What makes Ancestral Raw different?
Ancestral Raw is proudly Tasmanian, made from locally sourced Australian ingredients and freeze-dried raw. The food is human-grade, single ingredient or whole-food recipes, with no fillers or nasties. Freeze-drying removes the moisture, not the nutrition, so your dog gets real raw food that lives in the cupboard, not the freezer.
What is freeze-dried food, and why choose it?
Freeze-drying gently draws the moisture out of raw food at low temperature, with no cooking heat. It removes the moisture, not the nutrition, so the food stays raw, shelf-stable and light to carry. Add warm water and it comes back to a raw meal in minutes.
What's the difference between freeze-dried and air-dried?
Freeze-drying uses low temperatures and vacuum, with no cooking heat, so the food stays biologically raw. Air-drying removes moisture with warm air over many hours, which gently cooks it. Both are better than the bag, but only freeze-dried is still raw. That is why Ancestral Raw is freeze-dried, never air-dried.
Does freeze-dried mean raw?
Yes. Freeze-dried food is raw, in a shelf-stable, easy to handle form. It is still raw meat, so handle it as you would any raw food, and wash hands and bowls afterwards. Every batch is thoroughly tested for pathogens (lab-tested, NATA-accredited) before it is packed.
Is air-dried food cooked?
In most cases, yes. Air-drying uses warm air, sometimes quite warm, so it partially cooks the ingredient and can affect the more heat-sensitive nutrients. It is gentler than kibble, but it is not the same as raw.
Freeze-dried or air-dried, which is better?
For keeping food closest to raw, freeze-dried. It removes the moisture, not the nutrition, keeps the raw texture and aroma dogs love, and gives you raw feeding without the freezer or the prep. Air-dried can be a little chewier, but freeze-dried wins on staying raw.
Is it good for sensitive dogs?
Our single-protein toppers and snacks are one ingredient and nothing else, with no fillers, grains or additives, which makes them a gentle option for fussy eaters or dogs with sensitivities. If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy, check with your vet first.
Where are your ingredients from?
Ingredients are Australian, sourced in Tasmania wherever possible, and everything is freeze-dried here in Tasmania. Where a protein is not available locally, it is sourced from trusted Australian producers held to the same standards.
Is it suitable for both dogs and cats?
Yes. Our single-ingredient proteins suit both dogs and cats: no fillers, grains or additives, just real meat, organ or fish. Portion to your pet's size and feed as part of a varied diet.
How do I use meal toppers?
Sprinkle a little over your dog's usual food to add taste and real-food nutrition, or rehydrate with a splash of warm water. Toppers are a great nudge for fussy eaters and senior dogs who need a reason to finish the bowl.
Do you offer subscriptions or bundles?
Not yet, they are on the way. Join our mailing list and you will be first to know when subscriptions and bundles land.
My dog has allergies. Can they eat Ancestral Raw?
Most likely. Single-ingredient toppers and snacks with no wheat, soy, corn, preservatives or common allergens are gentle on sensitive tummies. For dogs with severe or diagnosed allergies, check with your vet.
How do you ship, and how long does it take?
We ship Australia-wide. Most orders are processed within one to two business days and sent via Australia Post or Sendle, with standard delivery usually three to seven business days depending on where you are. Free shipping over $100.
