Starting with Raw

What is a raw food diet for pets?

A raw food diet for pets consists of uncooked, unprocessed ingredients that mimic a natural diet. It typically includes raw meat (such as beef, chicken, or turkey), nutrient-rich organs (like liver or kidney), ground bone for added calcium and minerals, and fresh vegetables. 

The concept of this diet is that it mimics the natural diet of wild dogs, which usually consume prey animals and plants. Supporters of raw food diets argue that this approach is more natural and healthier for dogs than traditional kibble or canned food.  

  • Supports healthy digestion, leading to smaller stools and less cleanup.  
  • Strengthens the immune system for overall well-being.  
  • Improves coat and skin health.  
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight.  
  • Supports dental health, helping maintain strong teeth and gums.  
  • May reduce allergies and food sensitivities, promoting better overall healt

Complete and balanced’ is a nutritional adequacy standard set by AAFCO, meaning that our food meets or exceeds their guidelines for essential nutrients. Although AAFCO offers guidance, it is not a certification but a set of standards for formulating pet food to ensure optimal nutrition.  

Dogs and cats have three key biological defenses that help them handle harmful bacteria:  

  1. Saliva with natural enzymes that help break down bacteria.  
  1. Highly acidic stomach juices that neutralize bacteria before they can cause harm.  
  1. A short digestive tract that processes food quickly, limiting bacterial growth.  

 

Remember, Not All Raw Diets Are Created Equal  

 

At Bold by Nature, we take pride in crafting our recipes in Canada with simple, wholesome formulas made from sustainably sourced, natural ingredients—just as nature intended.  

  • Human-Grade Ingredients – We use only humanely raised, human-grade meats and farm-fresh vegetables to ensure top-quality nutrition.  
  • Locally Sourced – Most of our ingredients come from Canadian farms, supporting sustainable and ethical sourcing.  
  • HACCP Certified – Our facility follows strict food safety protocols to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.  
  • No Fillers or Synthetics – No added fillers, artificial flavors, or synthetic ingredients—just pure, natural nourishment for pets.  

Raw feeding doesn’t inherently put pets at risk for worms as long as the raw food is sourced responsibly. Reputable raw pet food companies use human-grade inspected meats and blast-freeze them, effectively killing any parasites.  

*Click here to learn more about Worms in Cats: Symptoms of Worms in Cats & More   

While raw food may mimic the texture and scent of meat, it does not enhance predatory behavior; this behavior remains unaffected by diet and originates from the dog’s ancestral lineage. One of the key advantages of raw food is its superior palatability, making it highly appealing and encouraging greater interest from your pet. Channeling natural instincts through suitable environmental enrichment and feeding practices is crucial to fostering a harmonious living environment with pets.  

Feeding a Raw Food Diet

What is the best way to switch my pet to raw food?

Various approaches and philosophies are available for transitioning pets to raw food, including the Quick and Gradual methods. The most suitable method hinges on your pet’s individual needs.  

Transition Guidelines 

  • Start with one protein source – Feed a single protein for the first 1-2 weeks.  
  • Introduce New Proteins Gradually – Once stools are firm and regular, slowly introduce a new protein. Continue this process, adding one protein at a time until your pet has rotated through all the proteins you’d like to include in their diet. 
  • Begin with Turkey – Our Turkey formula is lean and easy to digest, making it an ideal starting point. 
  • For Dogs with Digestive Issues – A 24-hour fast before switching can help reset digestion and ease the transition. 

Transition Methods 

The Quick Method 

If your pet is healthy and has no digestive issues, you can immediately switch to raw food by replacing its kibble meal with a raw one. Monitor its weight, digestion, and stool consistency to ensure a smooth transition. 

The Gradual Method 

For a gentle transition or for picky eaters, gradually introduce raw food over 5 to 10 days to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust. 

