Q. What is the transitional phase?
A. Transition is the process of moving a dog from their current food to a new food. While many dogs transition seamlessly, some dogs have an adjustment period. Diarrhea, loose stools, and vomiting are the most prevalent symptoms. It is important to understand the underlying causes of transition issues so that they may be minimized or completely avoided.

Q. How do I transition to Canine Caviar?
A. We recommend a straight transition to Canine Caviar, feeding ½ the recommended amount for the first day then the regular recommended amount from that point on.

Q. Why do I notice different colored kibble from time to time?
A. Canine Caviar does not use artificial colors or dyes in our formulas. The color of our foods is based on the color of the meats & grains and as such the foods vary slightly in color from batch to batch.

Q. Which of your formulas would you recommend for my pet?
A. We recommend that your rotate through the formulas every couple of months to help strengthen your pets immune system and absorb the nutritional benefits of all the different proteins. Feeding the same diet for long periods may allow for some animals to develop allergies. For specific preferences please read each of the formulas descriptions to decide which formula best suites your pets needs.

Q. Can we mix raw or cooked meat with your kibble?
A. All of our formulas are nutritionally complete and balanced. If you choose to add fresh / cooked meat we recommend mixing 10 - 25% with our holistic kibble and deducting between 10% -25% of Canine Caviar dry kibble.

Q. What does "Human Grade" mean? It used to be on your packaging.
A. Although our ingredients are in fact "fit for human consumption" thus, "human grade," we are not currently allowed to use the term on our packaging per AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) regulations. AAFCO needs to officially define the term in order for it to be used.

Q. My dog's eyes are red and constantly are running with fluid.
A. We would like to tell you that our food is the best on the market and that your dog's problems will disappear if you begin using Canine Caviar. It is very unlikely that the protein source (lamb or chicken) is the actual culprit in causing your dog's symptoms, it is possible. It is more likely that another of the many ingredients are causing the problems. Considering Canine Caviar's ingredients, pearl millet is the least allergenic grain available and we use none of the various other fillers, grains, or preservatives that many pet-food companies use. We would suggest you try using our Lamb and pearl millet food for at least 30 days. The problems will not be gone by then, but you should see improvement and said improvements will continue making your dog healthier and happier and weeks go by. If your dog's symptoms do not begin easing after a month, you might try moving into a totally grain-free diet such as Canine Caviar's Venison & Split Pea.

Q. What are Prebiotics and Probiotics?
A. Prebiotics are found in plant fiber such as chicory root or beet pulp. When prebiotics are consumed, the undigested portion serves as food for "friendly" bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species. Clinical studies have shown that administering prebiotics can increase the number of these friendly bacteria in the colon while simultaneously reducing the population of harmful bacteria. Probiotics are freeze-dried bacteria that are cultured in a laboratory and include enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, and lactobacillus plantarum.

Q. Are dogs omnivores or carnivores?
A. Dogs are opportunistic and have evolved to eating a wide range of foods. Dogs have enzymes that can digest and utilize diets with range of different proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.

Q. When do I switch my puppy to the adult food?
A. You can switch to the adult food when you feel your pet has reached their full growth potential. However, growth can vary by breed. We recommend speaking with your vet to find out if your dog is ready to make the switch to an adult formula.

Q. Can the water that my pet drinks affect the pH of my pet's urine?
A. Yes, water can affect the pH.

Q. Since I was young, we were always told not to feed canned food; to only use dry because dry food helps keep teeth clean and sharp. My vet said this isn't true. What do you say?
A. If you give your dog healthful, crunchy items to chew on and if you have your dog's teeth maintained as per your veterinarian's recommendations, the food you feed (be it kibble or canned food) is irrelevant to your dog's overall oral health. A high-quality food such as Canine Caviar will certainly help maintain better breath, however!

Q. How long can your canned food last in the refrigerator after being opened?
A. If the canned food is put in a plastic container and sealed from the surrounding environment, the food should last up to 3-4 days. How long the food has sit out exposed will have determining affects on the safe storage of the canned diets.

