Species appropriate” & “biologically appropriate” food replicates a near natural whole food diet which the species would have found in their natural setting Dogs were believed to be “omnivores” however, scientists have classified them as “facultative carnivores” which means they have all the characteristics that define carnivores both mentally and physically, yet they can eat small amounts of other food stuffs like fruits and vegetables. Their digestive system is almost identical to the wolf. Their diet requires a high proportion of meat including organs and bones in combination with vegetables, fruits and botanicals in order to meet their daily requirement of nutrition. Our product suite is a culmination of the daily recommended nutritional requirements through whole foods suitable for the species and the convenience demands of contemporary society

This is a proprietary slow dehydration and preservation process developed by Right4Paws whereby the total dehydration cycle is split into multiple combinations of 4 factors namely (1) air flow, (2) humidity, (3) temperature, (4) time, which are calibrated to remove targeted amounts of moisture from the fresh ingredients. This process contributes towards preservation of the pet food for long periods of time. It also ensures that the basic characteristics and nutrition of the ingredients are not altered and pet food is 100% natural and chemical preservatives free, requiring no artificial fortification.

Processed Pet Food – Ingredients processed using high temperature & pressure or are cooked, where natural characteristics of the ingredients undergo a change and there is a drop in the availability of natural nutrients. Artificial fortification of nutrition will be required in this case to meet nutrition guidelines as prescribed by AAFCO/FEDIAF (For e.g dry kibble) Natural Pet Food – RAW -Ingredients are available in raw form in this tyoe of food. Although enzymatic activity and bioavailability is the best, risks of pathogens harmful to human beings pose a threat of cross contamination and perishability. Typically, not in line with FEDIAF/ AAFCO recommendations. Cooked – Enzymatic activity is destroyed. While there is no risk of cross contamination, there is a high risk on perishability. Typically, not in line with FEDIAF/ AAFCO recommendations. Minimally processed - The food retains their natural characteristics & nutrition. Artificial fortification may not be required or in certain cases may be depending on technology and ingredients.

Bioavailability describes the extent to which nutrients are actually available for a dog to absorb and use. Bioavailability depends on the food type, as well as other factors like the levels of other nutrients that might be present The bioavailability of processed pet food ingredients is lower than that of ingredients that are minimally processed like our products. For example- processed protein sources will provide 3.5 kcal per gram, whilst the unprocessed equivalent will provide 4 kcal. This equates to an expected 13% increase in fresh/whole foods compared to processed alternatives. This is one of the reasons that explain why minimally processed foods tend to be better for our pets. It’s also common that dogs on the minimally processed food diet have shown improved digestion and decreased poo volumes.

Right4Paws Philosophy is based on the fact that a nutritional supplement is provided to a diet only when there is a lack of a that particular nutrient in comparison to the daily recommended allowance. At Right4Paws we meet the daily dietary requirements through wholefoods. The Marginal shortages in any micro nutrient is met organically through minerals bound to proteins commonly known as "chelates". Chelates offer much higher bio-availability because of their organic form when compared to chemical supplements.

○ ‘Antioxidant’ is a term used to describe nutrients that prevent a process called ‘oxidation’. When oxidation occurs, it causes free radicals. Persistent/repeated damage from the free radicals that are not ‘mopped up’ properly can lead to some cancers, inflammatory diseases and even ageing. ○ Vitamin E, selenium and Vitamin C are well known antioxidants, but a broader variety of antioxidants called Phytonutrients that come from fruits and vegetables are vital in providing optimum protection from oxidation. In kibble foods, 66% of these phytonutrients are lost in the manufacturing process. Since they are not considered ‘essential’ in the regulations, most kibble manufacturers do not consider them necessary to replace, despite their broad benefit to canine health. ○ Our foods contain sources of multiple kinds of antioxidants (Blue berries, Cranberries, Carrots, Mooringa, Whole pumpkin with seeds, Pomegranates, sweet lime, apples and botanical herbs) and since our food is not heated or subjected to pressure, you can be sure that your dog is most certainly getting their 5 a day!

A malliard reaction takes place when proteins and carbohydrates are heated and they bind together in a way that is not natural. This reaction can commonly be caused during the manufacturing of kibble as the ingredients are heated or processed under pressure. Consuming products that have undergone this reaction can lead to an increase chance of inflammatory diseases or cancer in your dog. This issue can be eliminated by using the minimal processing method, making it much better for your pet.

The feeding guide of any food is based on the caloric requirement of the pet for growth and maintenance as recommended by the FEDIAF, AAFCO and NRC guidelines. These recommendations give the minimum and maximum (on certain items) permissible levels of essential nutrients. Therefore, in order to maintain the pet, different foods are fed to them in different quantities. The feeding guide on the Right4Paws pack gives clear guidance on the quantity of food to be fed to the pet, depending upon the weight and activity levels of the pet. The Right4Paws pet food offering is adjusted to deliver the energy required by the pet in such a way that the quantity required to do so is 25% - 35% lesser than other dry-kibble offerings. The second aspect to consider is that whole foods on a dry matter basis are denser in nutrition compared to dry kibble. Our energy sources are predominantly from higher quality ingredients like protein and fat rather than carbohydrates. In Right4Paws pet food, carbohydrates contribute between 5% to 25% of the total energy depending upon the life stage and formulation. Lastly, our whole foods based pet food is 100% natural, because of which it is easy for the body to access nutrition when compared to any dry kibble.