FAQs
Feeding
- Q: Is it safe to feed my dog raw meat?
A: Absolutely. Dogs have very different digestive tracts and gut flora to us, which means they’re able to handle raw meat and a lot of other foods we can’t. Feeding raw, fresh food allows dogs to access all of the nutrients and goodness that naturally occurs in meat (and vegetables).
It's a myth that you need to cook meat before feeding it to dogs – in fact, cooking reduces the nutritional value of food, so it reduces the amount of goodness your dog gets!
- Q: How much should I feed my dog?
A: As a general rule, adult dogs should eat approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. This will vary depending on their level of activity and natural energy levels, as well as age. For example, puppies and pregnant or lactating mothers will eat more than this, and older dogs may need less.
The biggest difference between CDK9 Raw and dry kibble is that your dog will stay fuller for longer. You might also notice that they aren’t passing as much out the other end – this is a great indicator that they’re absorbing more of the raw, fresh materials and are helping to build a happier, healthier dog!
In terms of feeding times, feeding raw is basically the same as feeding dry. We generally feed our puppies 3-4 times per day depending on how old they are, and then wean them back to feeding once or twice daily as this is better for their digestion.
Check out our Raw Feeding Calculator or our Raw Feeding Guide to help figure out how much food your dog needs.
- Q: What else should I be feeding my dog?
A: Just like we don’t eat the same thing every day, neither should our dogs. It is important to feed a variety of meats, organs and vegetables, and add in raw meaty bones and whole fish to build a happy, healthy dog.
As well as a combination of our CDK9 Raw mixes, we recommend at least one serving per week of:
- Oily whole fish like sardines or mackerel
- Recreational bones (e.g. lamb marrow bones) that they can chew on but not eat whole
- Raw meaty bones (e.g. chicken necks) that they can tear at and eat whole – duck feet are also fantastic as they contain high amounts of glucosamine, which helps support healthy joints
Check out our Raw Meaty Bones page to view our full range.
- Q: Are bones dangerous for my dog?
A: Not at all – so long as they are fed raw. Feeding raw bones is one of the best things you can do for your dog.
We could write a book on their benefits, but some of the top ones are that they:
- Act as a natural toothbrush to clean your dog’s teeth
- Are important sources of calcium
- Help to build confidence
- Support development of healthy joints, as the act of holding, chewing and tearing are all really important for developing supporting muscles
- Are a fantastic toy to distract and tire your dog – which in turn should deter them from distractedly chewing other things like your favourite shoes!
Cooked bones are a different story, as bones become brittle and splinter once cooked. They pose a danger to your dog, so please – stay raw!
- Q: How do I switch my dog from kibble to raw food?
A: Most dogs will transition from dry kibble to raw food easily, however every dog is different. We recommend introducing raw food steadily over two or three weeks to give your dog time to build up the right bacteria and environment in their gut.
For example, you might start them off on one of our Essentials Mixes or small raw meaty bones, e.g. chicken necks or wings, for breakfast, and keeping their kibble for the other meal. They may not know what to do with the bones at first, however give them time and they will figure it out - it's a natural instinct!
The second week, introduce a different protein, for example a Premium Beef mix. Once they have the hang of smaller raw meaty bones, you can introduce larger bones such as chicken frames or lamb necks as well.
Remember that if you introduce proteins gradually you'll be able to figure out if your dog has a preference, or if they have sensitivities to any particular meat.
- Q: Will my dog become more aggressive from eating raw meat?
A: This is a myth - and one that has been shared widely by dry food producers to the detriment of our dogs!
Aggression in dogs is not built based on what they eat. It's dependent on training, socialization and appropriate house rules to maintain pack balance.
Feeding whole, raw food can in fact have the opposite effect. Dry food is full of preservatives, fillers, grains and is excessively high in calcium and phosphorous. In many cases, it's more likely to cause poor behavior due to an imbalanced diet.
