Betty's Raw Recipes

12/06/2026

🐾 Iodine for Pets: Why Whole Food Sources Matter

Iodine is a vital trace mineral that plays an essential role in your dog or cat's thyroid health. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy production, growth, temperature regulation, and many other important bodily functions.

Both too little and too much iodine can create problems.

⚠️ Iodine deficiency may contribute to hypothyroidism, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, poor coat quality, and reduced activity levels.

⚠️ Excessive iodine intake may also disrupt thyroid function and can contribute to thyroid imbalances in susceptible animals.

That's why balance is key.

Rather than relying solely on synthetic supplements, many pet owners choose to provide iodine through natural whole-food sources, which also contain a range of complementary nutrients.

Excellent Whole Food Sources of Iodine:

🌿 Irish Kelp
One of nature's richest sources of iodine, while also providing minerals and phytonutrients.

🐟 Fish & Shellfish
Sardines, mussels, and other seafood naturally contain iodine along with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

🥚 Eggs
A nutritious whole food that contributes iodine, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

🥛 Goat's Milk & Dairy
Certain dairy products naturally provide iodine and other valuable nutrients.

As with any nutrient, more isn't always better. If you're adding kelp or iodine-rich foods to your pet's diet, ensure you're feeding appropriate amounts as part of a balanced nutritional plan.

A healthy thyroid starts with balanced nutrition. 💚🐾

Have you ever included kelp, sardines, mussels, or goat's milk in your pet's diet? Tell us below! 👇

10/06/2026

🐾🥩 Why More Pet Parents Are Choosing Fresh Feeding

Fresh, species-appropriate food does more than fill a bowl—it nourishes the body from the inside out.

Many pet owners report benefits such as:

✨ Shinier coats and healthier skin
💪 Better muscle tone and body condition
🦴 Improved joint mobility and comfort
🦠 Stronger immune function
🌱 Better digestion and smaller, less odorous stools
🧠 Enhanced cognitive function, especially in senior pets
❤️ Improved cardiovascular health
👃 Reduced body odour and fresher breath

Unlike heavily processed foods, fresh diets provide natural nutrients in a form the body can easily recognise and utilise.

Every pet is unique, but feeding real, fresh food gives them the building blocks they need to thrive—not just survive.

🐶🐱 What positive changes have you noticed since switching your pet to fresh food?

🐾💚

09/06/2026

🐾 JOIN OUR TEAM! 🐾

Part-Time Kitchen Assistant

Betty's Raw Recipes is looking for a reliable and hardworking Kitchen Assistant to join our growing team.

🕒 Working Hours
Monday to Friday
8:00am – 12:00pm

Duties Include:

🥕 Cutting and peeling vegetables (mainly pumpkin)

🥩 Assisting with meat preparation and cutting

🏷️ Attaching labels to products

📦 Packing and preparing customer orders

👩‍🍳 Assisting other kitchen team members with daily food preparation tasks

🧹 Maintaining cleanliness and organisation within the kitchen

We're Looking For Someone Who:

✔️ Is reliable, punctual, and hardworking

✔️ Works well as part of a team

✔️ Has good attention to detail

✔️ Can work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

✔️ Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn

✔️ Previous kitchen or food handling experience is an asset

📧 Interested candidates should send their CV to:
[email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you!

🐾💚

08/06/2026

🩸 Why Raw-Fed Pets Often Have Different Bloodwork Results

One of the most common concerns raw feeders hear is:

"Your dog's kidney values are high."
"Their cholesterol is elevated."
"Their glucose seems low."

Before panicking, it's important to understand that most veterinary laboratory reference ranges were established using pets eating conventional commercial diets, not fresh raw diets.

A healthy raw-fed dog or cat may naturally have blood values that differ from kibble-fed animals without indicating disease.

Understanding the Key Differences
🥩 BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Raw-fed pets often have higher BUN levels because they consume and metabolize more high-quality animal protein.

BUN is a byproduct of protein metabolism. When a pet eats a biologically appropriate diet rich in meat, more urea is naturally produced.

Higher BUN alone does NOT automatically mean kidney disease.

Veterinarians should always evaluate:

Creatinine
SDMA
Urine specific gravity
Hydration status
Clinical symptoms

before diagnosing kidney dysfunction.

