Working in the pet space is a wonderful experience on many levels. Perhaps the most rewarding is the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people, including pet parents, independent pet specialty retailers, and individuals dedicated to the health of our four-legged companions.
One such individual is pet nutrition expert Terri Grow. Terri joined me for an interview this past week to discuss RAWZ’s Air Dried “Just for My Small Dog” recipes. As one of RAWZ’s first retail partners, Terri offers vast knowledge and insight into this exciting new offering from RAWZ. Here's what Terri had to say about the thoughtful formulation, quality ingredients, and unique benefits of these recipes.
More Than Just a Pretty Package
Perhaps the first striking thing about the Air Dried "Just for My Small Dog" recipes is the attractive packaging displaying an adorable Frenchie. But it's what's inside the bag that truly stands out! Designed with small dogs in mind, these recipes are made with wholesome ingredients and minimally processed to help preserve nutrients.
When asked about her first impressions, Terri shared that it was the ingredient list that caught her attention. She explained, "Looking at the ingredients is what triggered me, because I love the use of whole ingredients and whole food ingredients. A big area that I'm involved with is trying to introduce more fresh foods so that we can help with better health overall."
On Another Level
At RAWZ, we consider several of our recipes to be “The Next Best Thing to Feeding Raw.” But how does air-dried food compare to other popular categories like raw or freeze-dried?
According to Terri, air-dried food offers several unique benefits, including shelf stability, gentle processing, and energy density. For small dogs, that energy density means they can receive plenty of nourishment in a smaller serving size. Terri explains, “Air dried has its place for shelf stability, as well as just protecting the nutrients in the product… Particularly in air drying, the really nice thing about it is the energy density in the food. And that energy density really benefits the small dog, because you're getting more bang for the buck.”
Formulated “Just for Small Dogs”
When we say “Just for Your Small Dog,” we don’t mean that we simply made each individual bite of these recipes smaller. To accommodate small canines’ shorter digestive tracts and smaller stomach capacity, all three of our Air Dried offerings are meat-rich and feature our Optifiber™ Complex and Goat's Milk + Pre/Probiotic Blend to help support healthy digestion.
Terri describes it as providing all the natural goodness small dogs need, in a much lower volume. She adds, “The Air Dried recipes offer really compact nutrients that the dog can digest more easily, and not feel bloated or any sort of problems that way.”
Versatility & Transitioning to Air Dried
By offering incredibly palatable and protein-rich recipes, our Air Dried diets make transitioning easy. Pet nutrition exists on a spectrum, ranging from minimally processed options to more highly processed foods. Incorporating lower-processed options into a pet’s routine, whether as a topper, treat, or part of their daily diet, can be a great way to add variety.
Terri agrees, sharing, “I mean, such it’s a nice treat to be able to just slip in your pocket when you're walking, and you're giving a whole food that can benefit in several different ways, like the phytonutrients from the fruits and vegetables in it. So, as an easy transition, you can start it as a small topper, or you just start introducing it as a treat.”
When Only The Best Will Do for Your Small Dog!
RAWZ is excited to provide another minimally processed option to pet parents looking to give their pet the best while supporting our RAWZ Fund partners in improving lives! To find your nearest trusted RAWZ retail partner who can provide both valuable nutritional guidance and access to “The Next Best Thing to Feeding Raw,” visit our retailer locator.
