FAQs
Whether you're just exploring raw food, mid-transition, or a longtime Darwin's subscriber — this page covers everything. Real answers, no fluff.
8Categories
60Questions answered
10+Years feeding raw
⌕
🐾
New to raw feeding?
Is Raw Food Right for My Dog? New
The most common questions we hear from pet parents who are curious, skeptical, or just starting their research. Start here.
Raw dog food is made from minimally processed, whole ingredients — real meat, organ meat, ground bone, and vegetables — served fresh or frozen rather than dried, extruded, or cooked at high heat. Darwin's raw meals skip the industrial processing that turns whole ingredients into shelf-stable pellets. Kibble requires multiple rounds of extreme heat and pressure to create its dry form, which significantly degrades proteins, fats, and nutrients. Our meals are frozen immediately after preparation to lock in nutritional integrity, so what reaches your dog's bowl looks and smells like real food — because it is.
The most commonly reported benefits include improved digestion, smaller and firmer stools, shinier coat, better energy levels, and greater mealtime excitement. From a nutritional standpoint, raw food tends to be more bioavailable than heavily processed alternatives — meaning your dog's body can actually absorb and use more of the nutrients in each meal. Dogs on raw diets also typically consume more moisture through their food, which supports kidney health and digestion. Every dog is different, but the shift away from ultra-processed food tends to be one pet parents notice quickly.
Yes, when handled correctly. Dogs' digestive systems are built for raw meat — they have shorter digestive tracts and more acidic stomach environments than humans, which makes them naturally equipped to handle raw protein. The primary food safety consideration is for the humans handling the food, not the dogs eating it. We recommend washing hands, food prep surfaces, and your dog's bowl thoroughly after each meal — the same standard hygiene you'd use with raw chicken or beef for yourself. We take additional precautions on our end, including an organic acid bath during processing and regular third-party testing of ingredients and finished meals.
See our full Food Handling & Safety section for storage, thawing, and hygiene best practices.
It can be an excellent option. Many food sensitivities in dogs are triggered by common proteins in commercial kibble combined with fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Darwin's meals are single-protein recipes with clean, whole ingredients — no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. The transparent ingredient list makes it much easier to identify and avoid specific triggers. We also offer novel proteins like duck and lamb, which are less common in traditional pet food and can be a good starting point for dogs with established sensitivities. Our Intelligent Design therapeutic line is specifically formulated for dogs with ongoing health conditions.
Absolutely — and senior dogs are often among the most dramatic beneficiaries of switching to raw. Improved joint mobility, better digestion, increased energy, and healthier coat are commonly reported in older dogs after the switch. The higher moisture content in raw food also supports kidney function, which becomes increasingly important as dogs age. If your senior dog has a specific health condition — kidney disease, liver issues, or cancer — we recommend consulting your vet before changing their diet. For seniors without underlying conditions, we suggest a slightly slower 14-day transition and lightly cooking Darwin's meals during the initial adjustment period.
With standard hygiene practices, yes. The same precautions you'd take when handling raw meat for cooking apply here: wash hands with soap and water after handling the food, clean any surfaces and bowls that come into contact with it, and store raw meals on the bottom shelf of the fridge to avoid cross-contamination. If someone in your household is immunocompromised, undergoing chemotherapy, or very young, we recommend being especially diligent about hygiene practices.
The key difference is that Darwin's meals are truly raw — we don't apply any cooking or pasteurization process that would change the nature of the proteins and nutrients. Fresh-cooked brands gently cook their recipes before delivery. Both approaches are dramatically better than ultra-processed kibble, but raw and fresh-cooked have different nutritional profiles. Raw food preserves naturally occurring enzymes and the bioavailability of nutrients in their unheated state. Darwin's also offers lightly cooked preparation options for puppies under 4 months and seniors who need it.
Many do. The conversation in the veterinary community has evolved significantly, and a growing number of vets support raw and minimally processed diets as part of a healthy lifestyle for dogs. All of Darwin's recipes are formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional guidelines, developed in collaboration with a panel of veterinary nutritionists. If your vet has concerns, we're happy to provide our full nutritional documentation — and we always encourage ongoing dialogue between pet parents and their vets about diet.
🥩
Ingredients & Nutrition
Our Food
What goes into Darwin's meals, how they're made, where ingredients come from, and what makes our recipes nutritionally complete.
