How to Serve
How do I thaw Answers raw food formulas?
We recommend either thawing our packaged food upright in the refrigerator on a protective plate or bowl which will take approximately 24 hours, or thawing it in a sink at room temperature which will take approximately 6-10 hours depending on the amount. You can thaw, portion, and refreeze our products if desired. We recommend using safe, temperature-resistant glass storage containers to limit plastic exposure.
Do I serve your food cold or wait to serve at room temperature?
Either way is fine, depending on feeder or pet’s preference. Cats usually prefer food at room temperature.
Can I refreeze fermented raw products?
Yes. While we encourage you to thaw and use our products straight away, they can be safely refrozen for portion control and feeding convenience.
Is it okay to cook Answers raw food?
We don’t recommend cooking our food because cooking adulterates the state of the food, diminishing its nutrient benefits. It will destroy the probiotic content if cooked at a high enough temperature, and there will be enzyme and nutrient loss. There are only 2 short term exceptions: as a method of transitioning pets from processed kibble to raw feeding; and in specific case by case situations.
How long can food sit out in room temperature?
Conservatively 12 hours for fermented raw milks and bone broths. 10 hours for meat products. 24 hours for raw cheese and raw feet treats.
How long can food be refrigerated once thawed?
Comfortably, we state 30 days for fermented raw milks and bone broths. 7 days for meat products including raw feet treats. 14 days for raw cheese. More conservative hours are listed on our packaging.
Is it okay to mix kibble with Answers raw meat, or raw milk/bone broths?
Yes. Mix together in a bowl or serve separately. It’s completely up to the feeder or pet’s preference. Although all food digest at different rates, we’ve never had or seen a detriment to mixing. Adding whole raw fermented foods are a fantastic introduction to better nutrition.
Is it necessary to add food to Detailed Formulas?
No. Both our Detailed Formulas for Dogs and Cats are complete and balanced diets.
Is it necessary to add vitamins or supplements to Answers food?
No. Our Detailed Formulas are complete and nutrient-dense, and do not have nutritional deficiencies. Our diets contain live wholefoods that contain naturally occurring digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It’s important to get nutrients through wholefoods and not supplementation. Isolating nutrients creates problems and doesn’t allow them to work effectively.
What is the difference between Detailed and Straight Formulas?
Our Detailed Formulas for Dogs and Cats have a complete and balanced formulation, providing everything that pets need for optimal health. Our Straight Formula for Dogs is a limited-ingredient diet ideal for pets with sensitivities such as allergies, or health conditions that require a more controlled, limited diet. It is not complete and balanced, however it can be by adding a daily serving of one of our milks. We also recommend adding one of our bone stocks.
Are Additional Formulas necessary to add to other Answers Formulas?
Additional Formulas are superfoods and nutritional aids with tremendous health benefits. Adding a fermented raw milk to Straight Formula will make it complete. Adding these formulas to any meal boosts nutritional values.
Do you recommend to rotate Additional Formula lines? How often?
Yes. We recommend using one of our fermented raw dairy products and one of our fermented bone broths daily. You can rotate them however you want. Mix and match, every day, or week, or two weeks.
Do you recommend to rotate proteins? How often?
Yes, it offers a diverse nutritional profile for optimal health. Plan around replenishing supplies.
Is bulk available?
Yes. Bulk is offered in Detailed Formula for Dogs and can be ordered only through a retailer that sells our products in-store. Bulk comes in a 30lb box with 12 X 2.5 lb chubs that can be scored and broken to fit various freezer sizes. We also offer 40 X 8oz Bulk Patties that come in a 20lb box.
How to Feed
How does the Feeding Calculator on your website work?
- Choose kitten, cat, puppy or dog
- Choose activity level and enter weight
- Daily recommended calorie amount will be given
- Click submit
- Enter the amount of products preferred to get as close to the recommended calorie amount as possible:
- If you’re using Additional Formulas (milks or stocks), start with these first. Look on the side of the carton and put in the number of ounces for your pet’s current weight.
- Detailed section: enter any number of ounces under the protein you are wanting to use.
- Adjust quantities up or down until the total calculated calories are as close to the recommended daily calories as possible.
