing for chewing, ensure the marrow bones are appropriate for the size of your pet.
If your dog experiences constipation, try reducing the number of bones or feeding bones with higher meat content. For diarrhoea, ensure the bones are fresh and reduce the quantity. If problems persist, consult your veterinarian for advice.