For dogs, Darwin's currently offers chicken, duck, beef, lamb, and turkey recipes across our Natural Selections and BioLogics lines. Our Intelligent Design therapeutic line offers additional protein options formulated for specific health conditions. For cats, we offer chicken, duck, and turkey recipes. Protein availability can vary — check our current menu on the shop page for the full up-to-date selection.
Natural Selections is our premium line, made with free-range meats and certified organic vegetables. BioLogics uses conventional (non-organic) ingredients and is designed to provide the same complete and balanced raw nutrition at a lower price point — making it practical for larger dogs, multi-dog households, or customers who want raw feeding without the premium price. Both lines follow the same recipe philosophy and meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines. BioLogics typically costs about 15% less than the equivalent Natural Selections recipe.
Yes. All Darwin's recipes are formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional profiles for the applicable life stage. Our formulations are validated by a third-party lab — the most accurate AAFCO-approved substantiation method — which directly measures the nutritional content of the finished food rather than relying on recipe estimates alone.
Our recipes are developed in collaboration with a panel of veterinary nutritionists and animal nutrition experts. Every recipe is reviewed and approved by this advisory panel before going to production. We also conduct regular third-party testing of our ingredients and finished meals to ensure consistency and safety.
All Darwin's recipes are validated by an accredited third-party laboratory to confirm they meet AAFCO nutritional requirements. This is widely considered the most accurate substantiation method, as it directly tests the finished product's nutritional composition rather than estimated values. We also conduct regular pathogen testing of ingredients and finished meals, and maintain strict sourcing standards at the farm level.
Yes. We source from farms we trust and visit regularly to verify both ingredient quality and the humane treatment of animals and staff. Our Natural Selections line uses antibiotic-free, free-range meats and certified organic vegetables. Most of our farms are located in the United States, though we source some proteins — like lamb — from trusted farms in New Zealand and Australia.
Yes. All of Darwin's ingredients meet or exceed USDA standards for human consumption. This means no feed-grade ingredients, no rendered by-products, and no mystery "meat meals." What goes into our food is the same quality of ingredient you'd buy at a grocery store.
Yes. All of our recipes are completely grain-free. We don't use corn, wheat, soy, rice, or other grains as fillers. Our dog recipes contain real meat, organ meat, ground bone, and fresh vegetables. Our cat recipes are meat only.
Yes. Organ meats are among the most nutrient-dense foods available — rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that support immune function, coat health, and more. Our poultry recipes also include finely ground bone, which provides natural calcium and phosphorus in the correct ratios for your dog or cat. The bone is ground to a fine consistency and fully safe to consume.
Yes, intentionally. While whole raw ingredients are nutritionally rich, we include targeted vitamins and mineral supplements to ensure every recipe is complete and balanced to AAFCO standards across all life stages. Think of it as filling in any nutritional gaps that whole food alone might not consistently cover.
Yes. Our Intelligent Design line is formulated for dogs and cats with specific health conditions. For dogs, we currently offer Cancer Support, Liver Support, Kidney Support, and Joint & Musculoskeletal Support recipes. For cats, we offer Kidney Support. These recipes are developed with veterinary nutritionists and are designed to complement veterinary care for pets with diagnosed conditions. We recommend consulting your vet before starting any therapeutic diet.
Yes. We offer a selection of natural raw treats including free-range duck necks, lamb femur bones, and venison jerky — available as add-ons for active subscribers. Duck necks are a customer favorite: a great source of Omega-3s, they promote gut health and double as a natural teeth cleaner. Check out our treats page for current availability.
We have distinct recipe lines for dogs and cats, and each is biologically appropriate for that species. Our cat recipes are 100% meat with no vegetables, and contain higher taurine levels than our dog food — because cats are obligate carnivores with specific nutritional requirements. Never feed your cat a recipe formulated for dogs, or vice versa. See our cat FAQ section for feline-specific questions.
📦
Logistics
Ordering & Shipping
How ordering works, what to expect on delivery day, carrier info, and what to do if something goes wrong.
You can shop directly on darwinspet.com. We offer pre-curated boxes of our most popular meals for easy one-click ordering, or you can build your own custom box by selecting specific proteins and quantities. All orders — one-time or subscription — are placed through our website. Subscribing saves you 10% on every order automatically.
Yes. Our subscription model lets you set a recurring delivery schedule — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly — at the frequency that works for your household. You can modify your subscription, pause, skip a delivery, or cancel at any time through your online account. Subscribers receive 10% off every order compared to one-time purchase pricing.