How much do I feed my puppy?
Puppies need a lot of food. The serving suggestions on the side of the carton are for full grown dogs. We recommend referring to our Feeding Calculator on our website to determine the amount of food your puppy requires. We also recommend referring back to the puppy feeding calculator for every 5 lbs gained, as their daily caloric intake will continue to change accordingly.
How do I measure food?
If you are using our cartons, we find the best and easiest method to measure food is by investing in a digital kitchen scale that measures in ounces (weight).
Why do you feed so much less of Answers than other foods?
Our fermented raw foods are incredibly bioavailable. They are pre-digested by bacteria, and those bacteria create even more nutrients and enzymes. Not only are there more concentrated nutrients in our food, but those nutrients have been pre-metabolized, making it easier for the body to absorb, break down, and utilize. Therefore, less calories are typically needed to perform the same metabolic functions.
Why is my pet drinking so much less on Answers foods?
Our products have a very high moisture content. When feeding fermented raw foods, your pet will be receiving most of their daily water intake through the food itself. They will drink even less when you are giving them significant amounts of our milks and stocks. Depending on how much of our products are being fed, your pets daily water requirement might be completely satisfied by the food alone and will not require additional drinks from the water bowl. Because of this, pets may seldom drink water.
What is the best food for a puppy or kitten?
We recommend feeding our Detailed Formula along with the recommended daily amount of one of our fermented raw milk products and one of our fermented bone broths. Rewards raw cheese treats are a healthy way to deliver nutrients as well.
My pet is losing / not losing / gaining weight. I’m feeding them the correct amount according to the feeding calculator. What should I do?
Every pet is unique. Our Feeding Calculator is a great guideline, but pet’s metabolisms vary. Revisit the calculations and adjust your pet’s activity level on our website Feeding Calculator accordingly. A second option is to gradually increase or decrease the amount of food by ½ ounce at a time, depending on your intent. This will help find the ideal amount of food that will help restore and maintain ideal weight.
Why is my pet not losing weight?
When using our website Feeding Calculator, it’s very important to indicate what your pet is supposed to weigh, not what they currently weigh. For example, if a dog weights 70lbs but needs to lose 10lbs, make sure to enter the calculations based on a 60lb dog, not a 70lb dog. This should bring the weight down over time.
My pet acts as though they are starving. What should I do?
A true sign that a pet is starving is if they’re losing weight. If they are not, they’re not actually starving. A few explanations for this kind of behavior is having food anxiety and wanting more. Or a pet may be experiencing a little bit of hunger due to the transition to a new form of eating. If this is the case, it should subside with time. We recommend to give some of our raw cheese treats throughout the day, or to even pour some milk or stock into a bowl for a between-meal snack. This should provide some satiation without much of a calorie increase, especially if using the stocks. Your pet’s need to feed is most likely natural, but there’s always the possibility it could be related to an undetected medical condition. If there is a change in physical appearance, consult a veterinarian.
My dog won’t consume your food. Do you have any ideas?
Most dogs take to fermented raw foods without any protest. However some require more encouragement than others. In this case, we recommend to introduce a very small amount of our food into their current diet. Mix 1/2 tsp of our raw food into their meal. Once that is tolerated for a few days, increase to 1 tsp, continue to 1 tbsp until you’ve reached 1 ounce. The idea is to very gradually increase the amount of raw and decrease the amount of their previous diet until their meals become 100% fermented raw.
A second method we recommend is to try the “tough love” method found in our transition guide. Only try this method if you are comfortable. We do not recommend going for longer than 2 days. Please note, this method DOES NOT apply to cats. Cats will starve themselves to death or succumb to fatty liver disease.
Do you have any tricks or advice that will help entice my dog?
Yes. Try serving our food at different temperatures. Some dogs do not like to eat raw food cold. We recommend serving it at room temperature by letting it sit out on the counter, or add some warm water to the meal. Also, try adding one of our raw milks or stocks to their meal as an enticement. We do not recommend microwaving or cooking our food as it’s denatures it’s vital nutrients, but using a lightly cooked method in order to quickly transition your pet is a short-term exception.
