Over the life of your companion animal, food and nutrition will be the Number 1 investment you will make and it will be the Number 1 impact you have on your dog or cat.

The old cliché you are what you eat is also true about your dog or cat. The proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that a dog or cat ingests will be digested and metabolized into the energy that will serve as the building block of their lives. Concurrently, any hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, coloring agents, flavoring agents, etc that are present in the meats and products of commercially produced pet foods are also ingested and absorbed by your dog or cat's body. For the health and longevity of your companion animal, it is important to feed a fresh, natural, biologically appropriate diet. A balanced raw diet is just that.  

A raw diet is a commitment and realization diet. You are "telling" your companion animal that nutrition is important and you appreciate that he or she is a living breathing organism with biological needs. You realize, food is not just another purchase. You realize, just because it is a "dog" or "cat" doesn't mean you can just feed s/he the cheapest lowest form of food and s/he will be fine. You realize, a dog or cat is no less of a biological organism than you or me. You are committed to looking past your own inhibitions and beliefs about "dog food" or "cat food" and exploring the truly natural diet of a dog or cat.   

A raw diet will force you to think about the food that your dog or cat will ingest. It forces you to be conscious about the types of meats and vegetables you feed, what they look like, where they originate, how they are processed, and how long they stay fresh. You will create a deeper connection with your four-legged friend because of their most basic biological need- food.

If you are ready to make a commitment to your companion animal, then continue to explore each tab on this page. Then, visit The Big Biscuit or call for an in-depth conversation about your dog or cat's diet.

Why a Meat Based Diet

Your dog is a living, breathing, biological being with certain physiological needs that are much different from our own. Dogs are facultative carnivores not omnivores like us, so their dietary requirements are different from our diet. Omnivores can process diets that are equal in plant and meat tissue for their biological needs. A carnivore needs to rely on a predominantly animal tissue diet to meet its biological needs. A dog could be considered a facultative carnivore, they have the ability to digest plant tissue but their digestive anatomy and physiology has evolved to digest a diet that consists mostly of animal tissue ⁽¹⁾. This is a sharp contrast to most of the commercial diets available to dog owners. Most are plant tissue based and rely on starches for the bulk of their volume. Let’s explore the evidence for the carnivore classification.

The jaw and teeth structure of a dog is indicative of a carnivore’s mouth. They have large canines for holding and tearing prey, premolars shaped to hold, shear, and carry meat, and molars for ripping. The dog’s jaw (the exception are dogs that have been specifically bred with short-flat muzzles) is elongated with muscle tissue that aids in producing a very strong bite force in excess of 500 lbs/in²⁽²⁾. The jaw is hinged to move up and down, lateral movement is not possible, which allows the dog to retain a struggling prey item in its jaws.

Lateral movement in an omnivore and herbivore allows for the complete mastication of plant tissue by the molars. This aids in the enzymatic digestion of plant tissue by increasing tissue surface area. Dogs did not evolve this ability indicating that historically they did not predominantly feed on plant tissue. The jaw structure, muscle structure, and jaw movement is an indication that the dog has evolved the means to ingest a diet composed of primarily animal tissue not plant tissue.

Further evidence supporting the facultative carnivore status of a dog is the lack of the enzyme amylase in their saliva.⁽³⁾ In omnivores that consume starchy foods e.g. humans, amylase is present in the saliva. Salivary amylase begins the digestion of starches prior to stomach digestion and is further facilitated by the lateral mastication of an omnivore’s jaw movement. However, without amylase present in the saliva of the carnivorous dog, pancreatic amylase secreted into the small intestine is the sole means of starch digestion by the dog. There is insufficient evidence to comment on the long term stress this may pose to the pancreas of a dog fed a starch based diet. However, in comparison to an omnivore, it is an indication that dogs may not have evolved under the conditions of a diet primarily consisting of starches.

The dog’s lower digestive tract size, structure, and function support the classification of facultative carnivore. Dogs possess a relatively short digestive tract to body size in comparison to an omnivore. It requires a highly digestible meal in a short period of time due to its relative length. Animal tissue compared to plant tissue is easily digestible in terms of time required and digestive resources needed by the body.

