In the latest episode of Rescue Shit, Jme and Pate—founders of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue—dove into the often-debated topic of raw diets for dogs.
The duo shared their experiences feeding raw food to rescue animals, highlighted the benefits and challenges, and gave a huge shoutout to their sponsor, Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, for generously donating high-quality raw food to their foster dogs.
Why Feed Raw?
Raw food diets for dogs can be controversial, but Jme and Pate have seen significant benefits in their rescue animals. Some of the biggest improvements include:
✅ Healthier Coats & Skin – Many dogs come into rescue malnourished or suffering from skin issues. Within two weeks of switching to raw food, their coats often become shinier and softer.
✅ Better Digestion & Less Waste – High-quality raw food contains fewer fillers, leading to smaller, more compact poop and fewer digestive issues.
✅ Bioactive Nutrients – Raw meat is naturally higher in enzymes, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that support overall health.
Despite the benefits, feeding raw isn’t as simple as tossing a steak into a dog’s bowl. There are important safety precautions to consider.
Handling Raw Food Safely
One of the main concerns about raw feeding is bacterial contamination. But as Jme and Pate pointed out, if you eat meat yourself, you're already handling raw food regularly! The key is following the right precautions:
Never thaw raw food on the counter – Always defrost it in the refrigerator.
Store properly – Keep raw food frozen at 40°F or below and use it within 2-4 days after thawing.
Use dedicated utensils – Separate cutting boards, bowls, and knives should be used exclusively for raw pet food.
Clean thoroughly – Wash hands, dishes, and surfaces with hot, soapy water, and consider using a bleach bath for bowls.
Bird Flu & Cooking Precautions
Currently, a bird flu outbreak has raised concerns about feeding raw poultry, especially to cats. To stay on the safe side, Motley Zoo is temporarily cooking raw chicken, beef and turkey.
This is a reminder that while raw feeding can be great for many pets, staying informed about food safety is crucial—whether you’re feeding kibble, cooked food, or raw diets.
Not All Raw Foods Are Created Equal
Motley Zoo’s sponsor, Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, offers three types of raw diets:
🔹 Natural Selects – Free-range meats & organic vegetables.
🔹 Biologics – More budget-friendly but still high quality.
🔹 Intelligent Design – Special formulas for pets with medical conditions.
Unlike big pet food brands, smaller raw food companies tend to have stricter quality control and ethical sourcing. This is a stark contrast to the mass-produced pet food industry, which, as Jme and Pate discussed, has shocking standards—watch Pet Fooled for an eye-opening look at the pet food industry.
The Bottom Line
Jme and Pate aren’t here to tell anyone how to feed their pets—but they do encourage people to do their own research and make informed choices. Whether raw feeding is right for you or not, knowing what goes into your pet’s food is always a win.
Want to Hear More?
Listen to the full episode of Rescue Shit to hear all the hilarious banter, firsthand experiences, and more insights into raw feeding and pet food safety.
Got questions or a topic you want them to cover? Email them at RescueShit@motleyzoo.org!
Rock on. Rescue on!
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