I’m wary to feed the raw chicken feet. How do I feed them to my pet?
If your pet is new to eating raw chicken feet, we recommend starting off by holding the first foot in your hand and allowing your pet lick and chew it. This will help your pet to grasp the concept that they are meant to be chewed and then swallowed, not just swallowed whole. After the initial feeding, they should be able to eat the chicken feet by themselves. We do recommend supervision during treat times.
Food Safety
Is it safe to leave fermented raw food out?
Yes, for a period of time. Fermentation inoculates food with billions upon billions of good bacteria, also known as lactic acid bacteria, along with the beneficial substances they produce, such as a natural medicine known as bacteriocins which destroy unwanted bacteria. These conditions create a very high count of good bacteria. Their job is to prohibit any potential pathogen cells from multiplying by out-numbering cell growth. If faced with a compromised environment, the good bacteria is able to block any pathogen from becoming a health concern. It’s Mother Nature’s check and balance. With billions of lactic acid bacteria cells that compete against minimal cells of pathogens, that’s a seriously effective and highly efficient food safety method.
What happens when Answers Pet Food is temperature abused or compromised? What if the food gets warmer than refrigerated temperatures?
When fermented raw food is left out for a period of time, the good lactic acid bacteria in our food multiples and creates even MORE lactic acid, and an environment even more lethal to Salmonella, which then causes the Salmonella cells to decrease. In fact, Answers Pet Food is the only raw pet food that gives you protection from production all the way to the bowl and continuing on through your pet’s digestion.
Does Answers use High Pressure Pasteurization or Processing (HPP)?
No, we do not. Unfortunately, High Pressure Processing damages the proteins, fats, and enzymes to the degree in which they are no longer in a raw food state. We’re also highly skeptical of putting that much pressure on food that is contained in plastic, which we believe leaches toxins into foods and liquids by using this process. For these reasons, we will never high pressure pasteurize our products.
What is fermentation?
Fermentation is a centuries-old metabolic process that produces lactic acid—a method to preserve wholefoods by consuming sugar in the absence of oxygen.
How does fermentation work?
Fermentation inoculates food with good bacteria. It allows good bacteria to thrive and fill up the available room in food. This makes food safer because there is no room for pathogens to grow. It also makes food more bioavailable because it’s predigested by bacteria.
Does fermentation continue when frozen?
No. The fermentation process is suspended when our food is frozen. Once thawed and put into the right conditions, it resumes again.
What kind of whey do you use to ferment your products and why?
We use raw whey in its natural liquid form to ferment our products. We harvest it while making cheese when the curds and whey separate during the cheese making process. We use goat milk whey for our Detailed and Straight formulas, and goat milk whey to ferment our stocks.
Product
Do your foods meet AAFCO’s requirements for complete and balanced?
Yes. Our Detailed Dog and Cat formulas are complete and balanced for all life stages.
Is there sugar in Answers food?
Little to no sugar exists in Answers products due to fermentation converting sugar into organic acids, which aid in digestion. Our raw milks sugars are eliminated as a result. Detailed and Straight formulas have ingredients that are pre-fermented. This means that the probiotics in our food have already started or completed digesting any sugar content left in those foods. Detailed Formula for Dogs contains very little already-fermented vegetables. And Detailed Formula for Cats and our Straight Formula contains no ingredients that would still contain their naturally occurring sugars.
Are fermented raw milks a good source of probiotics?
Yes. Raw dairy inherently contains over 200 species of probiotics. We take that even further and ferment both of our dairy products. Our Fermented Raw Goat Milk contains billions of probiotics per ounce and our Fermented Raw Cow Milk Kefir contains 10 billion probiotics per ounce and 1 billion healthy yeast per ounce.
Is fermented raw milk a better source of probiotics than supplements?
Yes. Raw dairy inherently contains over 200 species of probiotics in their natural environment. It also provides prebiotics— the nutrients required for probiotics to thrive. Probiotics from fermented raw milk populates the digestive system and is 100x better than supplement, pills or powders.
Does fermented raw milk contain enzymes?
Yes. Answers raw milks are abundant in enzymes: there are more than 60 different enzymes in raw milk.