Yes. You have full control over which proteins and recipes are in your order. You can mix and match across our Natural Selections and BioLogics lines, and add treats or therapeutic meals if applicable. Customization is managed through your account dashboard.
Darwin's meals are minimally processed to preserve nutritional integrity. Ingredients are combined raw, never pasteurized or heat-treated, and immediately frozen to maintain freshness. Meals are packaged in 2 lb frozen packages. We don't use artificial preservatives — the freezing process itself is what keeps the food safe and fresh for storage.
We cold-ship all orders in insulated boxes using dry ice or gel packs, delivered by temperature-controlled logistics. This ensures your meals arrive frozen or well-chilled. The insulated packaging is designed to keep food at a safe temperature even if your box sits on a porch for several hours on a typical delivery day.
We ship on most weekdays, with some location-dependent exceptions. You can choose your preferred ship day in your account settings. Exact transit times vary by location — you'll receive a tracking number for every order so you know exactly when to expect delivery.
We partner with UPS and GLS. Your carrier is assigned based on your location to ensure the fastest, most reliable cold-chain delivery to your area.
A tracking number is emailed to you as soon as your order ships. You can also view your current order status and tracking information at any time by logging into your account and visiting the order history section.
Due to the frozen and perishable nature of our meals, we're unable to ship to P.O. boxes or outside the United States. We currently ship to all 48 contiguous states. For Alaska and Hawaii, we do ship but charge a flat-rate fee of $150 due to the additional logistics involved.
Yes. Shipping is free on all orders of 20 lbs or more within the contiguous 48 states. Orders under 20 lbs have a shipping fee. Alaska and Hawaii orders ship at a flat rate of $150 regardless of order size.
If meals feel slightly soft on the outside but remain cold in the center, they are safe to refreeze and use normally. If meals are fully thawed and above 38°F (4°C), please do not feed them — contact our customer care team and we'll resolve the issue promptly.
💰
Cost & Savings
Pricing & Promotions
How Darwin's pricing works, available discounts, and ways to make raw feeding more affordable for your household.
We offer a discounted introductory trial for new subscribers, which lets you try Darwin's at a significantly reduced price before committing to a full subscription. We also offer one-time purchase options so you can try our food without subscribing first. Visit our trial offer page for current first-order pricing.
Yes. Active subscribers receive 10% off every order compared to one-time purchase prices. This discount applies automatically when you have an active subscription.
Yes. Orders of 20 packages (40 lbs) or more qualify for an additional 10% discount. Note that customers can apply the 10% subscription discount plus one additional discount per order. If an order qualifies for two additional discounts, we'll apply whichever is greater.
Yes. We run periodic promotions and special offers, primarily available to subscribers. The best way to stay current is to check your account dashboard or subscribe to our email list for announcements.
Yes. We offer a discount for verified service pets. Please contact our customer care team directly to confirm eligibility and apply this discount. The service pet discount can be combined with the subscription discount, but not with additional bulk discount offers.
Darwin's is priced higher than most commercial kibble but is competitive with — and often less expensive than — fresh-cooked subscription brands. When you factor in that raw food is more bioavailable (your dog gets more nutrition per ounce and typically eats less volume), the real cost difference is smaller than the sticker price suggests. We offer several ways to save: subscribing (10% off), buying in bulk (additional 10%), and choosing BioLogics over Natural Selections (approximately 15% less).
We offer several ways to make raw feeding more accessible: a 10% discount on all subscriptions, a 10% discount on orders of 40 lbs or more, and our BioLogics line — designed for large dogs or multi-dog households, priced about 15% less than Natural Selections while following the same complete and balanced recipe philosophy.
Discount codes can be entered at checkout on the payment page. Only one promotional code can be applied per order in addition to the subscriber discount.
🔄
Getting started
Transitioning to Raw
Moving from kibble or canned food to raw takes a little patience — but most dogs make the switch smoothly. Everything you need to know, start to finish.
We recommend a gradual 10-day transition rather than an immediate switch. Start by mixing approximately 25% Darwin's with 75% of your dog's current food for the first three days. On days four through six, move to a 50/50 mix. Days seven through nine, shift to 75% Darwin's. By day ten, you're feeding 100% Darwin's. This gradual approach gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust — particularly the gut bacteria and stomach acid levels needed to process raw protein efficiently. For a full step-by-step walkthrough, visit our Complete Transition Guide for Dogs.
