In an age where pet owners are increasingly concerned about the well-being of their beloved animal companions, Pawsome Raw has emerged as a beacon of hope. We were fortunate to sit down with Retha van der Walt, the visionary behind Pawsome Raw, to delve into the fascinating story of how her unwavering commitment to pet health evolved into a remarkable business. In this blog, we will explore the inspiration behind Pawsome Raw and the myriad benefits of adopting a raw pet food diet, among other intriguing aspects of this transformative journey.
What Inspired You to Start Pawsome Raw?
It all started with a heartbreaking loss. I lost two beloved family pets within a short period of time, both of whom were diagnosed with conditions that, at the time, seemed more suited to humans than dogs. This tragic experience was a turning point for me.
When I discussed these illnesses with my vet, he admitted that in his 32 years of practice, he had never encountered such cases in dogs. The realization that these diseases were largely preventable hit me hard. It was a moment of reckoning.
I delved into research about pet nutrition and was shocked by what I found. Commercial pet food was often loaded with carbohydrates, a far cry from the biologically appropriate diet that carnivorous animals like dogs needed. This revelation kindled a deep curiosity in me, and I embarked on a journey to learn more about pet nutrition.
My quest led me to experts like Dr. Ian Billinghurst in Australia. I reached out to him, seeking answers to my questions. To my surprise, he responded and sent me valuable resources. This marked the beginning of my deep dive into pet nutrition.
As I dug deeper into the physiology of dogs, a realization dawned upon me: a significant change was required to improve their health. Little did I know that this mission would eventually transform into a business – Pawsome Raw – dedicated to providing healthier nutrition options for pets.
Transitioning to a raw pet food diet was a game-changer. This approach offered a multitude of benefits. By providing dogs with a biologically appropriate diet rich in high-quality meat and free from fillers and artificial additives, we could ensure their health and well-being. We offer a variety of proteins, preserving the nutritional integrity of the ingredients and minimising processing to keep the food as close to its natural state as possible.
Choosing the right type of raw food for your pet is crucial. The quality of the meat matters, and I made sure Pawsome Raw exclusively used human-grade, registered meat from reputable suppliers. Quality and safety were paramount, with stringent testing to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Transitioning your pet to a raw food diet might seem challenging, but I offered guidance to make it as smooth as possible. Whether it was a gradual transition or a “cold turkey” switch, the key was to tailor the approach to each pet’s individual needs.
Pawsome Raw has come a long way since its inception. We remain passionate about educating and supporting pet owners on their journey to provide the best possible nutrition for their furry friends. Our commitment to delivering premium quality and exceptional value for money is unwavering, and we continue to expand and innovate. Pawsome Raw officially began in May 2017, with a mission to make a positive change for pets.
Today, we’re not just a pet food company; we’re a family of pet owners, united by our dedication to ensuring that every pet enjoys a healthier and happier life.
Transitioning to a raw pet food diet was a game-changer. This approach offered a multitude of benefits. By providing dogs with a biologically appropriate diet rich in high-quality meat and free from fillers and artificial additives, we could ensure their health and well-being. We offer a variety of proteins, preserving the nutritional integrity of the ingredients and minimising processing to keep the food as close to its natural state as possible.
Choosing the right type of raw food for your pet is crucial. The quality of the meat matters, and I made sure Pawsome Raw exclusively used human-grade, registered meat from reputable suppliers. Quality and safety were paramount, with stringent testing to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Transitioning your pet to a raw food diet might seem challenging, but I offered guidance to make it as smooth as possible. Whether it was a gradual transition or a “cold turkey” switch, the key was to tailor the approach to each pet’s individual needs.
Pawsome Raw has come a long way since its inception. We remain passionate about educating and supporting pet owners on their journey to provide the best possible nutrition for their furry friends. Our commitment to delivering premium quality and exceptional value for money is unwavering, and we continue to expand and innovate. Pawsome Raw officially began in May 2017, with a mission to make a positive change for pets.
Today, we’re not just a pet food company; we’re a family of pet owners, united by our dedication to ensuring that every pet enjoys a healthier and happier life.
Can you explain the key benefits of a raw pet food diet and how it differs from traditional commercial pet food?
Transitioning to a raw pet food diet holds a multitude of benefits for your pets. I stress the significance of feeding pets in accordance with nature’s design, providing them with a diet that aligns with their biological needs.
A raw pet food diet mirrors the natural dietary requirements of carnivorous animals, supplying the essential nutrients they require for optimal health. The foundation of raw pet food is high-quality meat, eliminating the inclusion of fillers and artificial additives commonly found in commercial pet foods.