💪 Creatinine

Creatinine is produced from muscle metabolism.

Raw-fed pets often:

Have greater lean muscle mass
Consume more animal protein
Are generally fitter and more active

Because of this, creatinine may run at the upper end of the standard reference range or slightly above it.

A mildly elevated creatinine in a muscular, healthy dog is very different from elevated creatinine in a pet showing signs of kidney disease.

🩸 Albumin

Albumin is the primary protein found in blood plasma.

Raw diets provide:

Highly digestible animal proteins
Superior amino acid profiles
Greater biological availability

This often results in albumin levels that are naturally higher than those seen in pets consuming highly processed diets.

Higher albumin generally reflects excellent protein nutrition rather than disease.

🍖 Total Protein

Total protein includes:

Albumin
Globulins

Raw-fed animals frequently have higher total protein values because they consume more nutrient-dense, species-appropriate protein sources.

When hydration is normal and no disease is present, higher total protein is often simply a reflection of superior protein intake and utilization.

🥚 Cholesterol

Many pet owners are surprised to see cholesterol levels higher in raw-fed pets.

Unlike humans, dietary cholesterol has far less impact on cardiovascular disease risk in dogs and cats.

Higher cholesterol can occur because raw diets often contain:

Animal fats
Eggs
Organ meats

These foods are normal components of a biologically appropriate diet.

Cholesterol should always be interpreted alongside:

Thyroid function
Liver values
Triglycerides
Clinical signs

rather than as an isolated number.

🍠 Glucose

Raw-fed pets often consume significantly fewer carbohydrates than kibble-fed animals.

As a result, fasting glucose values may be lower while still remaining perfectly healthy.

Lower glucose can simply reflect:

Improved insulin sensitivity
Reduced carbohydrate intake
Natural metabolic adaptation to a meat-based diet

This is especially common in dogs eating low-carbohydrate fresh food diets.

The Bigger Picture

Bloodwork should never be interpreted by looking at a single number.

A veterinarian experienced with fresh feeding will evaluate:

✅ Diet history

✅ Body condition

✅ Muscle mass

✅ Hydration status

✅ Urinalysis

✅ Clinical signs

✅ Trends over time

rather than relying solely on standard laboratory reference ranges.

Important Reminder

While many raw-fed pets naturally fall outside conventional reference intervals, abnormal results should never be automatically dismissed as "just because they're raw fed."

Persistent elevations or abnormalities always warrant investigation and should be interpreted in conjunction with the pet's overall health picture.

The goal isn't to ignore bloodwork—it's to understand it in the context of species-appropriate nutrition.

🐾 Healthy pets don't always fit standard reference ranges, especially when they're eating the diet nature intended.

05/06/2026

🌞🐾 Warm Weather is Here – Protect and Nourish Your Pet's Skin Naturally! 🐾🌞
As the temperatures rise, many dogs and cats start experiencing dry noses, cracked paw pads, itchy skin, sun-exposed noses, and irritation from hot pavements, grass, sand, and environmental allergens.
That's where Pawtese Prebiotic Rescue Balm comes in – a gentle, natural balm designed to soothe, protect, and nourish your pet's skin from nose to tail.

✨ Why your pet will love it this summer:
🐾 Soothes Dry, Cracked Paw Pads
Hot pavements, rough terrain, beach sand, and increased outdoor activity can leave paw pads dry and uncomfortable. Our balm helps moisturise and protect sensitive paws while supporting the skin's natural barrier.

👃 Helps Moisturise Dry Noses
A dry, cracked nose isn't just uncomfortable—it can affect your pet's ability to explore the world through scent. The nourishing ingredients help keep noses soft, hydrated, and comfortable.

🌿 Supports Healthy Skin
Perfect for dry patches, calluses, elbows, skin folds, and areas prone to irritation. The balm helps support the skin's natural healing process while providing long-lasting moisture.

🦠 Prebiotic Support for the Skin Microbiome
Just like the gut has a microbiome, the skin does too. Prebiotics help support beneficial microorganisms that play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and strengthening the skin barrier.