Why do I see curds in my fermented raw milks? Is this normal?
Yes. Curds are a great nutritional benefit. Having curdled milk means the good bacteria is continuing to predigest it. This fermentation process, known as lacto-fermentation, makes our raw milk thick and curdy. The more you see it, the healthier it is.
My fermented raw milk smells sour. Has it gone bad?
No. Fermented raw milks, also known as sour milk, should have a slightly sour smell from the start, with small to medium curds throughout. Since fermentation is a somewhat unique process, there will be variation from batch to batch. Some will have a gentler ferment and will smell somewhat sweet from the start and have almost no curds. Others will be so fermented that the milk is basically starting to turn to cheese, and the curds will be completely separated from the whey and there will be a very sour smell. Most of the batches will fall somewhere in the middle, with a slight sour smell and small to medium curds throughout. All will continue to ferment in the fridge throughout the 30 days, getting more curdled and the sour smell will increase. In fact, the more curds the safer and more nutrient dense the milk is, so continue to feed for the entire 30 days.
My fermented raw milk is a different color. Is it still good?
Yes. Fermented raw milks are natural and are produced in small batches so it will vary from white to cream, from thick to thin consistency.
My fermented raw milk is an orangish color. What happened?
Some states, like Texas and Vermont, require colorization in order to deter people from consuming it. Beta Carotene turns our raw milks yellow/orange/pink.
My fermented raw goat milk has brown specks in it. What is it?
Cinnamon.
Why is cinnamon in the fermented raw goat milk?
We add cinnamon because it is a great source of antioxidants.
Why is honey listed in the raw goat milk?
Honey is used as a starter for the fermentation process. Two cultures are added to the honey and they immediately begin to eat it. We add a small amount of that honey to our goat milk. Because honey is pre-metabolized by the bacteria during the fermentation process, there is virtually no sugar left after this process. Those same cultures then move on the lactose sugars in the milk, pre-metabolizing them as well. The result is that there are very few lactose sugars left in the milk once it is fermented.
Why do these products vary in texture and color?
Real, authentic, raw food that is curated in small batches doesn’t have the homogenized look and texture of mass-produced foods. We do not have a processed, cosmetically identical look of products. We do not use any kind of chemical or preservatives to make our food more uniform. Because of this, there are a great many differences in our foods— from the look, texture and smell, to processing standards. Variation is found everywhere in nature, so it makes sense that it would occur in our natural foods. Fermentation is a unique process that will affect the color, texture, and smell of each product differently batch to batch. The amount of air exposure the specific batch receives drastically effects the color, texture and moisture content. Specific cuts of meat in each batch will also slightly vary.
Why do these products smell? Have they gone bad?
No. The smell is of lactic-acid and can vary in pungency. The longer exposure it has, the more it smells. It’s completely normal and safe.
Why do you put high-vitamin raw butter in Detailed Formulas?
Raw grassfed butter is one of the healthiest foods. It’s a good source of healthy fats (omega and saturated) and a good source of vitamins A, D, and K2.
Why do you put salt in your products?
Our products contain Redmond salt. Depending on the product, it’s used to support fermentation and add back much-needed minerals and trace elements into food due to general soil depletion. Salt is necessary for life.
Why is your food so high in fat?
Our food is considered a moderate fat food, not a high fat food. Fat is very important for your animal. Dogs and cats have a biological need for fats. They do not have a biological need for carbohydrates. Our food is species- appropriate and contains moderate protein, moderate fat, and less than 2% carbohydrates for optimal health.
Why do you use kombucha in your raw feet treats?
We use kombucha to bring a variety of fermentation to the diet, to offer competitive inhibition against bad bacteria, to ensure predigestion, and to inoculate the mouth for better oral health.
What color should Turkey Stock with Fermented Beet Juice be?
We ferment 3 types of organic beets: golden, white, and red. The amount of each beet varies per batch based upon availability which will vary the color of products.
Why are all your proteins the same calories and GAs?
We blend different cuts of meat and fat to achieve the ideal 1:1 ratio in all of our food formulas.
What is the ratio of meat, organ, and bone in your formulations?