A balanced diet made up of a variety of raw, whole foods is more likely to result in a healthy, balanced dog.
- Q: Is CDK9 Raw suitable for puppies?
A: Absolutely. CDK9 Raw is suitable for dogs of all ages. While all CDK9 Raw mixes are suitable for puppies, our targeted Premium mixes are full of meat, offal and vegetables that support healthy joint development and digestive systems.
If you're looking for Raw Meaty Bones best suited to puppies, we recommend opting for slightly smaller options like duck feet, chicken necks and sardines rather than larger marrow bones.
- Q: Should I be concerned if my dog is drinking less water than before?
A: Dogs will naturally drink less water when they switch to a raw-based diet. Dry kibble is full of fillers and sodium that cause your dog to become thirsty and crave lots of water.
Raw food is also naturally higher in water content than dry food. So, not only is your dog less thirsty because they're not taking in high levels of salt and preservatives, they're also getting more water naturally through their food.
Products
- Q: How will my order arrive?
A: All of our products are vaccum sealed to preserve their freshness. Your order will arrive packaged in a reinforced CDK9 Raw box with ice packs to help keep the temperature low. We recommend transferring the portions directly into your freezer and defrosting as needed to ensure it remains fresh for you dog.
- Q: Are the mixes delivered fresh or frozen?
A: Our mixes are made fresh to order and delivered to you fresh. We recommend transferring portions to the freezer once they arrive and defrosting as needed to ensure they remain fresh for you dog.
- Q: How are the Bulk Bags delivered?
A: Bulk Bags are delivered in large 5kg bags so that you can portion into appropriate sizes for your dog. Once portioned we recommend storing in the freezer so they remain fresh.
- Q: Why do some mixes have vegetables and others don't?
A: Our Premium mixes have been developed to include vegetables targeted to support dogs at different times of their life. In saying that, some people prefer to feed their dogs meat, offal and bone, or meat and offal only. We provide options for all of these, so you can choose which you prefer.
As with meat, cooking vegetables reduces their nutritional value. Dogs don't have the molars or long digestive systems of herbivores, which means they can't absorb much if vegetables are fed whole and raw.
All vegetables included in our CDK9 Raw mixes have been pulverized to help break down the natural cell walls. This allows dogs to access as many of the nutrients and benefits contained in them as possible.
- Q: What is the difference between CDK9 Raw Essentials and Premium mixes?
A: Our CDK9 Raw Essentials mixes are a mix of meat, offal and bone (chicken and duck) or meat and offal (beef, kangaroo and lamb), whereas our Premium mixes also contain a variety of vegetables and supplements to give your dog an extra boost.
- Q: Are there preservatives in CDK9 Raw mixes?
A: No. All of our CDK9 Raw mixes are preservative, sulphur and salt free.
We're on a mission is to help build happier, healthier dogs. We source hormone free and cage free meat, mince and mix it with high quality vegetables and deliver it straight to you.
We realise that without preservatives, our mixes won't last as long as some other foods. That's why we vacuum seal and cold store it straight away - to make it easier for you and keep it as fresh as possible for your dog.
- Q: How long will CDK9 Raw mixes last in the fridge or freezer?
A: As CDK9 Raw mixes are vacuum sealed straight after they're made, they will last naturally in the freezer for up to four (4) months. Once transferred to the fridge, we recommend using them within four (4) days.
Depending on the temperature of your fridge and portion sizes, each portion will take between 24 - 36 hours to defrost in the fridge. Defrosting times may vary.
Don't be concerned if it's not fully defrosted by the time you need to feed your pup - dogs aren't as fussy as some other pets and will enjoy the extra texture!
Delivery
- Q: How can I set a subscription up?
A: On each product page, you will now see an option to "Subscribe and Save!". Simply select this option, and the interval you would like, and then process it as per any normal order.
- Q: What intervals can I choose?
