If you have ever read up on how best to feed cats, you’ll know taurine is an essential part of their diet. But why is this? What foods give cats taurine? And what are the best foods to provide this essential nutrient? Taurine is an amino acid – molecules that combine and form proteins - and are the building blocks of life. Taurine is more essential for cats than other pets and they require large amounts in their diet. This is because unlike humans and other pets, cats can only make limited quantities themselves. They need a regular supply to prevent taurine deficiency – which is fatal in cats ..read more

Do cats live longer on a raw food diet? We know from personal experience that eating a healthy, natural diet has multiple benefits for our own nutritional wellbeing. So as a caring cat lover you want to give your furry friend the best possible food to promote a long and healthy life. Here, we ask ‘Do cats live longer on a raw food diet?’ Unfortunately there is no definitive answer to whether cats live longer on a raw food diet. However, although genetics and environment play a part, the biggest factor in whether a cat lives longer is their overall health. A high quality, balanced diet will go ..read more

Looking for DEFRA approved pet food? At Poppy’s Picnic we are all about quality and providing the best food for your four-legged friends, that’s why we supply DEFRA approved raw dog food and raw cat food. Although some people make their own raw meals at home, when it comes to manufacturing on a commercial scale there are - quite understandably - many rules and regulations to be followed.  And here’s a fact you probably didn’t know - the rules for producing food for animals in the UK are far more stringent than those for producing our own food stuffs! DEFRA (the Department for Environ ..read more

Just like humans, a dog can be sick for a number of reasons. If your dog is sick it can be very worrying for everyone involved, so a little bit of background reading can be of help. Here, our experts explain what to do if your dog is vomiting. My dog is vomiting yellow bile – why?  If your dog has vomited yellow frothy bile, don’t worry. Bile vomiting, or regurgitation, indicates that either your dog's stomach is empty, perhaps because of a long period between meals, or the food’s fat content is too high. It can also happen if your dog has drunk a lot of water or eaten too much grass, whi ..read more

Changing your pet’s food to raw is one of the best things you could do for your dog or cat. Not only is it an excellent way to feed your dog, it also ensures the very best in health. What’s more, our recipes are super tasty too. And if you haven't yet changed, just make sure you buy from a reputable supplier such as Poppy’s Picnic. Our meals come in either mince or 30g meatballs. All you need to do is thaw them in the bottom of your fridge before feeding to your dog or cat. Each fridge is different though we’ve found if you place the meals on the bottom shelf of your fridge in the evening, the ..read more

Are you considering switching your cat onto a BARF diet? You might be wondering: ‘Can I feed my cat raw chicken everyday?’. Your cat's ancestors NEVER dined on cooked meals – there are no ovens in the wild! Nor did they eat wheat, rice or any of the fillers you find in traditional dry or wet foods. Our cat’s wild ancestors ate raw meat to feed. Cats are obligate carnivores – they have to eat meat to survive (and thrive). When you switch your cat to a raw diet, they will be getting the proteins they need in the most direct and natural way – raw. With no manmade chemicals, raw feeding is the mos ..read more

Not only did the pandemic see a rise in subscription-led services, but also the convenience of making sure you have your favourite food has led to the dramatic rise in dog food subscriptions. Not having the time to go to the pet shop to pick up your dog’s favourite meals can be solved by having a subscription for their food. This is just one of the benefits of a raw dog food delivery.  Have you ever gone to feed your pooch, opened the cupboard, fridge or freezer, and noticed there was hardly any food left? Panic sets in! Our four-legged friend is waiting for their food. They are used to t ..read more

Are you considering switching your cat onto a BARF diet? You might be wondering: ‘Can I feed my cat raw chicken everyday?’. Your cat's ancestors NEVER dined on cooked meals – there are no ovens in the wild! Nor did they eat wheat, rice or any of the fillers you find in traditional dry or wet foods. Our cat’s wild ancestors ate raw meat to feed. Cats are obligate carnivores – they have to eat meat to survive (and thrive). When you switch your cat to a raw diet, they will be getting the proteins they need in the most direct and natural way – raw. With no manmade chemicals, raw feeding is the mos ..read more

How to remove a tick from a dog. What happens to a dog with a tick? Ticks are the scourge of dog walks everywhere. Usually found in longer grass/meadows, health and woodland, a tick is a small creature which hooks itself onto skin as an obliging animal brushes by. But don’t assume your garden is tick-free… they really can be anywhere in grass or bushes. They have eight legs, like a spider, but have a round body more like a small beetle. Ticks are small and grey-brown but then when they latch onto the skin, their colour changes to reddy brown as their body fills with blood. So, what should I do ..read more

There are lots of ways we can help support you on your raw journey. Any questions - the answer to your question is probably on our FAQs Contact Customer Service - send us an Live chat - click on the icon on the bottom right of your screen to chat to us now (or in a few minutes, anyway!)   ..read more