In our Detailed and Straight formulations, our meat is 60% muscle, 30% organ and 10% bone which is the ideal ratio for optimal health and support for both cats and dogs.
Health
Raw milk gave my pet diarrhea/gas, why?
Having loose stool, gas or diarrhea doesn’t necessarily mean that your pet cannot digest or is intolerant to raw milks or raw foods. Switching to pure, unadulterated fermented raw foods is one of the best things you can do for your pet. However, our milks have a very high probiotic content. If a dog or cat is not used to having any sources of probiotics in their diet, it can cause a detox response which is why introducing our foods gradually is key. Allow their body to become accustomed to the good bacteria being introduced to their systems.
What is detox and why does it occur?
Most dogs and cats have a relatively seamless transition to our foods and do not experience any detox. With that said, pets that have chronic issues, disease, extreme skin conditions, or bacterial imbalances might experience some detox when switching to our products. This is because our foods are very high in probiotics. The good bacteria kills the bad bacteria in the gut and begins to repopulate it with itself. During this process the bad bacteria has to have some way to exit the body. It does so in the reactive manner of detoxing or “dying off”. Most common signs of detox are: loose stool, intermittent digestive upset, reflux, gas, bloat, watery or goopy eyes, itching skin, a light rash, or the exacerbation of chronic issues a pet has been experiencing. Detox is a normal and natural part of the healing process, and in some cases is necessary to go through to ultimately heal the issue at it’s root. Detox will always subside as the body adjusts, the bad bacteria is shed, and the health of the microbiome is restored from our foods. For most dogs and cats, detox, if experienced at all, does not last longer than a few days. For some dogs with more extreme conditions such as significant illness, or bacterial imbalances due to long term antibiotic use, or chronic skin conditions, the detox period can last longer.
What is the best way to minimize detox when transitioning to your food?
The best way to avoid detox is to transition to our foods slowly. We suggest following our 1-2 week transition in our transitioning guide. For pets with IBD or very sensitive systems, you could always go even slower. If you switched to our foods “cold turkey” and your pet is experiencing loose stool, reflux, or various other issues, this is almost always solved by just going back and doing a slow transition. Start off with 1 tsp of the food mixed in with the previously used diet. Then once that is tolerated move up to 1 tbsp. Then 1 ounce. Gradually increasing the amount of our food and decreasing the previous diet until it’s 100% Answers. This also applies to our milks or stocks if you are just using those. Just introduce 1 tsp of the milk or stock on top of the food being fed at first. Once that is well tolerated increase to 1 tbsp. Gradually increase until you get to the suggested daily serving. It’s all about knowing your pet and how likely they are to have a hard time adjusting, and then transitioning them in such a way that it gives them the time needed to adjust to our products. Every pet is different. Most have no issues transitioning, but some need to go slow and steady.
Should I be concerned about the histamines in your food?
Histamines, which are a type of biogenic amine called a monoamine, are produced during the fermentation process as food starts to breakdown. The body’s Monoamine Oxidase System is very efficient at removing them from the body. The only portion of the population that may become sensitive to daily ingestion of fermented foods are those taking medications that are MAOI.
With grass allergies, will it affect my dog when feeding grassfed animals?
No, it won’t. All proteins have a different structure and, therefore, the body treats them differently. Similarly, if a pet has a chicken allergy, it doesn’t make them any more likely to be allergic to eggs.
My pet is unable to tolerate a specific protein or food. Will they be able tolerate it in your food?
We have a lot of dogs and cats that are allergic to a specific protein or ingredient, that can tolerate the same food in our products just fine. This is because the protein structure of the food is altered during the fermentation process, which can cause some pets to no longer have a reaction to that same food once it has been fermented. This is not the case in all pets, but it’s quite common. If you are wanting to test for an allergic reaction, we recommend adding a small amount of our food in question to the current food being fed for 3-5 days. Typically an allergic reaction would present itself by then.
My pet is lactose-intolerant. Can I feed them your milks?