For most dogs, the transition takes 7–10 days. Picky eaters, seniors, and dogs with sensitive stomachs may need 14–21 days. There's no rush — go at your dog's pace. The goal is a comfortable, stress-free switch, not a fast one.
Some dogs tolerate an immediate switch without issues. However, for most dogs — especially those that have eaten kibble their whole lives — a gradual transition reduces the risk of digestive upset, loose stools, and food refusal. We recommend the 10-day plan for the smoothest experience. If you want to try a faster switch, proceed carefully and watch closely for any signs of discomfort.
Within the first week, most pet parents notice smaller, firmer stools, more enthusiasm at mealtimes, and improved energy. Some digestive change — including slightly softer stools for the first few days — is completely normal as the gut microbiome adjusts. Mild loose stools in days one through five are expected and typically self-resolve. See our full symptoms guide in the Transition Center for a detailed breakdown of what's normal versus what warrants attention.
Mild loosening of stools in the first few days is normal. If diarrhea is severe or persists beyond 48 hours, slow the transition down — hold at your current raw percentage for an extra three to five days before progressing. Adding a vet-approved canine probiotic can help stabilize the gut microbiome. If diarrhea continues for more than four to five days, or if there is blood in the stool, contact your veterinarian.
Try these steps in order: fast your dog for one meal so they approach the next meal hungry; offer Darwin's alone rather than mixed; lightly warm the food in a dry pan to release aromas; add a small amount of bone broth or a sardine packed in water as a topper; try hand-feeding a few pieces. If your dog still refuses after 3–5 days, return to their old food for two weeks, then restart the transition using a different protein. For full picky eater guidance, visit our Transition Guide.
When transitioning from a heavily processed diet to whole raw food, some dogs go through a period of adjustment — slightly dull coat, mild skin irritation, or changes in stool — before noticeable improvements appear. This is sometimes called "detox," reflecting the body's shift away from processing ultra-processed food. It typically passes within two to four weeks and is followed by the coat, energy, and digestion improvements most pet parents are hoping for. If symptoms seem severe or persist beyond a month, consult your vet.
Yes, with one important caveat. We don't recommend feeding a fully raw diet to puppies under 4 months old, as both their immune and digestive systems are still developing. Until 16 weeks, lightly cook Darwin's meals — a quick sauté in a dry pan for 8–12 minutes is sufficient. After 4 months, puppies can gradually move to fully raw. Puppies also need to be fed more frequently (3–4 times daily under 6 months) and generally need a higher percentage of body weight in food (5–10%) to support growth.
Each dog can be on their own transition timeline simultaneously. Feed each dog separately and track their individual progress. One dog can be at 50% Darwin's while another is at 100% — there's no problem with this. Just make sure you're not accidentally swapping bowls, especially if one dog has a specific protein sensitivity.
No. Darwin's meals are formulated to be complete and balanced — all necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are already included. No additional supplementation is required. Some pet parents enjoy adding occasional whole food extras like a raw egg, a sardine, or a small amount of salmon as variety, but these are not nutritionally necessary.
A general starting point for adult dogs is 2–4% of body weight per day, split across two meals. Puppies typically need 5–10% of body weight daily. Senior or low-activity dogs may do well closer to 1.5–2%. One Darwin's meal patty equals approximately one 8 oz cup of dry kibble. Visit our feeding calculator for a personalized recommendation, or contact our team directly.
🧊
Handling & Hygiene
Food Handling & Safety
Raw food requires proper handling — for your pet's health and your family's safety. These are the most important practices to know.
Keep all meals frozen until 12–24 hours before feeding. Thaw in the refrigerator — never on the counter or in warm water. For a faster thaw, place the sealed meal in a bowl of cool water for 20–30 minutes, replacing the water when it gets cold. Never microwave Darwin's meals, as this creates hot spots and degrades nutritional value. Once thawed, meals should be used within 48–72 hours.
Stored in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, thawed Darwin's meals are safe to feed for up to 72 hours. We recommend using within 48 hours for optimal freshness.
Yes. Darwin's meals must be stored frozen until you're ready to use them. Move a meal to the fridge 12–24 hours before feeding to thaw safely. Meals that have been thawed should not be refrozen.
No longer than 20–30 minutes at room temperature. If your dog hasn't finished their meal within that window, refrigerate it and serve again within an hour. Don't leave raw food out indefinitely — apply the same judgment you'd use with fresh meat for yourself.