Q. Why is your food extruded and not baked?
A. Baked food is cooked at 425 degrees F for 45 minutes to convert the starches. We use a twin screw dual temp extruder that allows us to cook the food for 6 seconds. This prevents damage to the dehydrated protein and preserves the naturally occurring prebiotics. Our formulas have the highest digestibility on the market. They are 91% – 93% digestible, without the use of added GMO. Nutrition is and always will be our number one priority.

Q. What specifically makes Canine Caviar so digestible?
A. We use only high quality sources of protein and fat which are inherently more digestible. We use a twin screw dual temp extruder that allows us to cook the food for 6 seconds. This prevents damage to the dehydrated protein and preserves the naturally occurring prebiotics. Our formulas have the highest digestibility on the market. They are 91% – 93% digestible, without the use of added GMO. Nutrition is and always will be our number one priority.

Q. How is Canine / Feline Caviar preserved?
A. Canine Caviar's pet foods are preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols -- alpha, beta, gamma and delta isomers).

Q. My dog burps a lot after he eats his food. A neighbor told me this is a sign of bloat and my dog could die because of it. What's the scoop with that?
A. Bloat can be a serious condition and it should be addressed with your veterinarian. Several years ago, there were no "large breed" or "large chunk" diets available and bloat was seen very rarely. With the introduction of these larger kibble foods, we are now seeing bloating dogs on a regular basis. For this reason, you will notice that Canine Caviar does not, and will not, manufacture large kibble foods. While we cannot make a promise that your dog won't burp after eating Canine Caviar, we are proud to say that after years of taste-testing and consumer feedback, we have NEVER had a complaint with regards to bloat. Sometimes a dog will burp, just like a human, after drinking or from eating too fast. Lastly, we would recommend that you supervise feeding time if you have multiple dogs. This will prevent the alpha from threatening to eat the other dog(s) food, which will cause the other dog to eat in a more relaxed manner.

Q. How should I store the pet food?
A. We strongly recommend keeping the food in our packaging as it is the best protection against oxygen, light and water. Our bags have higher protective barriers than a coffee bag. We recommend that you keep the food in a cool, dry, preferably dark place (not on a cement floor, under a sink, or in a laundry room). You may also refrigerate our pet food for up to 6 months. We do not recommend freezing the food because it can affect palatability.

Q. Why do you use chicken fat in some of your formulas? Aren't some people allergic to chicken?
A. Pets are usually allergic to the proteins - proteins called antigens. Oils do not contain antigens or proteins. So if someone is allergic to chicken they will not be allergic to the chicken fat.

Q. I heard my dog's feces will be smaller, more compact, and will smell less if I feed him holistic food. Is this true?
A. Hard question to answer without more information from you, but we'll try. If you feed your dog the cheapest food out there, then chances are his feces are large, loose, and odorous. As you move up the chain of dog food, the chances increase that the volume and odor of the stools will decrease and they'll also be more firm and easier to clean. That being said, this is not to say that these benefits should be anywhere other than LAST on the list of reasons to switch a dog's food. Imagine if your parents fed you foods that caused you to have smaller and harder bowel movements. Sometimes we all must admit that having a bowel movement that is just nasty and evil smelling is quite enjoyable, relaxing, memorable and funny to discuss with your sister at Sunday dinner in front of your in-laws. Your pet feels the same way.

Q. How long can I use the food once the package has been opened?
A. After opening a bag, we recommend using it within 1 - 3 months as long as it is stored in a cool dry place. Once a can is opened, refrigerate any unused portion and use within 72 hours.

Q. What is the Canine Caviar philosophy on high protein dry food for dogs?
A. Dogs do well on a variety of different proteins and protein levels. We understand that higher protein may also mean higher fat (calories), and minerals. Both of these components are healthy when delivered in moderation however, many of the highest protein diets neglect to pay close attention to maintaining appropriate fat and mineral levels. We believe that a higher, not highest protein diet is a very safe option for dogs provided they are fed the correct overall balance of nutrients.