Step-by-Step Transition: 

  1. Days 1-3 → Feed 75% of their current food + 25% raw 
  1. Days 4-6 → Adjust to 50% current food + 50% raw 
  1. Days 7-9 → Increase to 25% current food + 75% raw 
  1. Day 10+ → Feed 100% raw 

This approach helps minimize digestive upset while allowing your pet to adapt comfortably to their new diet. 

For Cats: A gradual transition is often the most effective approach. If your cat isn’t used to wet food, start with canned food, then gradually move to raw food for a smoother adjustment. 

During the first 2 to 4 weeks of transitioning to a raw food diet, pets may experience digestive upset, including gas, loose stools, and bile vomiting. This happens because the enzymes necessary for digesting high-quality protein in raw diets differ significantly from those needed for high-carbohydrate, processed foods. The body must adjust to producing the appropriate enzymes, and because raw food has a high moisture content (65%–75%), it requires less bile for digestion. Additionally, since raw food is calorically dense, it digests more quickly than dry food, so pets may seem hungrier sooner. 

*Click here to learn more about the raw food diet for dogs.  

Keep food frozen until ready to use. Thaw the necessary portion in the fridge—patties and sliders typically thaw within 12 hours. Store any unused portions in the fridge and use within 4 days. Handle raw food with proper care and hygiene, washing all surfaces, bowls, and utensils thoroughly with hot, soapy water.  

If you’ve decided that a raw diet is right for your pet, we recommend monitoring their *body weight and adjusting portions as needed. Factors like life stage, activity level, and even the season can impact how much food your dog requires. For example, dogs may need more food in colder months to maintain body heat, while warmer weather or lower activity levels might require less. Regularly assessing their weight and energy levels will help ensure they receive the right amount of nutrition year-round. 

General Guide for Feeding Raw Food: 
We recommend feeding the following percentages of your pet’s ideal body weight: 

  • Average adult pets: we recommend 2.5% of their ideal body weight. 
  • Active adult pets: we recommend 3% of their ideal body weight. 
  • Underweight pets: we recommend 3% of their ideal body weight. 
  • Overweight pets: we recommend 1.5- 2% of their ideal body weight. 
  • Senior Pets: we recommend 2% of their ideal body weight. 

Feeding Guidelines for Puppies/Kittens: 
We recommend feeding puppies 2–2.5% of their estimated adult weight. If you’re unsure, use these age-based guidelines: 

  • 3 months or younger: 8% of their current weight 
  • 4–6 months: 6% of their current weight 
  • 6–9 months: 4% of their current weight 
  • 9+ months: 2.5% of their current weight 

 

*Always monitor your pet’s body weight closely. While we provide feeding guidelines, they are not an exact science, as every pet has unique nutritional needs. If your pet is gaining or losing weight, you may need to adjust their portions accordingly. We also recommend consulting with your holistic veterinarian for any questions or concerns. 

Providing a safe, clean, and nutritious raw diet should be comparable in cost to similar grocery store foods intended for humans. While the initial expense may be higher, it’s an investment in your pet’s long-term health. We’re proud to offer a high-quality premium product priced for every dog and every budget.  

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here’s a general guideline based on age: 

  • Puppies (up to 6 months): 3–4 daily meals to support growth and energy needs. 
  • Adult dogs (6 months to 7 years): 1–2 meals daily. Many owners prefer feeding twice daily for better digestion and hunger management. 
  • Senior dogs (7 years and older): 1–2 meals daily, depending on health and energy levels. 

Always consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs. 

*Click here to learn more about establishing a dog feeding schedule: How often to feed a dog. 

We have always strongly believed in the benefits of rotational feeding—a holistic approach to pet nutrition that involves varying protein types to ensure optimal nourishment. 

The main benefit of rotational feeding is the availability of a wide range of nutrients. By incorporating various protein sources, pets receive diverse vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, ensuring they get all the essential nutrients that a single protein source may lack. 

