About Raw Feeding Hawaii

After losing her “heart dog” Jake to liver cancer in 2021, Deanna set out to learn what, if anything, she could have done differently over his lifetime that could have resulted in a different health outcome. After more than year of research, Deanna realized that the highly processed, carbohydrate filled, preservative laden food we’re giving to our dogs is leading to shorter and less healthy lives, replete with allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and heaps of maladies later in life. For Deanna, the solution was simple and unsurprisingly familiar: the fresher the food, the better chance at a longer, healthier life. In 2022, Deanna decided to make the switch her other dog to raw food. After researching other Oahu-based companies, Deanna found none to be complete and balanced, and so she decided to partner with Lava Paws, to bring their high quality, locally sourced raw food and other products from the Big Island to Oahu. Raw Feeding Hawaii is proud to be a woman veteran owned business, dedicated to feeding Oahu’s dogs and cats for health and longevity. Make the switch today, and see for yourself!

About Lava Paws

Lava Paws was founded as a dog treat business in 2016, by Meghan Jerolaman. Soon after founding the business, Meghan’s dog fell extremely ill with an autoimmune disease, prompting her to research further into canine nutrition, and, she began feeding her dogs raw food. Seeing how raw feeding changed her dogs’ lives, Meghan then committed to learning more and sharing her success with her community. In 2019 she acquired a certification in Canine Nutrition through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, and introduced Lava Paws balanced and complete raw dog food to the Big Island of Hawaii. Since then, she’s expanded her operation, sharing high quality, locally sourced products to neighbor islands. Lava Paws raw food is formulated by Meghan herself, a certified pet nutritionist. It meets National Research Council (NRC) requirements, and provides transparency as to where every product is sourced. Lava Paws always formulates their raw foods with animal protein and fat, and organic fruits and vegetables for antioxidants. Their food is made in small batches weekly, and always made with love.

FAQs

Yes! More often than not, dogs and cats can handle food-borne bacteria just fine due to the acidity of their stomachs and short digestive tracts. It is no less safe than handling raw chicken for a casserole recipe, or a rare stake served in a fancy restaurant. Follow safe handling protocols to minimize risk of cross-contamination to humans.

  • Improves overall health
  • Improves behavior through balancing gut health
  • Improves dental hygiene
  • Softer, shinier coat
  • Maintains healthy weight and body mass
  • Promotes lean and muscular bodies
  • Smaller, less stinky stool
  • Lowers inflammation in the body caused by processed foods

90% of Lava Paws materials are sourced from the Big Island or Maui, working with over 20 farmers to provide customers with antibiotic and hormone free meat and poultry products. Lava Paws also takes into consideration the diet and welfare of the animals that make this amazing food possible.

A meal is complete and balanced if all nutritional requirements of water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins are met. There are two sets of guidelines for ensuring pet foods are nutritionally sufficient: NRC and AAFCO. NRC offers the highest standards available for optimal canine and feline nutritional health. AAFCO provides minimal nutritional guidelines for the pet food industry – guidelines which allow for the use of diseased animals. AAFCO does not test pet food samples, nor are they ever inspected or verified by any regulatory authority; in fact, it is up to pet food manufacturers themselves to responsibly source, make, and label their pet food.

Combining raw and kibble together is also completely okay. If making the switch, you can either start immediately, or transition slowly. If switching immediately, you may need to add probiotics and/or digestive enzymes to their meals in order to balance the gut and prepare it for optimal nutrient absorption. If transitioning over time, start by mixing small amounts of raw into your dog’s current food and gradually increase raw/decrease current food.

Dogs fed 100% raw should eat 2.5-3% of their ideal body weight on a daily basis. Depending on your feeding schedule, you can split up the daily recommended serving into separate meals, or feed all at one meal. Puppies, senior dogs, and small breed dogs (approximately 20lbs or smaller) should eat at least two meals per day. Serving sizes are guidelines only; feed as appropriate for your specific dog and his/her needs and adjust portions as necessary.

Lava Paws raw food is packed fresh and shipped frozen to Oahu. It will last up to 6 months in the freezer if kept frozen, and up to 3 days completely thawed in the refrigerator. We recommend partially thawing the food just enough so that it may be separated. Portion out daily servings, leaving 2-3 days of meals in the refrigerator, and refreeze the remaining servings.

Handle your dog’s raw food as you would any raw meat. Sanitize hands, dog bowls, and surfaces after handling.

Schedule a consultation with Lava Paws owner and pet nutritionist, Meghan Jerolaman. She will create individual meal plans and custom formulas for dogs with special dietary needs or health issues. She will review your dog’s health history, current diet, and consult with you about your dietary goals for your dog. From there, she will create a custom meal plan and/or plan of action to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. You can contact Meghan by email at info@lavapaws.com.