Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I transition from my current food over to Native?
R. Gradually. Sudden changes can be traumatic to their digestive system and cause upset. Mix progressively smaller quantities of the current food with the larger quantities of Native, done over a period of at least a week until the dog is completely on Native.

Q. What is your definition of “performance” for dog food?
R. We classify it as nutrient dense with higher kilocalories and top quality ingredients; other companies often use it simply as a marketing element.

Q. Isn’t whole chicken better than chicken meal?
R. Whole chicken is approximately 85 % water. If a list of ingredients begins with whole chicken and is followed by three or more grains and no other meat proteins, it’s likely that the food contains considerably more grain than meat. Chicken meal is a single source meat meal rendered from the animal tissue, with the water removed in processing. It cannot contain any foreign matter which may process with whole meats, except for what cannot be avoided with processing and represents a more true actual weight in the ingredient list than “wet-state” meats. It is considered a “superior” protein source.

Q. Where do you purchase your ingredients?
R. All are purchased and then manufactured in the U.S. – the exception being lamb, and it is nearly always imported for the better quality foods.

Q. Does your food have probiotics?
R. Yes, Native is fortified with essential probiotics to maintain a healthy gut even when under stress.

Q. Are “All Life Stage” foods, like Native, healthy for older and younger pets?
R. Yes. High quality “All Life Stage” formulas with good nutrition will work very well for puppies or senior dogs provided they have high enough levels of essential nutrients like protein.

Q. Why should I buy the more expensive pet foods?
R. While premium foods cost more, buying a better food will likely save money over time due to the fact that your pet may eat less and may suffer fewer illnesses potentially reducing vet expenditures. The better quality foods also tend to result in smaller stools and less shedding.

Q. Doesn’t it cause digestive problems to switch my dog’s food?
R. If done gradually over 7-10 days, few pets will have digestive issues with the new food provided it is high quality. Changing to a better food may actually eliminate existing issues due to superior nutrition.

Q. Should I feed a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin to make sure my pet doesn’t have joint problems?
R. While some foods contain supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, they are not added in concentration sufficient to properly treat the condition. We recommend a good supplement if your dog has joint issues.

Q. How important is fresh water for my dog?
R. It is absolutely essential that your dog have constant access to fresh, clean water. It should be encouraged to drink as much as possible.

Q. What are BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin and should I avoid them?
R. These three are often linked together but Ethoxyquin is generally considered to be the main offender. Chemical preservatives such as these have been linked to liver and kidney dysfunction and are probably best avoided. The presence of these preservative can be an indicator of lower quality meat and fat sources. Native uses only natural preservatives such as Tocopherols (Vitamin E) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).