For example, beef is rich in iron, copper, and manganese, while chicken provides potassium, tryptophan, and choline. Regularly rotating different proteins helps dogs and cats receive a broad array of nutrients. We consider our recipes complete when feeding a variety of our formulas. 

A rotational feeding diet can be implemented daily, weekly, biweekly, or box-to-box. We recommend feeding a minimum of three to five different proteins over time. 

We offer a diverse range of proteins and recipes, including Bold Select with green tripe, Bold Mega with veggies, two Pure formulas, our Cat line, and our Toppers. In total, we provide over sixteen options for dogs and six for cats. 

Dog Options: 

  • Select or Mega: Beef, Chicken, Duck, Turkey, Pork 
  • Other Options: Select Rabbit, Mega Blend, Mega Pure Duck, Mega Pure Pork 
  • Toppers: Fish, Green Tripe 

Cat Options: 

  • Bold: Beef, Chicken, Duck, Turkey, Rabbit 
  • Toppers: Fish, Green Tripe  

If your pet has allergies or intolerances, you can contact our expert to discover suitable options. here. 

Click here to learn more about Rotating your pet’s proteins. 

Yes, you can! Here’s the scoop: while we believe that a raw food diet is the best option, feeding both raw food and kibble is safe. Some raw food is better than none!

Yes, this is completely normal. A raw diet naturally complements the canine digestive system, as their pH levels, gut flora, and short digestive tract are designed to break down proteins and bones effectively. Your pet’s body digests and absorbs nutrients from the new diet, helping to reduce stool volume. In most cases, transitioning to raw food leads to firmer, more consistent stools within 24 hours.

Yes, freezer-burned patties are safe for your pet to eat and are not a food safety concern. While freezer burn may affect the appearance and taste, it does not compromise the product’s safety. You can feel confident that your pet won’t face any health risks from consuming freezer-burned food. 

Due to raw food’s high moisture content, even a small amount of air entering the packaging can draw some of that moisture out. This can lead to the formation of ice crystals on sliders or patties. 

Did you know? Freezer burn is simply the early stage of freeze-drying—a preservation method trusted for pet treats, astronaut meals, and outdoor adventure foods alike. 

Yes, these patties are safe to feed. Because of our products’ high moisture content, even a small amount of air entering the packaging can cause some moisture to be pulled out of the patty. This can lead to the formation of ice crystals on the sliders or patties. However, since ice crystals are just water in a frozen state, it is safe to consume the product.

Color variations are normal and expected when no antioxidants or artificial preservatives are used in meat. Since we only use real, natural ingredients with no synthetics, patties may appear darker or lighter due to natural differences in muscle type, iron content, and exposure to air. These patties are perfectly safe to feed. 

No. Cooking raw food is not recommended because of its bone content and the potential change in nutrient values. Raw dog food is specifically formulated to be safe and nutritious when served raw, ensuring optimal digestibility and appeal. Cooking alters nutrient levels and food qualities at a cellular level, which is not advantageous for raw dog food. While raw bones provide essential nutrients safely, cooked bones can pose serious risks. 

We do not recommend thawing our sliders or patties in the microwave, as it may alter their chemical composition and destroy essential nutrients. If you forget to defrost the meal, place your pet’s portion in a BPA-free bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes or until it is fully thawed.

If your dog doesn’t finish their meal, you can leave it at room temperature for up to 15 minutes. Afterward, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within 24 hours. Any uneaten food beyond this time should be discarded.

Dog and cat foods are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of each species. Cats and dogs have different dietary requirements, so feeding one the other’s food regularly can lead to nutritional imbalances and health issues. 

Cat food is higher in protein, fat, and calories, making it too rich for dogs and potentially leading to digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, and pancreatitis—a severe pancreas inflammation that affects digestion. 

Additionally, cat food contains essential nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, and arachidonic acid. While dogs can synthesize taurine and arachidonic acid from other dietary sources, they still require vitamin A from their diet. Unlike cats—who must get vitamin A directly from animal sources—dogs can convert beta-carotene (found in plants) into vitamin A. 