Q. I want to add some fresh meat to my pets diet, do I need to mix it in with the kibble?
A. This is not necessary, we recommend feeding them separately. No kibble food even Canine Caviar can quite compete to the flavor of fresh foods or table scraps.

Q. My cat has been vomiting lately after she eats, and my veterinarian says she's healthy and it's not hairballs. What's the deal?
A. If there's no hair in the vomit, we'd say your cat has developed an intolerance to something in the food. Also, be wary of red liquid in the vomit. While the main concern with red is blood, it could be as simple as your pet food contains dyes. If so, switch to a company who makes food without dyes. Sometimes, cheaper brands will substitute ingredients based on cost. We'd suggest you look at the ingredient panel on your bag. If it says "may contain one or more of the following..." then absolutely you should change to a higher quality company. With Feline Caviar, you are feeding holistic, human grade chicken that contains no dyes and is rich in vitamins and minerals. We also do not add any chemical preservatives -- our food's preservative is the bag it comes in (along with vitamin E and C, which are also powerful anti-oxidants). The vomiting should stop within a day or two of feeding Feline Caviar and definitely within a week.

Q. Is your food okay for dogs with copper sensitivities?
A. The copper level in our foods is formulated within the tolerance level established by AAFCO. Copper is used to produce blood cells and is active in the metabolism of iron. Copper is a necessary part of some of the enzymes that help inactivate free radicals and play an active role in antioxidant protection. The copper levels in our dog foods are low compared to other high end pet foods.

Q. Do you have menadione (Vitamin K) in your foods?
A. No we do not add Vitamin K to any of our formulas. Instead we prefer to use foods that are naturally high in vitamin K1 such as alfalfa and kelp.

Q. Why do you use chicory root?
A. Chicory root nourishes the beneficial microorganisms in the colon. Chicory molecules are highly fermentable by select beneficial organisms in the large intestine or colon. Chicory is utilized by Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli and other beneficial organisms in the colon.

Q. Why do you use garlic?
A. Garlic has been long used for its healthful benefits. While it is a member of the onion family garlic does not contain a significant amount of disulfide, the substance found in onions that is harmful to cats at a high amounts. Moderation is the key.

Q. Does Canine Caviar contain GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms)? A. No. All Canine Caviar products are GMO free.

Q. How much does your pet food cost?
A. Pricing information varies between different locations. The individual pet food retailers in your area can provide you with their current prices and product availability.

Q. Can I order your food online or have it delivered to me?
A. We do not sell directly to the consumer as it would be cost prohibitive to you. With the high price of fuel we can only ship in full trucks to keep the price lower to you. If there are no retailers in your area, you can have the pet food shipped to your home by calling and ordering directly from one of our online retailers.

Q. Can dogs digest carbohydrates?
A. Dogs are very capable of digesting cooked carbohydrates. Excess carbohydrates may be stored as fats if the dog consumes more calories than they need. It is very important strictly manage your dog’s diet.

Q. Why are your protein and fat levels lower than other grain free diets?
A. Most people tend to use the same cup for their pet food. There are also a large number of people that fill their dog’s bowl…and then refill it so it is never empty! We created a grain free diet that is moderate in fat and protein to help reduce the risk of obesity – a number one cause of dog health issues.

Q. Do you offer a frequent buyer's card?
A. Yes. If you purchase 12 bags of Feline/Canine Caviar, you can receive the 13th bag free. Ask your pet store for a card, as it's required to participate. Also, if you have a card from a different food manufacturer that is half-full or less, attach it to a Canine Caviar frequent buyer card and we'll honor those purchase towards completion of our card!

Q. How do I know my pet’s activity level so I can feed correctly?
A. Activity levels vary greatly, but the difference is really whether your pet is a couch potato or non-stop, or in between. An inactive dog spends most of its time sleeping and gets very little exercise. An active dog sleeps and exercises; there are times when they may be resting, but other times when they are playing, running around, or exercising during a walk or run. A working dog is doing just that - working most of the day. A performance dog would also be a working dog when they are being shown frequently, or participating in trials.

