Beef
Beef is a popular protein for both dogs and cats for its palatability. It is a lean red meat with a lower percentage of protein comparatively, but is also a rich natural source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12. It is a great meat to feed in rotation with other proteins. Also of note, grass-fed bovine meat has been found to provide more nutritional benefits than animals whose diet consists of grain: their meat contains higher concentrations of omega 3 fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Turkey
Turkey is a great option for pets who have shown a sensitivity to chicken. It is a lean meat and is low in fat, low in sodium and high in protein. It is a good source of folic acid, vitamins B, B1, B6, as well as zinc and potassium, aiding in nerve function and growth, regulating blood pressure, assisting the healing process and boosting the immune system. Turkey is great choice for overweight or older pets.
Pork
Pork, considered a lean red meat, is a safe, fantastically rich and easily digestible source of protein. It contains large amounts of zinc, iron, thiamin and B vitamins. Pork meat also contains considerable amounts of essential fatty acids, necessary for energy production and skin health.
Duck
Duck is a novel protein, making it a great choice for sensitive or allergic pets. It’s an excellent source of iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper and selenium and is rich in essential fatty acids. Duck also contains smaller amounts of magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, C and E, as well as folic acid.
Chicken
Chicken is a great starting meat for pets transitioning to a raw diet. It is highly palatable and an excellent source of protein and niacin (niacin is an important B vitamin that helps protect the body from disease and supports cognitive function, digestion and the nervous system), with smaller amounts of zinc and iron.
Rabbit
Rabbit is another lean protein; lower in fat and cholesterol than most other proteins, it produces light colored, fine grained meat. It is often a good substitute for poultry meat in sensitive and allergic animals because of its novelty. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has shown that domestic rabbit meat is the most nutritious meat known to man!
Venison
Venison is high in protein and is lower in saturated fat than other proteins. It is high in iron, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6. Another novel protein, it’s a great choice for those dogs and cats that prefer red meats, but can’t tolerate beef. From what we’ve seen, those who like venison, just can’t get enough of it! Also of note, grass-fed venison meat has been found to provide more nutritional benefits than animals whose diet consists of grain: their meat contains higher concentrations of omega 3 fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Rabbit, Chicken, Turkey & Duck Heart
While we think of the heart as an organ, it is actually more accurately a muscle meat. Heart is both high in protein, high in thiamin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, phosphorus and a good source of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, iron and selenium.
Beef, Venison & Pork Heart
With very concentrated levels of CoQ10 and B vitamins, beef, venison and pork heart helps burn fat, store energy, boost endurance and protect the body from disease. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is present in every cell of the body and is essential for energy production: a little beef and venison heart goes a long way!
Horse
Horse is a great alternative for pets who have a beef intolerance but love red meat. It is leaner than beef meat but has double the amount of iron. It also contains substantially more vitamin B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids! Take that beef!
Kangaroo
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, zinc, iron and valuable B-group vitamins - when it comes to high quality protein, kangaroo is at the top of the list. Our kangaroo is wild caught in their own environment, meaning they are never exposed to human intervention, antibiotics, added growth hormones or chemicals. With less than 2% fat, kangaroo is a highly nutritious lean meat, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, kangaroo is considered to be a novel protein great for pets with protein sensitivities.
Liver
Liver is an essential organ for any balanced raw diet and is a fantastic source of both vitamin A and iron: naturally occurring vitamin A is essential for digestion and is a powerful antioxidant and iron is necessary for many bodily functions such as brain development, regulation of body temperature and muscle development.
Kidney
Organ meats have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals key to maintaining organ, immune system and digestive function. Kidney in particular is high in protein, vitamin C and zinc and a good source of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, iron, phosphorus and copper. And despite popular belief, organ meats are also a brilliant source of omega fatty acids including both EPA & DHA.
Carrots
Carrots are a super food! They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber and are an exceptionally rich source of carotenes and vitamin-A: carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver and helps the body maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth and gums.
Swiss Chard
Oh swiss chard, just like spinach, you are the storehouse of many important phytonutrients including both lutein, zeaxanthin and flavonoids; phytonutrients provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Chard is also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin A.
Blueberries
These berries are extremely rich in antioxidants necessary for protecting cells in the body from damage and preventing disease. Blueberries in particular contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable we know of. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C and soluble fibre.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a brilliant source of fibre, known to boost the efficiency of the digestive system and provide protection for pancreatic cells. Research has shown that pureed pumpkin can successfully promote the regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats. Often recommended as a supplement for both bouts of constipation and diarrhea, pumpkin helps keep things moving along the digestive tract and works to bulk up stool.
Kale
Another dark leafy green with an impressive concentration of nutrients that both strengthen the immune system and help fight viruses and bacteria: kale has more iron than beef, more calcium than milk and more vitamin A than carrots! An excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin K and vitamin D.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has important antiseptic properties that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses in the digestive tract. And unlike antibiotics, apple cider vinegar does not interfere with the body’s beneficial bacteria but protects it by supporting the immune system. Commonly reported benefits of apple cider include improvements in skin and coat condition (less itching and scratching), eliminates tear stains, improves joint health, and is a natural flea deterrent!
Apples
Apples are a great source of soluble fibre and are rich in antioxidants. These phytonutrients help the body protect its cells from the damage of free radicals, which are suspected as being involved in the aging process and some diseases. Recent research has shown that the antioxidants found in apples and other brightly coloured fruit (polyphenols) can extend the average lifespan in various animals.
Dandelion
Far from being a mere 'weed', dandelions contain many anti-inflammatory properties, are high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, are rich in iron and loaded with antioxidants. And they contain more protein than spinach!
Cranberries
There is more to ruby red cranberries than meets the eye. While rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (bioflavonoids), research has shown that cranberries also contain various important anti-adhesion properties: proanthocyanidins (PACs), naturally occurring compounds found in both cranberries and blueberries, inhibit the adhesion of infection-causing E. coli bacteria, one of the main culprits in the development of periodontal gum disease and urinary tract infections.