🍯 Rich in Natural Nourishing Ingredients
Our carefully selected ingredients work together to calm, hydrate, and protect:

✨ Honey – naturally soothing and moisturising

🥥 Coconut Oil – helps hydrate and soften skin

🌼 Calendula – supports skin comfort and recovery

🌸 Chamomile – helps calm sensitive or irritated skin

💜 Lavender – gentle support for healthy skin

🌿 Olive Oil & Natural Butters – provide deep nourishment and protection

🐶🐱 Perfect For:

✔ Dry noses

✔ Cracked paw pads

✔ Rough elbows

✔ Skin folds

✔ Minor skin irritation

✔ Seasonal dryness

✔ Pets exposed to hot weather and outdoor adventures

✔ Senior pets needing extra skin support

🌞 Summer Paw Care Tip
Before and after walks, check your dog's paw pads for dryness or cracking. Applying a thin layer of Prebiotic Rescue Balm can help keep paws moisturised and comfortable during the warmer months.

💙 Safe. Gentle. Fragrance Free.

03/06/2026

🐾 The Importance of Myoglobin in Raw Feeding 🥩❤️

Have you ever opened a container of raw food and noticed a watery liquid pooling at the bottom? Many pet owners assume it's blood or excess water and immediately pour it away. However, that liquid is primarily myoglobin, and it's actually one of the most nutrient-rich parts of your pet's meal!

Myoglobin is a protein naturally found in muscle tissue. Its job is to store oxygen within the muscles, helping them function efficiently. When raw meat is frozen and then thawed, some of the water naturally present in the muscle mixes with myoglobin, creating the red liquid you see in the container.

Contrary to popular belief, this isn't simply "blood"—it's a valuable source of nutrition that your dog or cat can benefit from.

✨ Why is Myoglobin Important?

Myoglobin contains a variety of naturally occurring nutrients that support your pet's overall health, including:

✔️ Amino acids that help maintain muscle tissue

✔️ Iron, which supports oxygen transport throughout the body

✔️ B vitamins that contribute to energy production

✔️ Antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress

✔️ Essential nutrients naturally found within muscle meat

Because these nutrients are dissolved in the liquid, pouring it away means discarding part of the nutritional value of the meal.

🐶 Benefits for Dogs

Dogs can benefit from the highly bioavailable nutrients found in myoglobin, particularly iron and amino acids that support energy levels, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality.

🐱 Benefits for Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely heavily on nutrients found naturally in animal tissues. Every part of the prey animal provides valuable nutrition, and the myoglobin-rich juices are no exception. Mixing the liquid back into the food helps ensure cats receive the nutrients nature intended.

❤️ Supporting Heart Health

Myoglobin-containing muscle tissue naturally provides compounds that contribute to cardiovascular and muscle function. Nutrients found in raw meat help support healthy oxygen delivery and cellular energy production, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy heart.

🌿 A More Natural Way to Feed

In nature, a dog or cat would consume the entire prey animal—including all the fluids and nutrient-rich tissues. They certainly wouldn't separate the juices from the meat before eating! Feeding the whole meal as intended helps provide a more complete nutritional experience.

💡 Did You Know?

The darker the meat, the more myoglobin it typically contains. This is why beef, lamb, venison, and other red meats appear darker than chicken or turkey. These meats are naturally rich sources of iron and other important nutrients.

🚫 Common Mistake: Draining the Liquid

Many pet owners unknowingly reduce the nutritional value of their pet's meal by draining away the thawed juices. While it may seem harmless, those liquids contain water-soluble nutrients that belong in the bowl—not down the sink.

✅ What Should You Do?

Simply stir the liquid back into the food before serving.

It's easy.
It's natural.
And it's one of the simplest ways to ensure your pet receives the full nutritional benefits of their raw meal.

At Betty's Raw Recipes, we believe every part of a carefully prepared raw meal has value. The next time you see that red liquid in your pet's food, remember—it's not waste, it's nutrition.

🥩 Feed the meat.
💧 Feed the juices.
🐾 Feed the whole food.

Your pet will thank you for it.

01/06/2026

Colostrum Complex Powder – Comprehensive Immune, Gut & Allergy Support for Dogs and Cats

As pet parents, we often focus on treating symptoms—itchy skin, excessive licking, digestive upset, seasonal allergies, recurring ear infections, or sensitive stomachs. However, many of these issues can be traced back to two interconnected systems: the gut and the immune system.