With commercial pet food, you’ve got kibble, for example, filled with carbohydrates and banned with a number of things we can hardly pronounce. It’s been processed at a very high temperature to attain a long shelf life and a lot of chemicals to keep it in the shops for longer.
While with raw food, we feed dogs as nature intended.
You can create a well-structured raw diet that can deliver a harmonious blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for your pet’s well-being. By offering a diverse range of proteins, a raw diet replicates the natural dietary diversity of animals in the wild, ensuring a broader spectrum of nutrients. Raw pet food undergoes minimal processing, preserving the nutritional integrity of its ingredients.
I also address concerns regarding the balanced nature of a raw food diet, emphasizing that a variety of protein sources can provide a broad spectrum of nutrients. While some argue that supplementation is necessary, my approach revolves around the use of a diversity of high-quality, premium-grade meats to attain balanced nutrition.
What should pet owners consider when selecting the right type of raw food for their specific pets, taking into account factors like age, size, and breed?
Selecting the appropriate type of raw food for your pet may seem like a daunting task, but I offer invaluable guidance. I advise pet owners to concentrate on the quality of the meat used in the food. Paying careful attention to the source of the meat and the presence of any fillers is of paramount importance. Pawsome Raw ensures that its products exclusively contain human-grade, registered meat and undergo rigorous testing to maintain quality and safety.
Remember, you are what you eat…
My approach incorporates a variety of proteins and meticulously balanced recipes. This approach mirrors the dietary habits of carnivorous animals in the wild, ensuring a more comprehensive intake of essential nutrients.
What measures and standards does Pawsome Raw employ to ensure the quality and safety of its raw pet food products?
Safety stands as a paramount concern at Pawsome Raw. Drawing from my background in quality control, I emphasize the critical importance of sourcing top-quality ingredients from reputable suppliers. All ingredients must adhere to stringent quality standards and undergo thorough testing for contaminants, including harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Maintaining the cold chain represents another vital aspect of ensuring safety. Pawsome Raw operates in a temperature-controlled facility, and products remain frozen until they reach the client. By preserving the cold chain, we minimize the risk of bacterial growth, ensuring the safety of the raw food. Quality and standards for me are non-negotiable, as my own dogs eat Pawsome Raw.
Many pet owners are curious about transitioning their pets from traditional pet food to a raw food diet. What advice can you offer to make this transition as smooth and beneficial as possible?
Transitioning your pet from conventional pet food to a raw diet may present challenges, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Pawsome Raw typically recommends a “cold turkey” transition, where your pet makes a direct switch from their current diet to a raw one. Digestive enzymes are incorporated to prepare the gut for this transition.
For picky eaters or pets with specific health needs, a more gradual transition may be necessary. This could involve transitioning from kibble to a cooked diet before introducing raw food over the course of 30 days. The key is to tailor the approach to your pet’s individual requirements.
We also find that it is often more difficult for pet owners to transition than the pets.
Are there any new initiatives, promotions, or educational resources from Pawsome Raw at the moment that our audience should be aware of to support their pet’s well-being?
As for what’s on the horizon at Pawsome Raw, we remain dedicated to changing one pet’s food, one bowl at a time. Pawsome Raw offers free consultations, nutritional analyses, and health assessments for clients. We are continually working on special promotions and Christmas offers for our loyal customers.
My team and I are deeply passionate about educating and supporting pet owners on their journey to provide the best possible nutrition for their pets. As we continue to expand and innovate, Pawsome Raw remains unwavering in its commitment to delivering premium quality and exceptional value for money.
Get Pawsome Raw’s contact details here.
Our interview with Retha van der Walt offered insights into Pawsome Raw’s founding and approach. She launched Pawsome Raw to provide high-quality, balanced raw nutrition. She stressed education and support so people can make informed decisions on their pet’s diet. Retha encourages researching options to find the optimal nutrition plan. For those considering raw diets, Pawsome Raw is an option worth exploring.
Have you fed your pets a raw diet? Let us know your experience in the comments below!
About Retha van der Walt
Pet Nutritionist
Retha Van Der Walt is a dedicated pet nutritionist and the visionary behind Pawsome Raw. With a background in retail and financial services, she transitioned her passion for animals into creating high-quality raw nutrition products. Retha oversees daily operations and leads product development, ensuring pets receive top-tier nutrition backed by her expertise as a raw food specialist.
See more of our experts here.
My Beagle, Daisy, has been on Pawsome Raw for many years! She turns 10 on 1st December and has just had her annual checkup with her vet who pronounced her fit and very healthy!
Hi Anne, That’s great to hear that Daisy has been on Pawsome Raw for many years and that she had a successful annual checkup with the vet. It’s wonderful that she’s turning 10 on December 1st and is in good health.