The stomach of a dog can expand considerably to ingest a large single meal⁽⁴⁾ typical of a hunting carnivore in comparison to an omnivore that will consume smaller regular meals. The stomach pH, also exhibits traits of a carnivore. During digestion it can reach a relatively low pH of 2 in comparison to some omnivores that reach a pH of 4. Thus, creating the proper environment for enzymes to break down proteins ⁽⁴⁾ and possibly inhibiting the bacterial growth of the non-lactic acid based bacteria present in raw tissue.

The pancreas of a dog is also adapted to the diet of a carnivore. Being a carnivore requires the ingestion of raw meat, which may contain harmful bacteria. The pancreas has adapted by secreting an antibacterial protein that inhibits the growth of Escherichia colli., Shigella, Salmonella, and Klebsiella in the small intestine⁽⁴⁾. This adaptation shields the body from harmful bacteria culturing in the intestinal system.

We have addressed several traits of the dog’s GI tract are indicative of a carnivore based diet. There is other evidence that the GI system is adapted to digesting a meat based diet that is not discussed here. Feel free to explore the resource section for further reading.    

Literature

(1)Feldhamer, G.A. 1999. Mammology: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology. McGraw-Hill.

(2)Ellis, J.L., J. Thomason, E. Kebreab, K. Zubair,  and J. France. 2009. Cranial dimensions and forces of biting in the domestic dog. Journal of Anatomy 214(3): 362-373.

(3) Hiatt, N. 1961. Investigation of the Role of the Small Intestine in the Maintenance of Serum Amylase. Annals of Surgery. 154(5): 864-873

(4)Rubenstein, E.Z., M.J. Haspel, G.Ben-Ari, z. Dreznik, D. Mirelman, and A. Tadmor. 1985. Antibacterial activity of pancratic fluid. Gastroenterol. 88:927-932

Why Raw?

In the last section, we explained some of the evidence supporting the carnivore classification of a dog. The result, a dog should eat a diet primarily comprised of animal tissue. But Why Raw? Here are the primary reasons to go raw:

*Evolutionary History

Over the entire evolution of the dog- The Dog Has Never Cooked Its Food. Physiologically, they have evolved under the conditions of consuming raw foods. This is very different from humans. Humans have evolved under the conditions of consuming cooked foods. It’s actually what “makes” us human. We are the only species that has ever cooked its food. Dogs do not.

Ancestral canids began their evolutionary divergence 10 MYA and continued to evolve until the divergence of the wolf ~ 1 MYA and the modern wolf 300 KYA, and the dog 40 KYA. During this evolution, cooked foods were never part of their diet. If we accept the prevailing theory that dogs became closely associated with humans ~ 14,000 years ago, then dogs have only been associated with human cooked foods for ~14,000 years, and one could assume only on an intermittent basis. Meaning there was probably not a major shift from raw to cooked foods; dogs still scavenged, consumed scrapes of human kills, and their own kills. Dogs only began consuming cooked foods on almost a ubiquitous basis after World War Two or 1945. This period in time corresponds with the emergence of commercially produced grain based dog foods. That is only ~65 years, or 0.4% of the time since dogs became associated with humans or 0.1% of the time since the emergence of the dog on the evolutionary time line. It doesn’t seem plausible that dogs require cooked foods, when for most of their evolutionary history cooked foods were not part of their diet.  

*The reason we start with a brief evolutionary timeline of the dog is import. Many veterinary professionals, pet organizations, and commercial dog food companies will point to the lack of evidence within the scientific literature in support of raw diets. They use this as their argument to support processed dog food. The Big Biscuit disagrees with this assessment. We argue that the evolutionary history and life history of a dog and their closest relative the wolf is supporting evidence for the raw diet. The dog did not develop in a vacuum; it has an entire evolutionary history that can not be ignored.    

Nutritional Components

Dry and canned diets are processed resulting in the need for synthetic additives like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids to provide for the essential nutrients a dog needs. By relying on synthetic additives to balance a diet, we are assuming we understand the full spectrum of nutritional needs of a dog. We are assuming we have dissected all the elements of food that nature has intended our furry friends to eat. Then, we reconstruct them in a modified biologically available form in the proper proportions that can sufficiently support a dog’s nutritional requirement. That’s a tall order, even for the best of nutritional science.