That's why we created Pawtese Colostrum Complex Powder—a carefully formulated blend of scientifically researched ingredients that work together to support immune balance, gut integrity, skin health, and overall wellbeing in both dogs and cats.

Unlike single-ingredient supplements, this formula combines immune-supportive colostrum, natural antihistamines, soothing herbs, prebiotics, antioxidants, and key nutrients to address the root causes of many common health concerns.

🌟 What's Inside Pawtese Colostrum Complex Powder?
🥛 Colostrum

Colostrum is often referred to as "nature's first superfood."

Produced by mammals during the first few days after giving birth, colostrum contains:

✔ Immunoglobulins (IgG)
✔ Growth factors
✔ Lactoferrin
✔ Cytokines
✔ Bioactive peptides

These compounds help:

Support a healthy immune response
Strengthen the intestinal lining
Promote gut repair
Improve nutrient absorption
Support recovery after illness
Help maintain healthy skin barriers

A healthy gut barrier is essential because approximately 70% of the immune system resides within the gastrointestinal tract.

🌿 Quercetin – Nature's Antihistamine

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Benefits include:

✔ Helps stabilize mast cells
✔ Supports a normal histamine response
✔ Assists with seasonal allergies
✔ Supports skin comfort
✔ Helps reduce itching and redness
✔ Supports respiratory health

For pets suffering from environmental allergies, pollen sensitivities, or chronic itching, quercetin can be a valuable natural tool.

Many holistic veterinarians refer to quercetin as "nature's Benadryl."

🌱 Nettle Extract

Nettle has been traditionally used to support allergy sufferers for centuries.

Nettle may help:

✔ Support normal histamine levels
✔ Reduce seasonal allergy symptoms
✔ Promote skin comfort
✔ Provide antioxidant protection
✔ Support healthy inflammatory pathways

When combined with quercetin, nettle creates a powerful natural allergy-support duo.

🌾 Marshmallow Root Extract

Marshmallow root is rich in mucilage, a soothing gel-like substance that coats and calms irritated tissues.

Benefits include:

✔ Supports digestive comfort
✔ Helps soothe the intestinal lining
✔ Supports healthy bowel function
✔ May help pets with sensitive stomachs
✔ Supports respiratory tract health

This herb is especially useful for pets with inflammatory digestive conditions or food sensitivities.

🍎 Pectin

Pectin is a soluble fibre naturally found in fruits.

Its benefits include:

✔ Supports digestive regularity
✔ Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
✔ Helps maintain healthy stools
✔ Supports gut barrier function
✔ Promotes a balanced microbiome

A healthy microbiome plays a major role in immune function, allergy management, and nutrient absorption.

🌸 Inulin

Inulin is a natural prebiotic fibre that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.

Benefits:

✔ Encourages growth of good bacteria
✔ Supports digestive health
✔ Promotes microbial diversity
✔ Supports immune function
✔ Improves overall gut resilience

Rather than adding bacteria directly, inulin feeds the beneficial bacteria already living in the gut.

🍊 Curcumin (Cavacurmin®)

Curcumin is the active compound found in turmeric and is one of the most extensively researched natural compounds worldwide.

We use Cavacurmin®, an advanced form of curcumin designed for superior absorption.

Benefits include:

✔ Supports healthy inflammatory pathways
✔ Powerful antioxidant activity
✔ Supports joint health
✔ Supports cognitive health
✔ Supports skin and immune function
✔ Helps combat oxidative stress

Curcumin is particularly valuable for pets dealing with chronic inflammation, ageing-related changes, or ongoing immune challenges.

🍷 Pomegranate Extract

Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.

Benefits include:

✔ Helps neutralise free radicals
✔ Supports cardiovascular health
✔ Supports immune function
✔ Promotes healthy ageing
✔ Supports cellular protection

Oxidative stress contributes to inflammation, ageing, and many chronic health issues. Antioxidant-rich ingredients help protect the body's cells from damage.

⚙️ Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of biological processes.

It helps support:

✔ Healthy skin
✔ Coat quality
✔ Immune function
✔ Wound healing
✔ Cellular repair
✔ Normal inflammatory responses

Many pets with skin problems or chronic allergies may benefit from additional zinc support.

🧬 Why Gut Health Matters

Modern research continues to reveal the close connection between gut health and overall wellness.