While an occasional bite of cat food isn’t harmful, long-term consumption can lead to serious health problems, so it should not replace a dog’s regular diet. 

Cats are true carnivores and require higher levels of protein, fat, and specific nutrients than dog food provides in sufficient amounts. 

Key nutrients that dog food lacks for cats include: 

  • Taurine – Essential for heart, vision, and immune health; cats cannot synthesize taurine and must get it from their diet. A deficiency can lead to heart disease and blindness. 
  • Vitamin A – Unlike dogs, cats cannot convert beta-carotene into vitamin A and must obtain it directly from animal sources. 
  • Arachidonic acid – An essential omega-6 fatty acid that cats need for skin, coat, and inflammatory responses; dogs can synthesize it, but cats must consume it in their diet. 

Feeding your cat dog food regularly can result in nutritional deficiencies, poor health, and serious medical conditions. While an occasional bite won’t harm them, dog food is not a balanced diet for cats. 

About your Product - Select:

What makes Bold Select unique?

Our Bold by Nature Select line is our signature raw dog food blend. It is the ideal choice if you are seeking a carbohydrate-free diet. Select contains only ground meat and bones, natural “green” beef tripe, organ meat, and kelp.  

We don’t base our formulas on ratios but on nutrient analysis. If we had to simplify our formula, it would be 70% meat, 15% beef tripe, 10% bone, and 5% organs*. Remember that we grind whole animals, so our formulas contain the heart and lungs, increasing the organ content to roughly 10%. 

Our Select Raw blends are crafted to offer a carbohydrate-free raw diet containing no fruits or vegetables. Instead, we include green tripe, which is rich in digestive enzymes, omega-3s, and probiotics to support gut health. 

Did you know? It’s called “green” tripe because it is unprocessed and unbleached, preserving its natural nutrients. It also retains partially digested plant matter from the ruminant’s diet, which can give it a greenish tint and enhance its nutritional benefits. 

Bold by Nature Select is designed to be part of a rotational diet. We firmly believe that incorporating a variety of proteins and whole foods is the best way to ensure a complete and optimal diet. Additional supplements should not be needed if you can rotate your proteins regularly.  

We consider our recipes complete when fed as part of a rotational diet, incorporating a variety of proteins and formulas. Feeding multiple protein sources helps ensure a well-rounded nutrient profile for your dog.

Bold Select is available in two sizes: 

  • 4 lb box – Contains 8 x 8 oz patties 
  • Lasts approximately 8 days for a 20 lb dog 
  • 12 lb box – Contains 24 x 8 oz patties 
  • Lasts approximately 10 days for a 50 lb dog 

Feeding duration may vary based on your dog’s size, activity level, and dietary needs. 

About Your Product - Mega:

What makes Bold Mega unique?

The Bold by Nature Mega line was created to offer an affordable raw food option for families with larger dogs or multi-dog households. However, Mega isn’t just for large dogs! All ingredients are triple-ground, ensuring a smooth texture that is safe and easy to eat—even for the smallest breeds. 

The key difference between Mega Dog Raw and Bold Select is their ingredient composition. Mega includes our nutritious, signature vegetable blend with no green tripe, while Select contains no vegetables and includes green tripe. Mega uses vegetables to provide essential nutrients while helping to meet the portion needs of larger dogs at a more economical price. 

Additional supplements are generally unnecessary if you regularly rotate proteins. However, adding omega oils can provide various benefits to your pet’s diet, such as supporting skin, coat, joint, and overall health. 

For these reasons, we strongly recommend incorporating omega oils as a valuable addition to your pet’s raw feeding routine. 

We consider our recipes complete when fed as part of a rotational diet. Bold by Nature Mega is designed to be fed with variety in mind, as we strongly believe that incorporating multiple proteins and whole foods is the best way to ensure a complete and balanced diet. 

