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 Frequently Barked Questions (FBQ)

 

1. What is sustainable farming/agriculture?

  • It is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities. Sustainable farming/agriculture is more a way of life than a law or regulation. Each step you take benefits both you and your family, and helps preserve and protect the planet for future generations.

2. Why buy sustainable?

  • The dramatic expansion of industrial agriculture (or factory farming) has made it increasingly difficult for small family farmers in the U.S to stay in business. Instead, the food industry has become  dominated by a handful of giant corporations which benefit from government policies that favor large-scale production.

  • Family farmers are being forced out of business at an alarming rate. According to Farm Aid, every week 330 farmers leave their land. As a result, there are now nearly five million fewer farms in the U.S. than there were in the 1930's. Of the two million remaining farms, only 565,000 are family operations.  As established family farms are shut down, they are not being replaced by new farms and young farmers.  Very few young people become farmers today, and half of all U.S. farmers are between the ages of 45 and 65, while only 6% of all farmers are under the age of 35.

  • You can visit www.sustainabletable.org for more information on all these issues.

3. Why did you team up with a Holistic Animal Nutritionist, who is also a huge

advocate of raw food, instead on a veterinarian?
  • Veterinarians are to be commended for their heart and soul that they put into their career. Though they are skilled at treating sick animals, they typically only take one Nutrition class in school, not enough to qualify them as an expert. In doing our research and reading through cookbooks and websites, we found that most "Vet Created Recipes" contained ingredients that are not in the best interest of our pets. Hopefully you have learned enough from our site to make healthy substitutions in any pet recipe.

  • We do not believe in forcing our beliefs on someone else. What works for one pet may not work for another. Our goal is to educate pet parents on the best way to feed their pet, so they can make an informed choice which they are comfortable with. We feel once pet parents are educated, they are capable of making the proper choice for their pet, whether it be raw, commercial or home-cooked meals.

4. Why do you not offer an egg or oatmeal dish?

  • These two foods do not reheat very well and taste gross afterwards. If you'd like to serve these to your animals, they are easily prepared in your own kitchen served fresh and tasty. Try our Fabulous Furr-tata Recipe at home to share with your precious pet!

5. Why is there no Spinach in your meals?

  • This nutritious vegetable has been re-called one too many times to take a chance with your beloved pets.

6. Can you offer a lower cost option using regular beef?

  • We initially contemplated this option, and then 6 million pounds of beef was recalled. Again, we won't take chances with our own pets, let alone yours.

7. I'm not comfortable with raw foods and home cooked meals are too time

consuming. Is there still good commercial kibble in the market?
  • Absolutely. Just do your homework, know your sources and learn how to read labels.  Usually the first five ingredients listed  make up 80% of the food.  Vitamins and Minerals are about 1-2% and are listed last.  We only include whole foods in our meals and add our superior supplements separately. 

  • Whole Dog Journal recently published an excellent and informative booklet entitled "Top Dog Foods for Total Wellness"   This booklet is available as a gift with your one year subscription to their monthly magazine for $24 per year in the U.S.  1-800-829-9165 (www.whole-dog-journal.com)  When purchasing commercial dog food, we ask that you please try and support the smaller dog stores, as it is difficult for them to compete with the Larger Corporate Chains.

  • You can also contact our knowledgeable delivery partners www.BestFriendsDelivery.com or www.Vippetfooddelivery.com. Unlike the large super Pet Stores, where you can never find help, and then when you do the staff barely knows anything about the products, our delivery partners know their products and are happy to take the time to help you purchase exactly what you need.  They are a complete on-line pet store, professional, passionate and can add any additional items to your home delivery of Cleo & Patra Canine Cuisine.

8. What is the difference between bison and buffalo?

  • Scientifically, the term "buffalo" is incorrect for the North American species; its proper Latin name is Bison bison. However, common usage has made the term "buffalo" an acceptable synonym for the American bison.

9. Aren't Bison becoming extinct?

  • Unregulated killing of bison led to the many millions of animals being reduced to no more than 1,500 individuals in the mid to late 1800s. Legal protection of the bison in Yellowstone Park, the establishment of preserves like the National Bison Refuge in Montana, along with individuals raising bison on their own land, have helped restore the bison to over 350,000 animals. Current estimates place the size of the U.S. herd at 270,000 animals, with most of the production occuring on private ranches.
10. My pet is doing really well on their current diet? Why would I need to change
anything?
  • No need to. I always advise pet parents that if their diet is currently working, then why change it? Keep in mind that variety is key and we encourage you to rotate your pets' dietary selections, whether it be kibble, raw or home-cooked.
11. Why is there no mention or reference to AAFCO standards on your site?
  • Their initials can look impressive but looks can be deceiving. AAFCO only sets "guidelines" for the pet food industry. They never keep in mind the nutritional aspect for the animals. It basically tells the pet food industry that they can use the cheapest ingredients. We won't repeat what most people already know. Their stamp of approval only means that the food content meets their minimal standards. Our nutritious ingredients are far superior and surpass their guidelines.
12. Why do you not bash the commercial pet food industry like most other
websites?
  • No need to. The recalls have instilled enough fear into pet parents. The last thing we want to do is prey on that.
13. How can I find out about your nutritrional classes?
14. Is it true that garlic, onions and tomatoes are not good for dogs? What about
grapes and raisins?
  • All three are fine in small doses. Garlic is also a great natural flea deterrent. I've read everywhere about grapes and raisins being toxic, but know a woman who feeds grapes to her dog regularly with no issues. Again, your dog will let you know if they cannot tolerate these foods.
15. My dog has arthritis. Which of your Cuisine Meals can you suggest?
  • Answer: We suggest our Grain Free meals, as starchy vegetables or grain can aggravate arthritis.