A: You can choose to have your order delivered every week, up to every 4 weeks. To select your option, simply use the drop down boxes that become available.
For example, if you wanted your order delivered every fortnight, then select "Delivery every 2 weeks".
- Q: When will I be charged for my subscription?
A: Once you sign up for a subscription you will be charged on the same day every week, fortnight or month.
Your Order Date (the day you are charged) depends on the day you placed your order and will be listed in your account.
Please note, that if your card is declined the date you are charged may vary.
If payment is not processed successfully prior to the order cutoff for your area, this may impact your delivery date.
- Q: Can I change my subscription after it's set up?
A: Yes, you will now see a "Manage Subscription" link once you log into your account.
If you click through this link, you will be able to see any active subscriptions you have, and edit or update these for future orders.
Note: once your order is processed we will be unable to update your delivery for that week. Future deliveries can still be updated via your Account.
- Q: Can I cancel my subscription?
A: Yes, simply send us an email to request a cancellation.
However, please note that payments already taken from your account for processed orders cannot be cancelled and will not be refunded.
If subscriptions are cancelled after 2 or fewer orders, a $15 cancellation fee will apply.
- Q: What happens if there's a problem with my order?
A: We want to make sure you're 100% happy with your move to raw food. If you receive products you believe are incorrect or spoiled, please give us a call on 02 888 091 82 to discuss.
We take the utmost care to ensure that all of our meat is prepared in clean, cool environments, then vacuum sealed and cold stored to preserve freshness. Our food comes delivered in reinforced boxes with ice packs, so there's no problem if it takes you a couple of hours to bring it inside once it's been delivered.
- Q: What is your Returns Policy?
A: If you receive products you believe are incorrect or spoiled, we will happily replace any items within 7 days of delivery. Please call us on 02 888 091 82 to discuss and arrange a replacement delivered to your door.
- Q: What is your Refund Policy?
A: Refunds for one-off orders can be processed prior to the order cut off for your area.
Refunds for subscriptions payments that have already been processed cannot be cancelled and will not be refunded.
Refunds will not be provided in instances where:
- Incorrect address details have been provided
- Delivery notes have not been provided where required
- Failure to store products appropriately once delivered have resulted in spoilage
- Q: How can I pay?
A: We accept the following payment methods:
- Visa, MasterCard and American Express
- Paypal (bank deposit or credit card)
- Poli (direct deposit)
- AfterPay - Buy Now, Pay Later
- Q: Why has my payment been declined?
A: There may be a number of reasons. Make sure to:
- Check that you've entered the correct card details, including the expiry date
- Ensure the security code entered is correct - it's the 3- or 4-digit number on the back of the card
Your card issuer may have declined the payment. Unfortunately, they don't give us a reason if this happens, so you will need to check with them directly.
If you've tried all of the above, try paying with another card or give us a call on 02 888 091 82 and we'll happily help process your order over the phone.
- Q: Is GST included in the price on your website?
A: Yes, all prices include GST. We'd rather not charge you GST at all - unfortunately we weren't able to convince the important people that dog food is an essential item!
After placing your order, you will receive a tax invoice showing the product subtotal, shipping cost, amount of GST included in your order and grand total.
- Q: What if an item is missing from my order?
A: If you think we've missed something from your order, please give us a call straight away on 02 888 091 82 and we'll resolve the issue for you as quickly as we can.
- Q: Can I use more than one discount code?
A: Only one discount / coupon code can be used in each order. They cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, including sale items and reduced stock.
- Q: Can I get a discount if I order in bulk?
A: We're more than happy to discuss options with you, depending on the quantity you wish to order. Please call us on 02 888 091 82 or email us at team@cdk9raw.com.au if you would like to discuss.
For information about our delivery areas and when orders need to be placed please visit our Delivery Areas page.
Subscriptions
If you have an existing subscription, head to our detailed Subscription 'How To's area for instructions in adjusting your recurring order.