Darwin's meals require minimal preparation — simply thaw and serve. Follow standard raw meat hygiene: wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling, clean any surfaces or utensils that contact the food, and wash your dog's bowl after every meal with hot, soapy water.
Darwin's maintains rigorous safety standards throughout our supply chain. This includes strict sourcing and farm-visit standards, an organic acid bath applied during processing to reduce pathogen load, and regular third-party testing of both raw ingredients and finished meals. Our facilities are maintained to standards consistent with human food production.
Meals typically thaw in 12–24 hours in the refrigerator, depending on your fridge temperature and the size of the meal. For a faster thaw, place the sealed package in a bowl of cool water for 20–30 minutes.
⚙️
Self-service
Your Account & Subscription New
Everything about managing your Darwin's subscription, changing delivery frequency, pausing, cancelling, and account access.
Log into your Darwin's account at darwinspet.com using the profile icon at the top of the page. From your account dashboard, you can view upcoming orders, modify the contents of your next delivery, change your delivery frequency, update your shipping address, and manage payment information.
Yes. You can skip individual deliveries or pause your subscription entirely through your account dashboard. We recommend making any changes at least a few days before your next scheduled ship date to ensure they're applied in time.
Yes. You can cancel at any time through your account dashboard with no cancellation fees or penalties. If you're having any issues or would prefer to cancel through our team, our customer care team is available by phone, email, or chat.
Delivery frequency can be adjusted in your account settings. Common options include weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. Choose the cadence that matches your dog's consumption rate to minimize waste and ensure you never run low.
Yes. You can update your shipping address at any time in your account settings. If you need to redirect an order that's already been processed, contact our customer care team as soon as possible — we'll do our best to accommodate changes before the order ships.
Payment information can be updated in the billing section of your account dashboard. We accept all major credit and debit cards.
Yes. You can fully customize the contents of your upcoming order through your account dashboard before it ships. Add, remove, or swap proteins and recipes as needed. Changes need to be made before your order is processed — check your account for your next order processing date.
Visit the login page at darwinspet.com and click "Forgot Password." You'll receive a reset link in your email inbox. If you don't receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact our customer care team.
🐱
Feline nutrition
Our Cats New
Darwin's raw cat food is formulated specifically for feline biology — distinct recipes, different nutritional targets, and some unique considerations.
Yes. Darwin's cat recipes are biologically distinct from our dog recipes. Cats are obligate carnivores — they require nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A in forms that dogs can synthesize but cats cannot. Our cat recipes are 100% meat with no vegetables, and are formulated with higher taurine levels. Never feed your cat a recipe intended for dogs, or vice versa.
We currently offer chicken, duck, and turkey recipes for cats. Check our current cat menu on the shop page for the latest availability.
Yes. Cats are obligate carnivores that have evolved eating raw prey — their digestive systems are designed for raw meat. Many vets and feline nutrition specialists consider a raw diet one of the most biologically appropriate options for domestic cats. The same safe handling practices apply: wash hands, surfaces, and your cat's bowl thoroughly after each meal.
Cats can be more resistant to dietary changes than dogs, particularly those who've eaten the same food for a long time. We recommend the same gradual 10-day approach: start with a small amount of Darwin's mixed into your cat's current food and increase the raw proportion slowly. Warming the food slightly can help entice reluctant cats — they respond strongly to aroma. Avoid leaving food out for more than 20 minutes per sitting. For a full guide, visit our Transition Center for Cats.
A general guideline is 2–4% of your cat's body weight per day, split across two or three meals. Kittens need more — approximately 5–8% of body weight daily. Contact our customer care team for a personalized feeding recommendation for your cat.
Yes. Darwin's Intelligent Design therapeutic line for cats currently includes a Kidney Support recipe, formulated for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This recipe is developed with veterinary nutritionists and is designed to complement veterinary management of kidney disease. Please consult your vet before starting your cat on a therapeutic diet.
Still have questions?
Our team is made up of real people who are passionate about raw feeding and happy to help — whether you're troubleshooting a transition, figuring out the right portion, or just curious about our ingredients.
Related Resources
🐕
Transition Guide
Complete 10-Day Transition Guide for Dogs
→
🐈
Transition Guide
Complete Transition Guide for Cats
→
⚖️
Tool
Feeding Calculator — How Much to Feed Your Dog
→
💊
Therapeutic Meals
Intelligent Design — Food for Health Conditions
→
🛒
Shop
Browse All Darwin's Recipes
→
🏠
Resources
Darwin's Transition Center
→