Nutritional science for pet companions has come a long way since the first introduction of processed dry kibble, but it is no substitute for Mother Nature. For example, taurine is an essential amino acid for dogs and cats that is naturally derived from unprocessed animal tissue. The highly processed nature of many commercial diets results in little or no taurine in the food. Compounding this problem is most commercially based diets add little or no taurine, because it is not a required nutritional additive as defined by AAFCO; the governing body of feed regulations. Thus the lack of taurine in commercial diets can result in taurine deficiencies leading to diseases such as cardiomyopathy. By putting faith in nutritional science and its ability to reconstruct the natural diet of dogs with highly processed food elements, essential nutritional elements of a dog's diet may be lost resulting in adverse health effects.    

 Essential Amino Acid Availability

Cooking alters the biological availability of essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of life; you, me, every dog, cat, and organism needs protein. There are essential amino acids that each organism needs and each organism has its own list of essential amino acids.

An amino acid is considered essential for a dog when a dog cannot manufacture the amino acid in its liver; it must obtain the amino acid from its food. Of the 22 amino acids, 10 are essential for dogs: Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenyalanine, Taurine*, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine. These amino acids play a role in immune system support, pain control, digestion, appetite control, energy use, mood, and cardio-vascular support. When exposed to heat, proteins are denatured, i.e. amino acids are altered rendering them biologically unavailable or decreasing their overall availability. Availability refers to the body’s ability to utilize the amino acid. A short supply of essential amino acids causes the body to consume its own muscle tissue to meet its demand for amino acids. By cooking food we are decreasing the availability of essential amino acids and stressing the dog’s body to compensate.

*There is evidence that dogs can synthesize Taurine, but not to levels necessary for their physiological needs.  

Essential Fatty Acids Availability

Fatty acids are the by-products of the break down of fats and are considered “good fats” and can provide energy to most types of cells in a dog’s body. Fatty acids aid in oxygen transport, cell development, skin health, and overall tissue and organ health. Like amino acids there are several types of fatty acids and some are essential.

There are two primary types of fatty acids, Omega 6 and Omega 3. Most dog foods lack a sufficient amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. However, not all Omega 3 fatty acids are made equal. There are three Omega 3 acids, Alph-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For dogs, EPA and DHA are essential. Evidence shows that an increase of heat and duration of exposure causes the loss of DHA rendering it unavailable for biological use.  Fatty acid deficiencies lead to dull, dry, and scaly coats, and inflammatory skin such as flea allergy dermatitis or oily skin.  

Literature

Cramer, K. R., M.W. Greenwood, J.S. Moritz, R.S. Beyer, and C.M. Parsons. 2007. Protein quality of various raw and rendered by-product meals commonly incorporated into companion animal diets. Journal of Animal Science.

Delaney, S.J., P. H. Kass, Q. R. Rogers, and A. J. Fascetti. 2003. Plasma and whole blood taurine in normal dogs of varying size fed commercially prepared food. 2003. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 87(5-6): 236-244.

Fascetti, A.J., J.R. Reed, Q.R. Rogers, and R.C. Backus. 2003. Taurine deficiency in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: 12 cases (1997–2001). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(8):1137-1141   

Gribbin, John, and Jeremy Cherfas. 2001. The first chimpanzee: In search of human origins. Penguin Books

Leakey, R. E. 1994. The Origin of Humankind. Basic Books.

Leonard, Jennifer A., Robert K. Wayne, Jane Wheeler, Raúl Valadez, Sonia Guillén, Carles Vilà. 2002. Ancient DNA Evidence for Old World Origin of New World Dogs. Science, 298(5598): 1613-1616

Mech, L.D, and L. Boitani. 2003. Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. University of Chicago Press

Morgan, A.G., and  G.E. Kern. 1934. The effect of heat upon the biological value of meat protein. The Journal of Nutrition, 7(4):367-379

Tele, M.C. 2006. Omega 3 Fatty Acid Research. Nova Science Publishers, INC.