Additional supplements are generally not necessary if you regularly rotate proteins. However, if you are unable to rotate proteins, we recommend adding supplements to help ensure balanced nutrition. 

Our Bold by Nature Mega line offers base blend formulas in convenient patties, allowing you to customize your pet’s meals. These base blends act as the foundation of your pet’s bowl—simply add your pet’s favorite vegetables, supplements, or toppers to create a complete and balanced diet tailored to their needs. 

For pets with allergies or food sensitivities, Bold by Nature Mega Pure provides a single-protein option containing only meat, bone, and organs from a single animal source. This ensures a high-quality, versatile foundation for raw feeding while offering flexibility in meal customization. 

Bold by Nature Mega Blend (Multi-Protein): 

  • Ingredients: Chicken meat, chicken bone, beef lung, beef liver, & beef tripe. 

Bold by Nature Mega Pure (Single Protein Options): 

  • Mega Pure Duck – Duck meat, duck bone, duck heart, & duck liver. 
  • Mega Pure Pork – Pork meat, pork bone, pork liver, & pork heart. 

Bold Mega is available in three packaging options: 

  • 4 lb box (patties) – Contains 8 x 8 oz patties 
  • Lasts approximately 8 days for a 20 lb dog 
  • 4 lb tub – Ground raw in a bulk format for easy portioning 
  • Lasts approximately 8 days for a 20 lb dog 
  • Lasts approximately 2 days for a 100lb dog 
  • 24 lb box (patties) – Contains 48 x 8 oz patties 
  • Lasts approximately 19–20 days for a 50 lb dog 

Feeding duration may vary depending on your dog’s size, activity level, and dietary needs. 

About Your Product - Cat

What makes your Cat line unique?

Our signature cat recipes are crafted with wholesome ground meat, ground bone, and organ meats, with no fruits or vegetables included. Our cat line offers a gluten-free, sugar-free, and carbohydrate-free diet, while our triple-ground process ensures that the texture of our patties remains highly appealing to cats.

If you can rotate proteins regularly, additional supplements are generally not necessary. However, adding *omega oils can offer a range of health benefits, including skin and coat support, joint health, and overall well-being. We strongly recommend incorporating omega oils into your cat’s diet for these reasons. 

*Click here to learn more about the benefits of fish oil for cats  

Taurine is an amino acid that supports the function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems while playing a key role in the production of bile salts, essential for the digestion and absorption of fats. Unlike dogs, taurine is essential for cats, as they lack the specific enzyme needed to convert the amino acid cysteine into taurine. Without enough taurine in their diet, cats can develop serious health issues, including blindness, heart disease, and even death.

Our cat formulas are designed with rotational feeding in mind. We consider our recipes complete and balanced when various proteins are fed. Incorporating different proteins and whole foods is the best way to ensure optimal nutrition. If you rotate proteins regularly, additional supplements should not be necessary.

While our raw cat food is not specifically formulated for kittens, it is highly digestible and closely resembles the natural diet of their wild ancestors. Our recipes are simple and made with meat, bone, and organs, which naturally provide digestive enzymes and probiotics to support healthy growth and digestion. 

Click here to learn more about Your Guide to a Cat Raw Food Diet 

Bold Cat is available in 3 lb boxes containing 16 easy-to-serve 3 oz patties. Depending on individual feeding needs, one box typically lasts approximately 12 days for a healthy 12 lb cat.

About Your Product - Toppers

Are your Toppers considered complete and balanced?

No, our toppers are not considered a complete and balanced meal. They can be added to any diet—including kibble, canned, raw, or homemade food—to enhance flavor and nutritional variety.

Tripe is the stomach lining of ruminant animals such as cows, deer, and sheep. These animals have up to four stomach chambers, which help break down plant material and extract nutrients during digestion.

