As a pet parent, I’m always on the lookout for the best possible nutrition for my furry companions. The world of pet food can be a maze of confusing labels, hidden fillers, and questionable ingredients. If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a bag of kibble, wondering what’s really in it, you’re not alone. This concern has led many of us to explore raw feeding, a diet that mimics what our pets’ ancestors would have eaten in the wild. The challenge? It can be time-consuming and complicated to do it yourself.
That’s where products like Ancestral Raw Nutrition’s Raw Pet Food come in. They offer a solution that combines the nutritional benefits of a raw diet with the convenience modern pet owners need. I decided to take a closer look at their Beef and Chicken blend to see if it lives up to the hype.
What Makes It Stand Out? Key Features
This isn’t just another pet food. Ancestral Raw Nutrition focuses on a “back to basics” approach with some impressive commitments.
✅ All-Natural, USA-Sourced Ingredients: The food is made from 100% natural, grass-fed beef and chicken sourced from family farms in California. There are no preservatives, fillers, or artificial additives. It’s a clean, simple ingredient list you can actually understand.
✅ Species-Appropriate Nutrition: The blend follows the 80/10/10 model: 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% bone. This ratio is designed to provide a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that supports everything from muscle development to heart health, thanks to naturally occurring taurine and L-carnitine.
✅ Grain-Free & Highly Digestible: By eliminating grains and fillers, this food is often easier for pets to digest. Many owners who switch to raw report improvements in their pet’s skin, coat, and even dental hygiene.
✅ Convenient and Easy to Serve: The food comes in frozen 1-lb packs. This makes portioning and storage incredibly simple, which is a huge plus for anyone who has tried to DIY a raw diet.
How to Use Ancestral Raw Nutrition Food
If you’re new to frozen raw food, don’t worry—it’s straightforward.
- Thaw: Take a 1-lb pack from the freezer and place it in your refrigerator to thaw. This usually takes about 24 hours.
- Portion: Once thawed, portion out the correct amount for your pet’s meal. A great tip from the company is to partially thaw the roll, cut it into pre-sized portions with a serrated knife, and then refreeze the portions you don’t need immediately.
- Serve: Put the food in your pet’s bowl and let them enjoy!
- Store Safely: Keep the remaining thawed food in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always wash your hands, utensils, and your pet’s bowl with soap and hot water after handling raw meat.
What Are Customers Saying?
While this product is relatively new to the online market, early feedback is glowing. One verified purchaser, Jessica M. (5/5 stars), was thrilled with the quality. She noted that her picky eater, who often turns his nose up at other foods, “devoured his bowl in seconds.” She also mentioned seeing a noticeable improvement in his energy levels and coat shine after just a couple of weeks. The convenience of the 1-lb packs was a major selling point for her, as it eliminated the guesswork and mess of preparing raw food from scratch.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-quality, USA-sourced ingredients | ❌ Requires significant freezer space |
| ✅ Species-appropriate 80/10/10 formula | ❌ Higher price point than traditional kibble |
| ✅ No fillers, grains, or artificial additives | ❌ Must follow strict safe-handling guidelines |
| ✅ Convenient 1-lb packs for easy portioning | ❌ Limited number of online reviews currently |
| ✅ Supports a small, family-owned American business |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I feed this to both my dog and my cat? A: Yes! This formula is designed to be nutritionally appropriate for both dogs and cats. The 80/10/10 blend of meat, organ, and bone provides the essential nutrients that both species need from a carnivorous diet.
Q: How much of this food should I feed my pet per day? A: The general guideline for adult dogs and cats is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. However, this can vary based on age, activity level, and metabolism. It’s always best to start with the recommendation and adjust as needed. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you determine the perfect portion size.
Q: Is it really safe to feed my pet raw meat? A: Yes, when handled properly. A pet’s digestive system is built to handle raw meat. The key to safety is for you, the owner, to practice good hygiene. Treat it just as you would raw meat you’re preparing for your own family: wash your hands, surfaces, and bowls thoroughly after contact.
Final Verdict
Ancestral Raw Nutrition’s Raw Pet Food is a fantastic option for pet owners who want to provide the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle. It’s especially well-suited for those who prioritize clean, ethically sourced, USA-made products and want to support a small business. If you have a pet with food sensitivities, are dealing with a picky eater, or simply want to upgrade your pet’s nutrition to a more natural state, this food is definitely worth considering.
While the price and freezer space commitment are higher than for dry food, the potential benefits—a healthier coat, better digestion, and increased vitality—are a worthy investment for many dedicated pet parents.
Ready to give your pet a taste of their ancestral diet? You can find it here:
Buy on Amazon Ancestral Raw Nutrition Raw Pet Food for Dogs & Cats