Watson, T. D. G. 1998. Diet and Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats. The Journal of Nutrition, 128(12): 2783-2789

Literature

Cramer, K. R., M.W. Greenwood, J.S. Moritz, R.S. Beyer, and C.M. Parsons. 2007. Protein quality of various raw and rendered by-product meals commonly incorporated into companion animal diets. Journal of Animal Science.

Delaney, S.J., P. H. Kass, Q. R. Rogers, and A. J. Fascetti. 2003. Plasma and whole blood taurine in normal dogs of varying size fed commercially prepared food. 2003. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 87(5-6): 236-244.

Ellis, J.L., J. Thomason, E. Kebreab, K. Zubair,  and J. France. 2009. Cranial dimensions and forces of biting in the domestic dog. Journal of Anatomy 214(3): 362-373.

Fascetti, A.J., J.R. Reed, Q.R. Rogers, and R.C. Backus. 2003. Taurine deficiency in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: 12 cases (1997–2001). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(8):1137-1141   

Feldhamer, G.A. 1999. Mammology: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology. McGraw-Hill.

Gribbin, John, and Jeremy Cherfas. 2001. The first chimpanzee: In search of human origins. Penguin Books

Hiatt, N. 1961. Investigation of the Role of the Small Intestine in the Maintenance of Serum Amylase. Annals of Surgery. 154(5): 864-873

Leakey, R. E. 1994. The Origin of Humankind. Basic Books.

Leonard, Jennifer A., Robert K. Wayne, Jane Wheeler, Raúl Valadez, Sonia Guillén, Carles Vilà. 2002. Ancient DNA Evidence for Old World Origin of New World Dogs. Science, 298(5598): 1613-1616

Mech, L.D, and L. Boitani. 2003. Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. University of Chicago Press

Morgan, A.G., and  G.E. Kern. 1934. The effect of heat upon the biological value of meat protein. The Journal of Nutrition, 7(4):367-379

Rodriguez, A.,P. Pangloli, H. Richards, J.R. Mount, F.A. Draughon. 2006. Prevalence of Salmonella in Diverse Environmental Farm Samples . The Journal of Food Protection, 69(5): 2576-2580

Rubenstein, E.Z., M.J. Haspel, G.Ben-Ari, z. Dreznik, D. Mirelman, and A. Tadmor. 1985. Antibacterial activity of pancratic fluid. Gastroenterol. 88:927-932

Tele, M.C. 2006. Omega 3 Fatty Acid Research. Nova Science Publishers, INC.

Watson, T. D. G. 1998. Diet and Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats. The Journal of Nutrition, 128(12): 2783-2789

How much Victory Dog Food^tm raw food should I feed my dog?

Please visit the Feeding Guide for information on this topic.

 

How do I change my dog to a raw diet?

To begin:  Add a small amount of the new food to their existing diet.  Increase the proportion of new food daily while decreasing the amount of old food.  In a week to ten days you should be totally switched to the new food. 

Always present the new food with a happy, positive attitude.  Don't worry.  Your pet is genetically programmed to follow the leader on what is o.k. to eat; if you are reluctant, they will be too!

Visit our Transition Guide for more information

 

I just switched to Victory Dog Food^tm and my dog seems to be eating a lot more than he used to.  Is this normal?

You may notice that initially your dog will want a great deal more to eat than in the past.  This is because they are making up for a previous lack in nutrition.  This need will taper off and they will likely need less raw than commercial food.

You may notice loose stools initially.  This may not happen, but if it does it's normal and shouldn't persist for more than a few days.  Once commercial food is eliminated, rarely some dogs will show signs of detoxification.  The intensity of symptoms may vary.  These include discharges, pimples and rashes, bad breath, dirty ears, and body odor.  These signs, although upsetting, usually mean a cleansing is taking place and should cease within a few days or weeks.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

How soon after switching to Victory Dog Food^tm will I see improvements in my dog's health?

You should start seeing some improvement immediately.  Within a month of switching to Victory's raw food the improvements will be dramatic.  You won't believe the changes in your dog! 

 

Is raw meat safe?