 It’s called “green” tripe because it has not been washed, processed, or bleached, and it retains the natural plant matter from the animal’s diet—giving it a greenish tint. This natural state preserves beneficial enzymes, probiotics, and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for dogs and cats.

Our tripe is sourced exclusively from Canadian cows from government-inspected facilities that meet the safety standards required for human consumption. 

Tripe is only considered safe for human consumption once it has been processed and bleached, a process that removes beneficial enzymes and bacteria. We use only green, unprocessed beef tripe to preserve its natural nutrients, probiotics, and digestive benefits for pets. 

We recommend feeding tripe as 10% of your pet’s diet, replacing an equivalent portion of their regular food. 

If you’re already feeding Bold Select, you don’t need to add Tripe Toppers, as tripe is already included in the recipe. 

We use the whole fish, including the bones, to ensure a nutrient-rich topper packed with natural vitamins and minerals.

Our Fish topper offers a natural boost of omega fatty acids, promoting skin, coat, and overall health. It also enhances meal flavour, making it a fantastic choice for picky eaters, just like our beef tripe toppers. 

 

We use a 50/50 blend of whiting and mackerel. Both fish are low in mercury and sustainably sourced, making them a safe and nutritious addition to your pet’s diet.

Our fish is wild caught from the Atlantic coast of Canada and the Northeastern U.S. We source from sustainable fisheries, ensuring responsible harvesting practices that help protect ocean ecosystems. We do not use any farmed fish in our toppers, providing a natural and high-quality source of omega-rich nutrition for pets.

As part of our nutrient analysis, we tested the mercury content in our Fish Topper. The results showed a very low mercury level of 0.1 PPM, well below Health Canada’s limit of 0.5 PPM. This ensures our topper remains a safe and nutritious choice for pets. 

About your Product - Recreational bones and frozen treats.

Why should I feed my dog raw bones?

Raw bones offer numerous benefits for your dog’s health and well-being. They naturally support dental hygiene by helping to remove plaque and tartar, satisfy their instinctual need to chew and provide mental enrichment. Additionally, raw bones supply essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, contributing to strong bones and overall digestion. As with any chew, supervision is recommended to ensure safe consumption. 

*Click here to know more about The Benefits of Raw Bones for Dogs 

Yes, raw bones can be safe and beneficial for dogs when given responsibly. Always supervise your dog while they chew and select a bone appropriate for their size to prevent choking or swallowing hazards. Raw meaty bones, such as chicken feet, are fully consumable and offer nutritional benefits, while recreational bones, like beef marrow bones, are best used for mental stimulation and dental health. To ensure safety, remove and dispose of the bone once the meat is gone or if it becomes small enough to pose a risk. 

Q: Are raw chicken bones good for dogs? 

Q: Are raw beef bones safe for your dog? 

Once thawed, a raw dog bone should be treated like raw meat. To prevent spoilage, offer it to your dog within the same day and remove any uneaten portions after a few hours. Whenever your dog isn’t actively chewing on the bone, we recommend storing it in the freezer to prevent it from spoiling or discarding it completely. Be aware that providing your dog with frozen raw bones can be risky since they might be too hard and could lead to dental fractures.

If you’re feeding raw bones as a treat, we recommend offering them 2–3 times per week alongside regular meals. If you notice white stools, this may indicate too much bone intake; consider reducing the amount. 

When feeding a raw diet, it’s crucial to include bone in every meal to help balance essential minerals and nutrients. We typically recommend 10–15% bone in a pet’s diet. Every dog is unique—feeding too little bone may lead to loose stools, while too much can cause constipation. Adjust as needed based on your dog’s digestion and stool consistency. 

We offer a variety of raw bones to suit dogs of all sizes and chewing styles – tough to gentle. 

  • For recreational chewing, we recommend beef marrow bones and beef knuckles. These are designed to help your dog work its jaw and support dental health without being fully consumed. 

Our chicken feet and chicken neck are great options for cats. – Always remember to supervise your pet when giving raw bones. 

