The raw dog food diet has been gaining popularity in recent years. Many pet owners are looking for a healthier alternative to commercial dry kibble. Although the raw diet is not without risks, many pet parents are seeing positive results. If you've been thinking about trying raw food for your dog, Five Star Raw Dog Food is a great choice.
When they hear the word “raw,” many dog owners immediately think of salmonella and e-coli bacteria. The truth is, that when it is manufactured correctly there is NO BACTERIAL THREAT in raw dog food. Five Star makes sure that their dog food is never thawed or heated during preparation, processing or packaging for this reason.
The basis for the raw food diet is that dogs will thrive on balanced nutrition that is more like the diet their wild ancestors ate. It consists of feeding raw meat, bones, vegetables and fruits. Recent research is shedding light on the negative impact of grain-based commercial pet foods, causing many dog owners to rethink what they're feeding their canine companions.
Five Star Raw Dog Food Review
The first thing you'll notice in the picture above is that this food comes in tubes, referred to as “chubs.” Each chub holds one pound of food, and Five Star Raw Dog Food comes in this packaging so that it can stay frozen until the time of use.
The raw dog food is only shipped on certain days of the week, and special care is taken when shipping around a holiday. The food comes in a styrofoam container that is packed with dry ice. Two-day shipping ensures that you receive the product while it is still completely frozen.
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Five Star Raw Dog Food recipes are made with USDA inspected, premium meat. In fact, whole muscle meat is the first ingredient in every blend. The protein source is mixed with fresh vegetables, and every ingredient they use is human grade quality. All their recipes are grain and gluten free.
The company sources ingredients from suppliers in the United States, and their dog food is produced and packaged here too. Every Five Star recipe meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. A USDA certified inspector is on site every day to ensure the dog food meets top quality standards.
As I mentioned, it is a priority for Five Star that every batch of their pet food is safe for dogs. The temperature of the foods never exceeds 28 degrees Fahrenheit at any point during production or shipping. All you have to do is thaw the food and set it out for your pet.
This poses a bit of a hassle, as you need to remember to take the food out of the freezer in advance. You can refrigerate the food for a period of 2-3 days, which makes it easier. I take out enough for three days each time, and then I don't have to try and remember every day.
Do not microwave Five Star Raw Dog Food to thaw. It will alter the nutritional characteristics of the food.
As you'll see in my video review, when properly thawed this food looks very similar to the consistency of raw hamburger. You can see bits of vegetables in with the meat, but it has a very soft, smooth texture. This would be a much healthier alternative to canned dog food if your pet has trouble chewing kibble.
I was expecting this dog food to have a funky odor, but you really don't notice much of a smell at all unless you stick your nose right up next to the food. Both of our dogs really enjoyed this food. They gobble it up as soon as I put it down. Every blend seems to be very palatable.
I was also impressed that Five Star Dog Food is nutritionally balanced for dogs of any age. We have an 8-month old chocolate lab and a 5-year old boxer, so we typically feed them two different dry kibbles. With this food, you can feed all your dogs the same thing, which is much more convenient.
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Five Star pet foods are specially formulated by an animal nutritionist with a PhD. They include the right mixture of meat, organs, fresh vegetables and finely ground bones. Every recipe is also made with a patented mix of minerals and vitamins, to give your dog everything that his body requires.
Five Star claims that your pet will not need to take any dietary supplements while on this diet, as it provides everything that he will need.
If you haven't guessed by now, the downside to this dog food is the price. Five Star Raw Dog Food won't fit in everyone's budget, but if you can afford to feed your pet this diet you won't regret it. It will probably end up paying off in the long run too!
This dog food is sold by the case, which consists of 13 one-pound chubs. You can mix-and-match flavors, order a healthy weight pack or select the rotation pack so your dog gets different flavors all the time.
If you sign up for a pay-as-you-go plan, it will cost you $104.99 per case ($8.08 per pound) or you can choose the subscription offer, which will save you 10%. That’s only $94.99 per case ($7.31 per pound).
Summary of Five Star Raw Dog Food Review
PROS: The nutritional value of this raw dog food is top-quality. It doesn't get any healthier than this. This food is also formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs of any age, so you won't have to buy different blends for different pets. Dog's naturally crave this type of food, so it is also extremely palatable. Even the fussiest dog would eat Five Star Raw Dog Food.
CONS: This dog food comes with a large price tag. Compared to other pet foods of the same quality, it's in the average price range, but compared to a dry kibble diet it is very expensive. Your budget aside, you're getting what you pay for, and you will likely end up saving money in the long run on veterinary care as your dog's health is directly related to the food he eats. In layman's terms, a healthier diet makes for a healthier dog.
Now it’s your turn
Have you used Five Star Raw Dog Food already? Did you have success with it, or has it failed? Feel free to leave your own review and rating for the Five Star Raw Dog Food below and let us know what you think!
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