If properly inspected, handled and prepared, yes it is.  Victory Pet's ingredients are fresher than those you would find in the grocery store. Humans eat certain raw meats from time to time with no ill effects.  However, dogs are not just furry little people.  Their digestive systems are actually quite different from ours.  Dogs in the wild wouldn't have access to cooked food and their digestion has evolved accordingly.  Their digestive system is quite short and acidic, making it ill-suited to bacterial growth that would make the dog sick. 

Just remember that this is raw meat and should be handled just as you would handle your own meat for dinner.  Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw meat and dispose of any uneaten portions promptly.

 

What about Salmonella poisoning?

Dogs have relatively short digestive tracts compared to body size, which allows food to pass through quickly. This minimizes the resident time of bacteria in the digestive tract decreasing the ability for bacteria to culture. Dogs also produce an antimicrobial protein within their pancreas that has a bacterialcidal affect on E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, and Klebsiella (see Rubenstein et al. 1985, under the Research Tab). The overall incidences of Salmonella contamination are lower in pasture fed animal meats than non pasture fed (See Rodriguez et al. 2006, under the Research Tab). The meats used in Victory diets originate from pasture fed animals.

Why is USDA inspection so important?

There are a number of diseases which can be transmitted between animal species as well as from animals to humans.  So USDA inspection is important for the health and safety of all members of your family, human and animal.

 

Is a raw diet expensive?

Cost is all relative. Raw diets do cost more than your average processed diet, but that is because those diets are comprised of inferior products, by-products of human food processing plants, synthetic products, and/or cheap grains like corn, wheat, rice, and potato.

Compared to other raw diets on the market, Victory Pet Foods are substantially cost effective. This is not due to the quality of the ingredients, but rather a function of the production and distribution of the food. The initial cost is kept low because you are essentially purchasing the food from the farmer that rears and produces the diet right here in New England. There is no distribution chain or long distance distribution. The food is produced locally from locally sourced ingredients to keep the cost and ecological footprint to a minimum. We all win when we buy products sourced locally.

 

What kind of dogs benefit the most from Victory Dog Food^tm?

Every dog can benefit from Victory Dog Food^tm.  Dogs with special needs benefit the most.  These dogs include those with allergies, diabetes, and cancers.  The nutrition in Victory Dog Food^tm is more readily available, so sick dogs will more easily fight off illness, older dogs will get a new lease on life, and  working dogs will have more energy.

Why do you include veggies, I thought dogs were carnivores?

Even carnivores get some plant material in their natural diet.  Remember, the prey animals are generally herbivores and have plant material still in their digestive tracts when they are eaten by the carnivore.  But this means that the plant material doesn't make up a large portion of the carnivore's natural diet and so we add no more than 20% plant material to Victory Dog Food^tm.

 

Will I need to give my dog any supplemental vitamins?

Victory Dog Food^tm is one of the most complete foods available for your dog. However we do recommend that you supplement your dog's diet with additional omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These supplements are available at The Big Biscuit.

 

What if my dog is loosing weight?

Your dog will become leaner while on a raw diet. The lack of starchy carbohydrates helps keep the weight off your dog while increasing muscle mass. A lean dog is a healthy dog! Remember 40% of dogs in America are overweight, so many of the dogs you encounter are actually carrying too much weight!

You should watch your dog’s weight in the first few months on the diet. Some dogs have a higher metabolism than others, so increasing or decreasing the food may be necessary. There are many scales to assess the body condition of your pet and much of the process is subjective. As a general rule of thumb here are some traits you should observe when your dog is of ideal weight:

• Ribs have a minimal fat covering and are palpable
• There is a definable waist when viewed from above and abdominal tuck.
• This point is easier to evaluate on short fur dogs: at resting state with straight ahead stance and deflated lungs the last rib or two can be observed.  

 

What if my dog looks skinny? Should I add kibble?

If your dog is too thin then he is burning more calories than consuming. Solution: increase the caloric intake. We recommend that you avoid adding kibble as a source of extra calories. There are much healthier alternatives to increase calories.

