Frequently Asked Questions

 At The Wholesome Hound, we know that choosing the right food, treats and supplements for your pet can come with a lot of questions. We're here to help you make informed choices and find options that work for both you and your pet. 

 While raw food is a big part of what we do, we offer much more! We carry a carefully selected range of raw, freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, treats, chews, supplements, dietary complements as well as select dry foods and kibble for dogs and cats. 

Absolutely! We understand that switching to raw can feel overwhelming at first. We're happy to explain the different options available, help you determine an appropriate starting amount for your pet and make the transition as simple as possible. 

The amount varies depending on your dog's age, weight, activity level, metabolism and body condition. General feeding guidelines are a starting point rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.

We can help you determine an appropriate starting amount and adjust it based on how your dog responds.

It depends on the individual pet. Some dogs transition directly to raw without difficulty, while others benefit from a gradual transition.

If your pet has a sensitive digestive system or you're unsure where to begin, please ask us and we'll help you choose an appropriate approach.

Yes! We carry raw and other food options suitable for cats, along with treats and supplements. Because cats have specific nutritional requirements, we're happy to help you choose products designed to provide appropriate feline nutrition. 

Yes. We carry a variety of proteins and limited-ingredient products that can make it easier to avoid particular ingredients.

We can help you compare ingredient lists and identify products that may fit your pet's dietary needs. For diagnosed medical conditions or suspected allergies, we recommend working with your veterinarian.

 Yes. We carry a variety of single-protein and limited-ingredient options. Availability and proteins vary by brand, so please contact us or visit the store to see what's currently available. 

 In many cases, yes! If one of our suppliers carries an item that we don't normally stock, we may be able to special order it for you.

Special-order availability, minimum quantities and ordering timelines vary by supplier.

 Natural variations can occur between batches of raw food. The colour of meat can vary because of factors such as the animal's diet, age, fat content, oxygen exposure and the particular cuts used.

A difference in colour alone does not necessarily indicate that the food is spoiled.

 Keep frozen raw food frozen until you're ready to use it. Thaw it in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature and store thawed food refrigerated.

Use clean utensils and bowls, wash your hands after handling raw food, and clean surfaces that come into contact with it just as you would when handling raw meat intended for people.

For best quality and food-safety practices, we recommend following the storage and handling instructions provided by the individual manufacturer. If you're unsure about a particular product, ask us and we'll help you check the manufacturer's recommendations. 

 This varies by manufacturer and product. Always follow the manufacturer's storage instructions on the package. When in doubt, contact us before feeding it.  

Yes. We carry a changing selection of raw bones, necks, natural chews and single-ingredient treats.

The appropriate choice depends on your dog's size, chewing style and experience. Dogs should always be supervised when eating bones or chews.

 Yes. Supporting Canadian and locally produced products is important to us, and we carry many products from Canadian companies and producers. 

 Samples may be available for selected products and brands. Availability changes, so please ask us what's currently available.

Frequent buyer programs are available on participating brands. Each manufacturer's program has its own rules and requirements, so please ask us whether your pet's food qualifies. 

Yes!   

Earn Rewards Every Time You Shop! Our loyalty program is our way of saying thank you! 

Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend. Once you reach 500 points ($500 in purchases), you'll receive $25 off your next purchase.

Our loyalty program applies to products (some restrictions apply) where the supplier does not offer their own frequent buyer program.

Shop. Earn. Save. It’s that simple!

  Absolutely. Product availability can change quickly, particularly with frozen food and popular proteins. Contact us before making a special trip and we'll be happy to check current availability. 

 Please contact us directly regarding holds. Whether we're able to hold an item may depend on the product, availability and current demand. 

Pets can be surprisingly particular! Contact us and we'll help you troubleshoot the issue and discuss other options that may be more appealing.

Returns and exchanges are subject to our store policies and the policies of the individual manufacturer.

We're selective about what goes on our shelves. We look at ingredients, nutritional value, sourcing and manufacturing information, company transparency and whether we believe the product offers genuine value to our customers and their pets.

We're also always learning. If we find a better option or receive new information about a product, we're willing to reconsider what we carry.

 Ask us!

One of the things we love most about what we do is helping pet owners understand their options. Whether you're completely new to raw feeding, looking for a different protein, trying to find a particular product or simply aren't sure what to choose, we're happy to help.