When the intestinal lining becomes compromised, unwanted substances may pass through the gut wall and trigger immune responses.

This can contribute to:

Food sensitivities
Environmental allergies
Chronic itching
Ear infections
Digestive upset
Inflammatory conditions

Pawtese Colostrum Complex Powder is designed to support:

✅ Gut barrier integrity

✅ Beneficial gut bacteria

✅ Digestive comfort

✅ Immune resilience

✅ Healthy inflammatory responses

🐕 Ideal For Pets With:

✔ Seasonal allergies

✔ Environmental allergies

✔ Itchy skin

✔ Paw licking

✔ Ear irritation

✔ Sensitive digestion

✔ Food intolerances

✔ Loose stools

✔ Immune challenges

✔ Age-related inflammation

✔ General wellness support

🐱 Suitable for Both Dogs and Cats

Many supplements are designed only for dogs, but Pawtese Colostrum Complex Powder can be used for both dogs and cats, making it an excellent addition to multi-pet households.

The carefully selected ingredients work synergistically to support:

🐾 Healthy skin

🐾 Strong immune function

🐾 Digestive balance

🐾 Allergy support

🐾 Healthy ageing

🌿 A Holistic Approach to Health

At Pawtese, we believe true wellness starts from within.

Rather than masking symptoms, our goal is to support the body's natural ability to maintain balance through nutrition and targeted supplementation.

By combining:

🥛 Colostrum

🌿 Quercetin

🌱 Nettle Extract

🌾 Marshmallow Root

🍎 Pectin

🌸 Inulin

🍊 Cavacurmin® Curcumin

🍷 Pomegranate Extract

⚙️ Zinc

we've created a comprehensive formula that supports the gut, immune system, skin, and overall vitality in one convenient daily supplement.

Because healthier guts often mean healthier pets.

🐾 Pawtese Colostrum Complex Powder
Supporting immune balance, digestive health, skin comfort, and whole-body wellness—naturally. 💙

31/05/2026

What's that watery liquid in your dog's raw food bowl?
It's not blood or water —it's myoglobin, a nutrient-rich protein found in muscle tissue.
Read our latest blog to learn more ⬇️⬇️

Why You Should Never Throw Away the Red JuicesIf you've ever thawed your dog's or cat's raw food and noticed a red liquid pooling in the container, you may have wondered what it is. Many pet owners mistakenly believe it's blood and pour it down the sink without a second thought.In reality, that red....

29/05/2026

Reminder

29/05/2026

🚨🐾 STOP SAYING DOGS & CATS NEED A LOW PROTEIN DIET 🐾🚨

One of the biggest myths in pet nutrition is that protein is “bad” for pets.

Dogs AND cats are biologically designed to thrive on animal protein 🥩🐈🐕

Protein supports:
✨ Muscle maintenance
✨ Immune function
✨ Hormone production
✨ Healthy skin & coat
✨ Organ function
✨ Energy & recovery

Cats especially are obligate carnivores — meaning they REQUIRE animal protein to survive and thrive. Their bodies are designed to use protein as a primary energy source ❤️

The real issue is often NOT protein itself — but the QUALITY of the protein being fed.

Highly processed foods may contain poor-quality protein sources, rendered meals, fillers, and damaged nutrients that are harder for the body to utilise ⚠️

Fresh, species-appropriate protein is very different from ultra-processed protein.

🐕 Dogs need adequate high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle and overall health.
🐈 Cats require even higher levels of animal protein and essential amino acids like taurine.

Reducing protein unnecessarily may contribute to:
❌ Muscle loss
❌ Weakness
❌ Reduced vitality
❌ Poor recovery
❌ Dull coats & poor condition

Even in many kidney cases, nutrition should focus on phosphorus balance, moisture, and protein quality — not simply feeding less protein altogether.

🥩 Quality matters.
🌿 Digestibility matters.
🐾 Bioavailability matters.

Fresh meats and organs provide natural amino acids, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in forms the body recognises and uses efficiently ✨

Dogs and cats were not designed to live on heavily processed, carbohydrate-loaded diets.

They were designed to eat REAL food ❤️

🐶🐱 Feed fresh. Feed species-appropriate. Feed with purpose.

🐾