Nutrition
ONLY THE BEST FOR OUT BEST FRIENDS
We love dogs. So we do everything we can to ensure they are healthy and happy. This includes giving them plenty of walks, lots of cuddles and the best nutrition available. Using the latest science and expert advice we’ve created a nutritionally complete food your dog will love.
Let’s dive into your dog’s dinner....
AWESOME OMNIVORES
Compared to their carnivorous ancestors (the mighty wolf), domestic dogs have evolved a superior ability to digest starch and carbohydrates. This means that dogs no longer need to “eat like a wolf” - they happily thrive on a plant-based or flexitarian diet.
LET'S TALK PROTEIN
Usually the first question people have - “But where will my dog get their protein from?” Don’t worry, we’re all over this. AAFCO requires that dog food has no less than 18% protein. Ralph has 28% protein, so we’re punching well above our weight in this department. All plants have some form of protein, but we rely on pea protein and nutritional yeast to really boost the protein levels in Ralph.
NUTRIENTS VS. INGREDIENTS
Dogs have nutritional requirements, but not ingredient requirements. Science has proven dogs can get everything they need from plants and grains as long as the combination strikes the right balance of proteins, fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Ralph pet food proudly meets or exceeds all AAFCO standards for adult dog food nutrition - hence why we are 100% nutritionally complete.
Read the science
SPEAKING OF INGREDIENTS
We are very selective about what goes into our dog’s bowl. We use NZ grown oats and yellow pea flour mixed with pea protein, nutritional yeast, spirulina, flaxseed fibre, chickpea, buckwheat, brown rice flour, pumpkin, spinach, parsley and turmeric. We also add probiotics, vitamins and healthy fats to create a complete nutritional diet for a thriving, wagging dog.
ALLERGY FRIENDLY
You might be surprised to learn that animal proteins such as beef, dairy and lamb are the top food allergens for dogs (1). Animal protein allergies affect many dogs and can cause a sensitive stomach, itchy or red skin, eyes and paws, fatigue and a dull coat. Not only is Ralph meat-free, it is also free from soy, wheat and dairy. Perfect for sensitive dogs, as well as dogs that eat (literally) anything.
DEVELOPED WITH ANIMAL NUTRITIONISTS AND FOOD SCIENTISTS
We approached one of the leading, unbiased animal nutritionists in NZ with a challenge - can you create a nutritionally complete (and delicious) dog food without using animal products? Their reply: “Of course - dogs are omnivores!” Ralph was underway.
We also reached out to Dr. Andrew Knight, Professor of Animal Welfare & Ethics at the University of Winchester. He confirmed that a well-balanced, plant-based diet is suitable nutritionally, very palatable, and gives dogs a happy, healthy life.
With support from Callaghan Innovation and the food scientists at Food South (Food Innovation Network), we turned our vet-developed recipe into a commercially produced dog food. Massey University is also on board to ensure that all the boxes are ticked for nutrition and digestion.
HAPPY INSIDE AND OUT
Using low allergy and clean ingredients, a plant based pet food may help achieve the following benefits:
Healthier skin
Fewer allergies
Less itching and redness
Shinier coats
Great energy
Excessive wagginess
Less gas (and less upset tummy)
Healthy, mobile joints
Reduced inflammation
Weight loss
Weight maintenance
References
1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4710035/