Most likely, yes. While it’s possible for your dog or cat to be intolerant to fermented raw milk, it’s very unlikely. In most cases, these concerns pertain to pasteurized dairy. Pasteurization damages the enzyme lactase – this enzyme is required to digest the milk sugar lactose. Having no lactase in pasteurized milk makes for digestive distress and lactose intolerance. Pasteurized dairy is very hard to digest wherein raw dairy and especially fermented raw dairy are very easy to digest. This is because none of the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and enzymes have been denatured. It’s also because the fermentation process predigests those very lactose sugars.
When should I be concerned regarding a pet having diarrhea?
Typically pets can have a single episode or more of loose stool or diarrhea as their microbiomes are changing because of the introduction of good bacteria into their systems. Diarrhea symptoms can be quite varied. Of course, frequency, urgency and loose watery stools are the classic signs, but if your pet has recurring episodes of diarrhea that doesn’t seem to be resolving after 3 days, and to avoid the high risk of becoming dehydrated and you notice any lethargy, or a fever or change in behavior, you should call your veterinarian.
My pet is constipated. What should I do?
With any change to a diet, a digestive system has to adjust. We suggest feeding or adding more of our fermented raw milks to the diet as our milks have high-counts of probiotics.
My pet is pooping considerably less. Is this normal?
Yes. Pets on our fermented raw food will typically have much smaller and firmer stool than they would on other foods. They also might poop less often, perhaps only once a day or every other day. This is due to the fact that there is virtually no waste in our food. Every ingredient that goes into our formula has a specific purpose and is in its most bioavailable form, meaning it’s able to be completely absorbed and utilized by your pet. Less waste going in means less waste coming out.
Quality Assurance
Why do Nibbles and Patties have white crystals on them? Why do they have a tougher exterior?
We developed Detailed Nibbles and Patties forms to be a convenient serving option for pet parents. Our company mission is to use the least amount of plastic as possible. Our nibbles and patties are flash-frozen in a nitrogen tunnel in order to preserve more nutrients in the most healthy, effective way. As a result, meat may develop opaque white ice crystals on its surface. Without containing them in plastic, patties and nibbles are enclosed in a box. They will have slightly more air exposure than our food packaged in cartons. Because of this, they can form a tougher exterior on some of the nibbles and patties themselves and can cause browning on the outside surface area of the meat. This is totally fine as the lactic acid bacteria from fermentation protect the fats from oxidizing. It’s expected and safe to feed. If you’re interested in avoiding this cosmetic concern all together, we recommend using our 1lb or 4lb cartons.
My carton leaked. Why does this happen?
In our effort to use as little plastic as possible, we use recyclable cartons. These cartons are not 100% leakproof. We always recommend to thaw product standing upright either in a sink, or on a protective plate or bowl either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This will ensure that condensation or leakage will not contaminate other surfaces. Once the product is thawed, pour or scoop the contents out of the carton into an airtight glass container for storage. This will prevent any future leakage.
Why do these products smell? My raw milk smells sour. Have they gone bad?
No. Our fermented raw milks are also known as sour milks. The smell is of lactic-acid and can vary in pungency.
Follow our storage guidelines, it’s normal and safe from them to have this distinct smell, especially over time.
Why do I see curds in my fermented raw milks? Is this normal?
Yes. Curds are a great nutritional benefit. Having curdled milk means the good bacteria is continuing to predigest it. This fermentation process, known as lacto-fermentation, makes our raw milk thick and curdy. The more you see it, the healthier it is.
What is that dark spot on the raw chicken foot? Is it Bumblefoot?
No. Organic chickens, especially pastured chickens, can develop calluses on their feet, due to walking in rocky pastures. Although many processors of chicken feet remove these calluses, we chose not to remove them in order for pets to receive the most natural and complete nutrients, just as they would in the wild. It’s not only safe to eat, but it’s good for their overall immune systems.
The raw cheese is hard. Is this normal?
Yes. There is a variation in moisture as this is a live, raw food with no preservatives. It can have the consistency of Parmesan cheese. The pairing of organic superfoods with raw cheese vary in moisture as well. For example, ginger tends to be more dry and more firm than other flavors. To keep soft or retain moisture, after thawing, store raw cheese foods in a glass container.
Last Update: June 2020