The best raw bone for your dog depends on their size and chewing style: 

  • For small dogs: Chicken necks, chicken feet, and small beef marrow bones.* 
  • For medium-sized dogs: Chicken necks, chicken feet, turkey necks, and small to medium beef marrow bones.* 
  • For large dogs: Chicken feet, turkey necks, and large beef marrow bones.* 

*Beef Marrow Bone Safety: Dogs should chew marrow bones properly by stripping off the meat, cartilage, and connective tissue without breaking the bone. Aggressive chewing that causes the bone to crack can increase the risk of choking and may lead to tooth fractures. Not recommended for puppies. 

About your Product - Supplements

Why should I use Bold by Nature+ Supplements?

Bold by Nature+ Supplements are formulated to support your pet’s overall wellness and specific health needs. Whether you want to maintain their daily vitality or address areas like digestion, joint health, skin, coat, or immune support, these supplements provide essential nutrients to complement their diet and enhance their well-being.

Our supplements are designed to support key areas of your pet’s health and vitality, including: 
✔ Bone & Joint Support – Helps maintain mobility and joint function 
✔ Digestive Aid – Promotes gut health and nutrient absorption 
✔ Skin & Coat Health – Supports a shiny coat and healthy skin 
✔ Overall Vitality – Provides essential nutrients for energy and immune health 

Choosing the right supplement can help your pet thrive and live their healthiest life. 

Click here to learn more about Your Guide to Cat Supplements 

Our general rule of thumb is to always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements if your pet is on medication. Some supplements, like Slippery Elm, can affect how medications are absorbed in the digestive tract and may not be recommended in certain cases. 

It’s also important to note that some Bold by Nature+ Supplements, such as Green Lipped Mussel, can be used regularly, while others are intended for temporary use. Always refer to the directions on the label for proper usage and recommendations. 

Yes, our supplements are formulated for both cats and dogs—we do not provide separate versions for each. They are completely safe for both species, but we recommend checking the directions on the label for proper usage and serving guidelines. 

We do not use pet-grade ingredients in the production of our supplements. Pet-grade ingredients often lack guaranteed analysis or specifications, making them lower in quality and unsuitable for premium nutrition. Instead, we source high-quality ingredients that meet strict standards to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal health benefits for your pet. 

General customer inquiries

Where can I purchase Bold by Nature products?

You can find Bold by Nature products at retailers across Canada. Use our location finder to discover a store near you.

Yes! We stand behind the quality of our meals. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we offer a reimbursement or replacement at no extra charge. 

To process a return, please return the product to the location of purchase, where the retailer will assist you. If you are unable to do so, please contact our Canine Support Team for further assistance. 

If your pet is trying a new protein or raw food for the first time, we recommend starting with a smaller box to minimize animal protein waste. 

We do not sell our products directly to consumers; we proudly support local businesses. Please use our location finder to locate a retailer that offers delivery options, as this depends on the retailer.

Yes! We offer a Frequent Buyer Program on our food, bones, and frozen treats. Participation may vary by retailer, so we recommend checking with your local retailer for details on how to enroll and enjoy the raw-wards.

Yes! We offer a Bold Breeder Program designed to support responsible breeders. To learn more about the benefits and eligibility, you can contact your local retailer or click here to fill out the breeder application form.

Ingredients and manufacturing

Where are your products made?

Bold by Nature products are proudly produced in our 25,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Erin, Ontario, Canada, using a carefully controlled process that ensures quality, safety, and consistency.