• Increase the meal quantity by a .5%-1% of the ideal body weight
• e.g. a dog weighing 35lbs that ideally should weigh 40lbs at 2.5% of his ideal body weight would receive 1lb of food per day will now receive 3-3.5% or 1.2-1.4 lbs of food per day.
• If protein type is not restricted because of health reasons consider feeding the beef diet. The beef diet has the greatest % of fat content.
• Add a sweet potato to the diet. Sweet potato is a complex starch and will add extra calories in the form of a starchy carbohydrate. Only add an extra ¼ of the daily diet in sweet potato.
• Combine any of the above.      

 

What if my dog isn’t losing weight?

If your dog isn’t losing weight and you and your vet have ruled out a medical condition then decrease the caloric intake. Your dog may just have a slower metabolism, which is normal. Not every person’s metabolism is the same either. Here are some strategies you can use:

• Decrease the daily food intake by 1/8-1/4 pound for two weeks and monitor the weight.
• If protein type is not restricted because of health reasons consider feeding the chicken diet or rabbit diet. The rabbit diet has the least % of fat content.
• Cut out the treats. Only feed your pooch the raw diet until the ideal weight is met.

How Much Victory Dog Food^tm to Feed Your Dog

How much you should feed your dog is based on your dog's weight.  Here are some general guidelines for daily feeding.

• 2% for weight loss or sedentary dogs
• 2.5% for weight maintenance
• 3% for slight weight gain
• 3.5% for significant weight gain
• 4% for growing puppies
• 4.5% for very young puppies

For example, if your dog weighs pounds and can best be described as  overweight or sedentary of normal weight and activity slightly underweight significantly underweight a growing puppy a very young puppy , then you should be feeding pounds of raw food by Victory Dog Food^tm per day  or pounds each feeding if you feed your dog twice a day. This would equate to pounds per week and pounds per biweekly order.

***Feel free to enter in your own dog's weight and description to see a personalized estimate.***

These are the fine ingredients that you and your pet can expect from Victory. Every recipe contains 80% choice USDA inspected meat as well as livers and hearts, fresh bone, and raw organic apple cider vinegar. The other 20% of the recipe is a variety of first quality fresh vegetables. Here are the ingredients used in each diet and their nutritional quality:

· USDA choice beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, or rabbit

• Amino acids and protein
• Enzymes
• Antioxidants
• Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12
• Biotin, choline, folic acid, inositol, iodine, panthothenic acid, PABA
• fatty acids
• Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, chromium, copper, manganese, selenium, sodium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc
• Coenzyme Q10
• Nutrients are species-appropriate and in a form with high bioavailabilty

· Beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, or rabbit liver and heart

• Rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B₂, B₃, B₅, B₆, B₁₂, biotin, folate, essential fatty acids, and the minerals zinc, manganese, selenium, and iron.
• Organ meat will be of the same species as the muscle meat used in the meal. So a beef meal will contain beef liver and heart while a turkey meal will have turkey liver and heart.

· Fresh bone

• Raw marrow and joint bones, freshly ground
• Provide calcium
• Supports joint health
• Firm stool and help express anal glands
• Provides nutritious marrow, antioxidants, and species-appropriate minerals and vitamins

· Yellow Squash

• High in Vitamin A
• Contains good fiber for a healthy colon
• Squash seeds are anthelmintic, meaning they help eliminate internal parasites

· Green Squash

• High in Vitamin A
• Contains good fiber for a healthy colon
• Squash seeds are anthelmintic, meaning they help eliminate internal parasites

· Kale

• Contains phytochemicals called lutein and zeaxanthin, which are thought to protect eyes as we age
• A rich source of vitamins A, C and E, folic acid, calcium, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids
• Anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties

· Romaine

• Contains calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, iron, folate, omega 3 fatty acids, and fiber
• Promotes digestive health
• Builds bones
• Anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties

· Cucumber

• Diuretic
• Helps heal a range of illnesses - including lung, stomach and chest problem, gout, arthritis and tapeworm

· Celery

• High in potassium, calcium, and folate
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Improves arthritis and rheumatic problems by clearing uric acid from joints
• Improves kidney function by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

· Blanched Carrots

• Antioxidants
• High in beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, which aids in vision, reproduction, and a healthy immune system
• High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber

· Dandelion Greens

• High in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron
• Improve skin conditions
• Promote gastro-intestinal health
• Aid the management of diabetes

· Radish

• High in Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
• High in potassium and folate

· Parsley

• High in protein
• High in Vitamins A and C, and calcium
• Antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal
• Great for freshening the breath!