Q. Why is it important to control the Calcium and Phosphorus levels?
A. High levels of Calcium and Phosphorus interfere with the absorption of trace minerals like Zinc and Iron. Over time, this can lead to deficiencies and result in poor growth rates, skin lesions, and red blood cell levels and many other health conditions.

Q. Why is the calcium to phosphorus ratio important?
A. Calcium and Phosphorus both have important functions for a dog including the building of healthy bones. A very good ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus will range from 1.2- 1.5 to 1. AAFCO recommends not exceeding a ratio of 2 to 1. This ratio is important to keep at this level to manage the bioavailability and absorption of these nutrients and to prevent bone related disorders.

Q. Why does Canine Caviar use whole grains instead of flours?
A. The whole grain is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, oils and phtyonutrients. Flours, wheat flour, rice flour, corn meal etc., are almost completely devoid of nutrients or essential fatty acids. By law grains must be milled and refined into flour before shipping or storage; or left whole. Once the grain is ground the oils are exposed to oxygen and will go rancid. Canine Caviar uses only beneficial whole grains that are ground immediately before going into the extruder. Diets high in refined carbohydrates are seen by the dog's system as sugar. A recent study revealed that within two hours of ingesting a diet high in refined carbohydrates the blood glucose was 50% higher than the basis level. Within four hours it was 50% below the basis level. These wild swings in blood glucose can overtax the pancreas and may possibly lead to hypoglycemia, diabetes or pancreatitis etc.

Q. I have heard that some high protein diets should not be fed to large breed puppies. How Come?
A. Research has shown that large breed puppies should not be fed a diet that is over 1.3 – 1.5% calcium or they run a significant risk of developing bone malformations. Many high protein diets on the market today are in excess of 1.5% Calcium. We do not recommend any large breed puppies be fed any of the high protein diets on the market today.

Q. When should I switch my dog to Special Needs?
A. Canine Caviar's adult formulas are balanced for all life stages of a dog’s life. A normal, healthy older dog could use the adult formula throughout their lifetime. We recommend switching if your pet has decreased liver or kidney function, digestion problems, joint problems, weight gain, and/or lower activity level. We also recommend the Special Needs for Giant Breed Puppies.

Q. What precautions do you take to protect your foods from contamination?
A. Canine Caviar is committed to the highest standards of safety. Our highest priority is providing your pets consistently safe, superior-quality holistic food, treats and supplements for dogs and cats. Our Active Management to Manufacturing Policy (AMMP) maintains the strictest standards of food safety, it exceeds the requirements set by both the FDA and AAFFCO. Canine Caviar follows the same strict guidelines that are applied to food for people. Before any product enters our facility, before any truck is unloaded, inspection is made and random samples are taken. These samples are then taken to the lab for screening and testing. Our facility also has regular inspections by the USDA and APHIS. The plant is a member of the Pet Food Institute and as such is continuously updated on all regulation changes and is notified immediately of any outbreaks which would affect production so that any precautions or stoppages could be made. The chicken included in our formulas are all hormone and steroid free and contain human grade chicken fed on real feed with no waste included. The lamb & venison included in our formulas come from New Zealand and are all hormone and steroid free and contain human grade chicken fed on real feed with no waste included. Fish, fats and oils are received only from suppliers that are USDA/APHIS/NMFS approved. Our facility have built a close relationship with all their suppliers conducting long term research and development to be at the top of their profession and the industry. Between them they have years of experience with which they are able to bring to the table the finest in companion animal food production.

Q. Why isn't Canine Caviar sold at Petco or Petsmart?
A. We do not sell our pet products to mass merchandisers or national chains. Our current pet food distributors and retailers are independently owned pet supply shops, vet clinics, groomers, feed stores, kennels and health food stores.

Q. My vet is recommending a food that they sell in their practice, what should I do?
A. If your vet is recommending a specific food to address your pets specific ailment, please discuss this with your vet and read the labeling to discern what that food includes or does not include that will make the difference to your pets health. There may be ingredients or levels that will benefit your pet or there may be ingredients or levels that do not best suits your pets needs. Conduct your own research on what nutritional qualities and levels work best for your pet then compare the vet recommended formula to other available foods on the market.