As pet parents ourselves, we are deeply committed to product safety and adhere to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards to ensure the highest quality of our raw pet food. Our quality control measures include: 

✔ Strict Food Safety Controls – We source ingredients exclusively from human-grade, CFIA-inspected suppliers and implement rigorous safety protocols. 
✔ Microbiological Testing – We conduct regular batch testing for Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria through accredited third-party laboratories. 
✔ Advanced Freeze Tunnel Technology – As the only national Canadian raw food brand utilizing an in-line continuous tunnel freezer, we freeze patties within minutes, ensuring a safer and fresher product. 
✔ Facility & Equipment Sanitation—To maintain the highest hygiene standards, our facility and equipment undergo nightly cleaning and sanitation by CFIA-approved third-party specialists. 
✔ Comprehensive Food Defense Plan – We maintain a safe working environment for our employees while delivering high-quality, safe products to our customers and retailers. 

These strict quality control measures ensure every batch meets our high safety and nutritional standards before reaching your pet’s bowl. 

*Click here to learn more about our Bold Standard and our HACCP Food Safety Certification 

Q: What is HACCP, and why is it important? 

HACCP – Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points is a globally recognized human food safety management system designed to identify, assess, and control potential hazards in food production. It helps ensure that every process step—from sourcing ingredients to packaging—is monitored to maintain strict safety and quality standards. 

At Bold by Nature, we follow HACCP principles to: 
✔ Prevent contamination risks by implementing strict food safety controls 
✔ Ensure high-quality sourcing from human-grade, CFIA-inspected suppliers 
✔ Conduct regular microbiological testing for Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria 
✔ Maintain rigorous sanitation protocols through CFIA-approved third-party specialists 

By adhering to HACCP standards, Bold by Nature ensures that every batch of raw food is produced with the highest safety, quality, and nutritional standards in mind. 

We take cross-contamination very seriously, especially for pets with food allergies and sensitivities. To ensure product integrity and safety, we follow strict protocols throughout our production process: 

✔ Single-Protein Production – We typically produce only one protein daily to minimize cross-contamination risks. 
✔ Rigorous Sanitation Procedures – At the end of each production day, a specialized sanitation crew thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the entire facility, including all machinery and equipment. 
✔ Supervisor Inspections – After sanitation is complete, a supervisor inspects all machinery to ensure cleanliness before the next production run. 
✔ Mid-Day Sanitation for Multi-Protein Days – If two proteins are produced in one day, we conduct a full sanitation cycle between shifts, following the same strict cleaning and inspection procedures. 

These measures allow us to maintain the highest safety and quality standards, ensuring that every batch meets our strict HACCP protocols. 

Q: Where do you source the ingredients for your raw food?  

A: We prioritize local sourcing whenever possible.  

  • Chicken – Sourced within Canada 
  • Pork – Sourced within Canada 
  • Rabbit – Sourced within Canada  
  • Tripe – Sourced within Canada 
  • Turkey – Sourced within Canada 
  • Duck – Primarily sourced from Canada and the USA. 
  • Beef – Sourced within Canada – Pasture Raised  
  • Kelp – 
  • Veggie Mix – carrot, zucchini, collard greens & broccoli 
  • Fish –  

We source our ingredients exclusively from human-grade, CFIA-inspected suppliers, ensuring the highest food safety standards. All suppliers must provide current food safety documentation, including a Letter of Guarantee and a Certificate of Analysis with microbiology testing for each meat source. 

While our ingredients are human-grade, we include green beef tripe in some of our formulas. This tripe has not been bleached or processed to meet human food regulations, allowing us to preserve its natural enzymes and probiotics, ensuring optimal pet nutrition. 

Our cardboard packaging is fully recyclable, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility. The plastic film we use is a multi-layer structure that is technically recyclable; however, many of North America’s current recycling infrastructure facilities often do not support processing flexible packaging films. 

We encourage you to check with your local or provincial recycling facility, as recycling capabilities vary by region and continue to evolve. 

Exciting Update for Quebec Residents: Starting January 1, 2025, all types of plastic, including flexible packaging films, will be accepted for recycling in Quebec! Simply clean the packaging before placing it in your recycling bin. 

At Bold by Nature, we are committed to reducing our plastic footprint and actively exploring offsetting initiatives across all regions.