· Raw apple cider vinegar

• Aids digestion
• Aids calcium utilization
• Promotes urinary tract health

" I never thought I would be using a raw diet for my dogs and cat…I was always skeptical and very scared of the word “raw”! So far I have seen some amazing changes in my dogs. I have one little one that has been close to death a number of times due to her allergies and skin issues. I have only been using the diet for a few weeks now, and see a tremendous change in her health. She is not scratching, and her oily coat and skin are improving tremendously!" -Debbie

"We are so happy to have found Victory Diets! Our dog loves the variety of meats and veggies, and we love the convenience and the price. And we love knowing that we are feeding him one of the highest quality raw food blends available. His sensitive stomach has disappeared, his energy level is high, and his teeth are gleaming. We are thankful that Victory is committed to such high standards in their food development, and we recommend Victory Diets to anyone who is looking for a healthy alternative to commercially prepared dog food." -Ty

"All 3 of my dogs love eating Victory raw diet and I love what it does for them. Two of my dogs have allergies, but neither of them have any problems on the Victory diet. One of my dogs had a severe heart murmur that our vet thought would need medication. After 8 months on the Victory raw diet his heart murmur improved, and it is now gone. The Victory raw diet also makes all of my dog’s fur so soft that everyone comments on how soft their fur is. I used to have to brush my Japanese Chin out every day or her hair would become a tangled mess. I never have to brush her now. I had tried other raw diets before Victory, but I did not have the health results that I have seen on the Victory diet. I would recommend this diet to anyone without hesitation." -Tanya

"My yellow lab has food allergies to grains and certain proteins and did not respond to prescription dog food from our vet. Since feeding Victory Diet we have noticed that both of our labs have a lean muscular look and shiny coats. Our labs both weigh approximately 70lbs and eat 2 meals a day. We have tried other raw diets that come in patties or medallions but our dogs prefer the Victory Diet. I would recommend Victory Diet to anyone with a dog with food allergies." -Sonya

Information for switching your dog to Victory Pet Foods

 

Basics:

Every dog is unique and there is no single "one size fits all" approach to transitioning your dog from kibble (dry processed food) to a more natural, holistic, raw meat based diet. There are however, some basic techniques and principles that apply in most cases;

• Be positive. Dogs are very sensitive and can sense apprehensions or skepticism you may be feeling about feeding raw food. Being confident will reassure your pet about your choice to change to a new diet.
• The older the dog (or the longer it has been eating kibble), the more time you should take to transition to the new diet.
• While variety is the key to outstanding health when feeding a fresh, raw meat based diet, its best to start with one type of meat during your transition (preferably the same meat type you are currently feeding). This will make it easier on your dog's digestive system.
• Fast your dog the night before beginning its transition. Your dog will have a greater interest in the new food the next morning and this also gives their digestive system a chance to rest.
• Limit the treats during the transition; especially grain based ones, in order to increase your dog's appetite for its meals.
• Provide access to plenty of clean water (preferably filtered).

 

Puppies*:

Puppies will generally have a healthier digestive system than older dogs or those with health issues, and therefore will tolerate a more rapid switch (i.e., 1 or 2 days) with no trouble. Start by substituting 1/4 Victory Pet Food for your dog's current food in each meal, gradually increasing Victory while proportionately decreasing the kibble until the transition IS complete.

 

Young and Healthy Dogs*:

These dogs can transition more quickly than older dogs and those with digestive issues. If your dog has no signs of illness or digestive difficulties such as loose stools, constipation or occasional vomiting, then you may be able to switch within 5-7 days. This gradual transition aids in your dog's gastrointestinal system in adapting to the new meals.

