The Light of Dog Food Products FAQs

This page contains detailed information about our product deliveries and how to use our products.

It is organized based on our Food Stack For Dogs, which is our roadmap for how we feed our dogs and develop food products for The Light of Dog.

If you have a question not addressed on this page or if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Table of Contents

Please click the link to be taken to that section.

How does the monthly delivery work and where do you deliver?

We deliver to you at your home or business or desired location on the first Tuesday of every month.  We will confirm with you your order and delivery the week before. We cannot give you an approximate time of delivery, other than delivery will take place sometime between 9 am and 5 pm.

If you do not plan to be at your delivery location when we drop off, you will need to make plans for us to leave the food with you.  The easiest is to leave a cooler or styrofoam box or boxes outside so we can easily put the food inside.

Our service area is metro Denver including Boulder, south to Monument.

Minimum order amount for delivery is $100.00

Do you offer a discount if I pick up from you?

You can also pick up from us, either from the farm or from Sue when she holds classes offsite. Please click here for Sue’s offsite class locations.

Please see this page for a complete listing of all of our product discounts.

What is in Peak Power Raw Dog Food?

Our formula is balanced in the right proportions to mirror the dog ancestral diet originally developed by Steve Brown, a renowned dog nutrition and dog raw food expert. We further adjust the supplements based on the latest and best research available about raw dog food diets.

We have 2 formulas that we rotate, usually feeding formula 1 for a month, then formula 2 for a month.

Formula 2 has whole chickens, a great source of natural calcium with the bone included, so we like to use it more often than not, but take a break every 2-3 months so our dogs do not develop an allergy to it.  

Beef Formula

  • Grass fed beef (whole cow, ground)
  • Grass fed beef liver
  • Sardines, cooked from cans
  • Organic, free range eggs (mostly from our own chickens)
  • Organic broccoli
  • Organic zucchini (some from our own farm)
  • Organic carrots (some from our own farm)
  • Organic apples (some from our own farm)
  • Organic eggshell powder (from our own chickens)

Chicken Formula

  • Organic, free-range chicken (whole chicken, with bones, ground, and equal to 25% of muscle meat in this formula)
  • Sardines, cooked from cans
  • Grass fed beef liver
  • Organic cauliflower
  • Organic cucumber
  • Organic yellow squash
  • Organic bananas and organic raspberries and blueberries
  • Organic, free range eggs (mostly from our own chickens)
  • Organic eggshell powder (from our own chickens)

You can decide if you want to rotate formulas or stick with just one.  Our formulas are packaged in 2-quart freezer containers, containing 3-pounds of food and delivered frozen.

Superfood Supplement

Our supplement formula adds in many other beneficial ingredients to provide a more complete and balanced nutritional meal.  It includes:

  • Organic vitamin E oil
  • Organic coconut oil
  • Organic powdered kelp
  • Organic powdered alfalfa
  • Organic ground flax seeds
  • Organic non-pasteurized goat’s milk yogurt (sometimes we are not able to obtain non-pasteurized from our farms and purchase organic pasteurized)

The supplement formula comes in a 16-ounce glass jar delivered frozen.

As a general guide, feed 2 tablespoons of the core supplement formula for every 1 pound of raw dog food.

Eggshell Powder Supplement

Eggshell powder is an important calcium supplement to balance out the calcium required in a dog’s diet.  We typically provide you with eggshell powder ground from our own chicken eggs to supplement in your dog’s diet.  Supplement guidelines are:

  • For the Beef formula, add 1.5 teaspoons of eggshell powder to each 2-quart container (3 pounds) or Peak Power Raw Dog Food.
  • For the Chicken formula, add .25 teaspoons of eggshell powder to each 2-quart container (3 pounds) or Peak Power Raw Dog Food.

We periodically run out of eggshell powder, in which case we will substitute in bone meal that we purchase. Supplement guidelines are:

  • For the Beef formula, add 2 teaspoons of bone meal powder to each 2-quart container (3 pounds) or Peak Power Raw Dog Food.
  • For the Chicken formula, add 1.5 teaspoons of bone meal powder to each 2-quart container (3 pounds) or Peak Power Raw Dog Food.

How is Peak Power Raw Dog Food made?

We not only purchase direct from ranches that raise the animals, but also we scrutinize how they are raised, because that is an enormous factor in whether the end product is healthy or not.

Feedlot beef, which comprises more than 94% of U.S. produced meat, is unhealthy, which research has proven.

Further, it is inhumane to the animals, and actually increases carbon released in the atmosphere, whereas grass fed, pasture raised animals improve our grasslands ability to pull more carbon out of the atmosphere (and the animals are much happier roaming around).

We source directly from 100% grass fed only ranches that we personally inspect. They follow standards set by the American Grassfed Association for range land management and standards set by the Global Animal Partnership for outstanding animal welfare.  As only 6% of U.S. beef is 100% grass fed, not all of it abides by standards set by these organizations, so it is even harder to purchase this kind of beef.

We purchase our meat from our ranches and use small processors to give us the final product.  We store some of the frozen meat at the processor and as needed, transfer it to our freezers on our farm, before using it to make the raw dog food.