• Begin by substituting 1/8 Victory Pet Food for your dog's current food.
• After 2-3 meals, double the Victory portion to 1/4, while reducing the kibble by the same amount.
• After 2-3 meals, double the Victory portion again to 1/2 and reduce the kibble again.
• After feeding 1/2 Victory for 3 meals, give a meal of all Victory. If your dog tolerates this well with no digestive upset or other symptoms of discomfort, you have successfully switched your dog.

 

 

Picky Eaters and Older Dogs*:

These dogs may turn their noses up at the smell and texture of their new food. Don't worry, as this is a common occurrence (particularly with smaller dogs) and is usually easy to address by following these steps:

• Eliminate treats during the transition
• Fast the dog the night before starting the transition
• Gently cook Victory meals (this will release the flavors and aromas of the food). Don't overcook the meals as this will make the bone brittle - lightly in a toaster oven, or poach quickly on the stove
• Serve the meal in an appealing manner in a new place or "safe" area of your kitchen away from foot traffic
• Add clever "bribes" such as cheese, molasses, cottage cheese, or an egg yolk - usually these will convince the most stubborn dogs

 

*Note: This is a guide, your dog may need more time or less time, your direct observation is the best measure of transition time.

 

Changes in Your Dog's Stool:

One of the additional benefits of switching your pet to a fresh raw dog food diet will quickly become apparent - you will see a significant reduction in the size and odor of your dog's stool. Stools from fresh raw dog food food fed dogs tend to be smaller and firmer, as the dog is absorbing more nutrients from its food. Some dogs will strain slightly at the hard stools. This is OK, and even beneficial, as the harder stools help the dog express its anal glands, reducing the likelihood of infection.

 

There may be some variation in the consistency of your dog's stool. This is also OK, although you should consult your holistic vet if your dog experiences prolonged diarrhea (soft stool is not diarrhea). You may occasionally see a film around the dog's stool, especially during transition. This is OK, and is evidence of detoxification; the dog's body is cleansing itself of harmful toxins. If your pet is experiencing runny-loose stools, constipation at times other than after meals, slow down the transition process and add cooked pumpkin (canned is OK) to their meal. Use 1-2 tablespoons per cup of food. Pumpkin is unique in that is helps with both loose stools as well as constipation.

 

 

Detoxification: Getting "Unsick":

When switching your dog to a healthier, natural, fresh raw dog food diet, some dogs especially older ones who have been eating kibble for a long time, may experience a detoxification process. This condition may be a bit unnerving - you may see mucus coating your dog's stool, excess shedding, dry skin, runny eyes, or other symptoms. If your dog has skin conditions or allergies, you may see an increase in such a response before it subsides. These symptom's do not mean that your pet is sick, they are signs that he/she is getting "Unsick", as the dog's body purges itself of the various toxins that have built up over time. The situation will resolve itself with time, (generally a week or two, but up to a couple of months in some cases) as new cells must replace old ones in order for the detox process to be completed, You may be able to speed up the process with increased exercise, and by having plenty of fresh filtered water available.

 

Note: Dogs that have been on steroids, antibiotics, or other long-term drugs, may experience prolonged detoxifications periods. You should always consult with a holistic vet if you believe your dog is manifesting severe problems connected to the diet change.

 

Dogs with Health Issues:

Dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive disorders may benefit from the addition of supplements to their diet prior to and during the transition. These are generally for the first 4-6 weeks.

 

Digestive Enzymes aid in the digestion of foods and nutrient absorption. These are important during the transition stage of the diet because the dog's system needs time to begin producing enzymes required for digestion of raw dog foods.

 

Probiotics are resident gut micro flora (essentially "good bacteria") that balance and neutralize "bad bacteria" and help promote effective digestion and a healthy digestive tract.

 

Prebiotics provide nutrients for resident micro flora. A small dose will provide resident bacteria with the food they need to flourish.

 

Tip: Adding kefir or yogurt to your dog's meal can be a source for some probiotics provided your dog tolerates dairy products will. Goat dairy products are typically tolerated more easily than cow dairy and provide a wider range of beneficial bacteria. Pets prone to digestive upsets or vomiting immediately following a meal will benefit from preventing them from gulping down their food. Slow them down by placing a clean rock or other object in the middle of their food bowl or plate so the food is spread out.

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