Besides meat, some raw dog food is comprised of vegetables and fruits.  Some of it is grown on our farm and the rest is purchased locally from stores or other organic growers.  

Our eggs are produced by our own chickens.

All of our supplements are organic, and most are whole foods. We produce some of it ourselves, like the yogurt from raw goats' milk producers that we source (not pasteurized).

We do not have growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, sugar, salt, grains, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, artificial colors, artificial flavors, fillers, chemicals, and no GMO (genetically modified organism).

We produce on our farm in our USDA licensed kitchen.  We do not outsource to some big manufacturer. We are a small operation and we plan to keep it that way.  We typically only produce in lots up to 150 pounds, so we are truly small batch!

We post the production log online so you can see for yourself the specifics on your particular batch. We believe in being transparent about our sourcing and production so you are fully informed on what your are purchasing from us. Please click here to see our product production logs.

How do I switch my dog to raw?

Before you switch, we highly recommend you have a veterinarian that has some understanding and acceptance for raw dog food diets.  That way, your vet can help you fine tune the food for your dog. You also want to discuss with your vet any specific needs for your particular dog and his/her breed.  We probably can customize our formula to your specific needs. Please discuss with your vet first and then discuss with us.

For example, we feed our dogs the above core formulas, but our Romeo has a drier coat, so we add some more fats via coconut oil and vitamin E and fish oil, while our Zuzu needs more liver support that we supply through a supplement we purchase.  Your vet might notice small adjustments like these in an annual checkup that should be made for optimal health.

When you are ready, you make the switch slowly over a few weeks, at least.  Make sure that you do not feed your dog dry kibble with raw in the same meal because both require different digestive processes and can cause gastrointestinal issues, like gas, or vomiting.  

If you feed your dog two times per day, then switch to 3 or 4 for a while and then you can more effectively split up the meals as you transition over.   Or, start slower than that. Try a little bit of raw dog food as a treat to start in between meals. Dry dog food requires less stomach acid than raw, so it will take time for your dog to adjust.  Be patient and do it slowly.

Is there a difference between adult and puppy formulas?

In our experience and research, we have not seen a difference. But again, you will want to discuss with your vet based on your particular dog and his/her breed.

What quantities of raw do I feed?

Here is a rough guide for daily feeding, based on your dog’s weight, but you will have to fine tune based on your own dog. Please note that this includes not just food, but treats, stuffed kongs, bully sticks or any other food or chews you feed your dog:

  • 1.5%: weight loss
  • 2%: non-active
  • 2.5%: maintain weight
  • 3%: slight weight gain
  • 3.5%: significant weight gain
  • 5%: dogs 8 weeks to 1 year
  • 4.5% to 8%: puppies under 8 weeks

Do I have to feed all raw dog food, or can I feed raw and dry?

You can do whatever you want, as long as you make sure that you do not feed your dog dry kibble with raw in the same meal because both require different digestive processes and can cause gastrointestinal issues, like gas, or vomiting.

What if my veterinary doctor is recommending against raw?

Some dogs with compromised health may not be able to tolerate raw.   Or if your veterinary doctor for any other reason is recommending against raw, you can simply cook our raw dog food and serve it to your dog.

Is there anything specific I should do in terms of veterinary care while feeding raw?

That is up to you and your veterinary doctor to decide.  However, we make sure our doctor does a CBC and Metabolic panel annually for our dogs.  We also run a test for taurine levels.   Based on these results, we work with our doctor to correct any deficiencies.

We would do this even if we did not feed raw and instead, used a commercial diet that is labeled “complete and balanced” on the label. 

Like humans, each dog is different and requires more or less of certain nutrients based on their breed, activity level and other factors. Just because you feed them a dog food that is labeled “complete and balanced” on the label, does not mean they will not have nutritional deficiencies.

Does raw dog food have pathogens in it?

It should…and ours does.  

We are not talking about the harmful pathogens that can make dogs sick.  We are talking about the normal pathogens found in unadulaterated raw meat that comes from pasture raised sources.  Healthy dogs are well equipped to handle these pathogens. And that includes salmonella, which is found in raw chicken.

The problem with other commercial raw dog foods is that to sell in retail, they must by law remove all pathogens, which means they have to use manufacturing processes that ends up destroying  the beneficial enzymes and nutrients such that, it is almost no better than dry dog food.

We do not do that, which means you have to use the same, normal safe-handling techniques as you would for any meat you purchase that you would cook and consume yourself.  

Are there some dogs that should not be fed raw?

Dogs with compromised health from diseases or those that contract a pathogen (like giardia) may be better off not eating raw because their systems may not be able to handle digesting the natural pathogens found in raw meat.  In that case, you would cook our raw dog food before you feed it to your dog.

What does this statement on your package mean: For supplemental or intermittent use only?

To comply with government regulations about dog food, companies must include a laundry list of ingredients that most of us can neither pronounce nor understand. The reason is that the majority of dog food is not healthy and needs to be fortified.  And just because it is fortified and labeled a complete diet does not mean those nutrients come from quality sources.  In fact, studies show that these synthetic vitamins can actually cause more harm than good to our pets, because the body cannot completely utilize them and instead it will process them as a foreign substance, causing more stress to the liver and kidneys.

We do not fortify our foods with any additional supplements because our ingredients are very high quality and healthy dogs should normally be able to assimilate all the necessary vitamins and minerals from the food.

But, as a result of not fortifying, we cannot label our food as a complete dog food diet, and instead, have to label it as supplemental for intermittent use only.

That is our choice that we made for our dogs, which we have been successfully feeding raw since 2013 using our formulas and ingredients.  We highly recommend you discuss this with your own vet to determine if our food is appropriate for your dog, or if you are better off with a formula that while lesser ingredient quality, is fortified so that it can be labeled a complete dog food diet.

Is The Light of Dog registered with the USDA?

Yes.  Any company that sells dog food products must be registered with the USDA regulatory authority in its state.  Also, any company that owns its own production facility for dog food products must be registered with the USDA regulatory authority in its state. Since we produce on our farm in our own commercial kitchen that we built for dog food production, we are registered with the USDA in Colorado.

What does Peak Power Raw Dog Food cost?

Per Meal Price

Take your dog’s weight and multiply by the feeding guide above to get the cost per day.

For example, for a 50 pound dog at 2.5%, the cost is $22.50 per day (or $18.75 if you include the discounts that we offer) for a total of 38 pounds per month.

If you include other food items like treats, stuffed kongs and bully sticks, it will be less than that.

Per Pound Price

Core formula(s) price per pound: $18 (or $15 with the discounts we offer)

Required supplements formula:  $22 (16 ounces, which is a two-week supply for a 50-pound dog and comes in a 16 ounce jar; feed 2 tablespoons per day).

For a 50 pound dog at 2.5%, the monthly cost is $730 (food + required supplements formula), but as stated above, it may be less than this if you feed your dog treats and other dog food products and take into account other factors like your dog's breed and activity level.

The eggshell powder or bone meal will be included for free with your order.

Cost Reductions Steps You Can Take

If you pick up from us, we offer generous cost reductions.  Please see this page for a complete listing of all of our product discounts.

Why is the cost for Peak Power Raw Dog food high compared to other brands?

We do not cut corners or compromise on the quality of the ingredients that we put in our raw dog food.  When you purchase our product, you can be confident that we are truthful when we say that because it’s the exact same diet we feed our own dogs.

For more about dog food pricing and how to use it to determine the quality of dog food, please see this post.

High quality food ingredients that we use is just more costly to produce versus the feedlot, industrialized food that most Americans are used to purchasing.

Can I try a sample to see if my dog will like it?

We package our raw dog food in 3-pound packages, so you can order as little as one 3-pound package to try.  Click here for ordering information.

What is the difference between the Crunchy and the Chewy versions

For our beef version of our Peak Power Dog Treats, the Crunchy version is shelf-stable that does not require refrigeration or freezing.

The semi-soft/chewy version is the exact same formula, but is not dried as much, giving it a moist texture.  However, it requires refrigeration and will only last as long as cooked meat does in your refrigerator.  You will want to freeze that which you do not plan to use within the next week.

Our Chicken version is crunchy only and shelf-stable.

What is the best way to use Peak Power Dog Treats?

You can use them any way you want and do not have to worry about feeding them too much.  Our treats are balanced according to the dog ancestral diet.

We recommend you break the treats up into the smallest pieces that you can.  They are very flavorful so a little goes a long way.  We designed the treats so that they can be broken up into very small pieces.

What is the best way to use Peak Power Chicken Crunchers?

Chicken Crunchers are dried chicken feet, so they are hard and crunchy.  We give them as snacks to chew on.

What is the best way to use Peak Power Snack Stuffers?

The bison and liver are raw.  You can cook this mixture if you wish before stuffing into interactive toys.  We do not cook our mixture as we want to give our dogs as much raw food as possible for maximum nutrition.  We do not worry about raw meat juices coming out of the frozen interactive toys because our dogs love this treat so much that they will lick out all the ingredients and meat juices before they thaw. If you are concerned about raw meat on your floors, either feed outdoors or place a sheet/blanket/etc. on the floor to keep it contained and then wash the floor covering as needed.

What is the best way to use Peak Power Superfood Supplement

Our Superfood supplement formula is designed to go with our Raw Dog Food formulas to provide a more complete nutritional profile for a dog's meals. It can also be added to other meals to enhance the nutritional profile.

As a general guide, feed 2 tablespoons of the core supplement formula for every 1 pound of raw dog food.

We recommend thawing out enough to last you two weeks and freeze the remainder.

What is the best way to use Peak Power Immune Booster

We recommend 1-teaspoon per day for a 50-pound dog.  You can adjust this up or down according to your dog's weight.

We recommend thawing out enough to last you two weeks and freeze the remainder.

What is the best way to use Peak Power Bone Broth

We recommend 1/4  to 1/2 cup per day for a 50-pound dog.  You can adjust this up or down according to your dog's weight.

We recommend thawing out enough to last you two weeks and freeze the remainder.