Welcome to our FAQ (frequently asked questions) page. This is a compilation of the questions our visitors ask most often.

If you don't see the question and answer you are looking for here, please email us your question at: ellaking@coho.net

Yes, the minimum order is $8.50 for free shipping. Any order under $8.50 will be charged a $4.00 shipping fee.

How long does the food last once opened?

Naturally preserved with vitamins C and E, Flint River Ranch foods keep at least 6 months, and up to a year. But 6 months is ideal.

I have a finicky dog what if she doesn't like the food?

Most dogs really enjoy the taste of this food so taste is usually not an issue. Our food is 100% GUARANTEED so if you are dissatisfied for any reason, you can simply return any unused product within 30 days for a full refund.

Can Jubliee Wafers aid with arthritis?

Jubilee Wafers were created about 2 years ago to help dogs with arthritis. Many of my customers use it as a natural treat to help with pain and inflammation.

I recently came across an article in the Wall St. Journal (3/12/00), "Drug Bites Man" disclosing a serious and unwanted side effect regarding Rimadyl or carpfen, developed by Pfizer Co. It is quoted that this drug, prescribed to dogs for years to relieve arthritis and joint inflammation, is discovered to cause death in some dogs.

Dangerous side effects from drugs is one reason I continue using Jubilee Wafers for my two older dogs. These wafers are a natural way to control inflammation, help lubricate joints, provide a mechanism of nutrient absorption, and help inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage.

All Flint River Ranch products come with a full 30 day unconditional guarantee, so there is no risk in trying it out. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the product and I'll do my best to answer.

Can Larger Nuggets help control tartar?

The average size of our nugget is 1/4 x 5/8". Both the kibble and nugget are made from the same recipe.
To me, the nutritional value should always come first. In addition to being a solid food nutrionally, FRR is twice oven baked to help dogs digest starches. Along with converting starches into dextrines for easier digestion, oven-baking produces a firmer nugget.

What do you suggest feeding a puppy?

Flint River Ranch has one product for puppies and adult dogs. This oven-baked kibble is excellent for puppies. I wish I had known about it when my two dogs were young. Jim Flint, the founder of Flint River Ranch, does not believe in a separate formula for puppies and adult dogs. He designed a quality kibble that is nutritionally balanced for both puppies and adults. If you want a softer food, you can add a little water to moisten it. Our DryWater product is also popular with puppies. You add hot water and it makes a nutritious moist meal. We do have a senior formula for older dogs, as senior dogs require about 1/3 less fat and protein. It is Jim's belief that a lot of the "life stage" formulas are more of a marketing tool than a decision based on good nutrition. Hope that helps. Also, all our products are unconditionally guaranteed for 30 days, so you have an opportunity to try them risk-free.


Should petfood be stored in an airtight container?

FRR does not recommend storing the food in an airtight container. As a long term distributor and consumer, I generally order 20# food and store in smaller canisters.  By using small containers, I make sure that no old food remains in the bottom, when I add new food. Flint River Ranch has no chemical preservatives, so it has a 6-month shelf life. Because of this, it is very important to not mix old and new food. Another important factor is where you store the food. It is best to keep the food in a cool, dry place.

How much do I feed my two dogs?

Because the food is 95 percent digestible and contains no fillers, you should be feeding your dogs about 20 percent less than you would other foods. Nutritional requirements vary by breed, activity level, and lifestyle, so you should adjust the amount you feed your dogs based on your own experience. The suggested feeding guideline for a 166-pound Mastiff is approximately 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 cups of food per day. The Akita should be fed approximately 2 1/2 - 3 cups per day at his present weight. When he is fully grown, he will mostly eat 4 to 5 cups per day.

My dog has a pH problem, what do you recommend?

We are not vets, so our advice should not replace the advice you receive from your vet. The pH levels of all Flint River Ranch dog foods range from 5.8 to 6.2. The Senior formulas, with their lower protein levels, are at the lower end of the range. It is important to understand the key elements of a food you are considering for your pet. A key element of Science Diet's K/D formula is its low percentage of protein. Flint River Ranch Senior Kibble or Senior PLUS formulas also offer reduced protein levels.

What do you feed a dog with diabetes?

Flint River Ranch does not have a formula specific to dogs with diabetes but I encourage you to talk with you vet to find out the proper nutritional elements when selecting a pet food for your dog. Based on that conversation, we can explore what formulas we have that might be a good fit. All of our pet foods are gentle; made with the very best ingredients.

What is the difference between adult and senior foods?

Adult Dog Food has 23.5% protein (as fed), 12.3% fat, and 477 calories per cup.  Senior Formula has lower fat (8.4%), protein (16.7%), and calories (421 per cup) and is recommended for senior and less active dogs.  Senior PLUS has the same fat, protein, and calories as the senior formula, but also includes glucosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chondroitin, which have been shown to help pets with arthritis, dysplasia, or traumatic injury to their joints.

How long does it take to adjust to a new food?

Since Flint River Ranch is so different from store brands, it usually takes a couple of weeks for a dog to adjust. That's why we recommend making any dietary change very gradually. Since your dog is still experiencing soft stools, his bowels may be perpetuating their own irritation. Slippery Elm is a very soothing natural treatment that is good for any intestinal upset and that can break this cycle.

Do you have canned cat food?

At present, Flint River Ranch does not make any canned foods. Flint River Ranch Super Premium Cat Foods are oven-baked kibble formed into small uniform pieces.

If your cat prefers a soft food, you might try moistening Flint River Ranch Cat Foods. In any event, Flint River Ranch offers an UNCONDITIONAL, MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. If, for whatever reason, you or your pet do not like Flint River Ranch, simply return the unused portion within 30 days for a full refund.

What is the pH of your cat foods?

All Flint River Ranch feline formulas promote a mildly acidic urinary pH level of 6.4. In addition, our foods are low in ash and magnesium, two other factors in crystal formation and feline urological syndrome.

What is the ingredient Chicken Meal in cat food?

In pet foods, the word "meal" means reduced in size. The flesh is cooked, some water removed and reduced in size (ground) in order to form a uniform mix of the meat, ground grains, vitamins and chelated minerals. Flint River Ranch products contain no rendered byproducts, feet, heads, intestines or other meat products not fit for human consumption.

Why don't you use whole chicken like some other manufacturers?

Remember, whole chicken is not like you buy in the grocery store. Whole chicken label for pet food is the whole chicken - including intestines, heads, feet, bones, feathers and everything but the cackle. No thanks.

Some manufacturers state they use organic chicken, why don't you?

It is possible to put one organic chicken in 50 tons of food and legally say we use organic, range fed chicken. Some manufacturers take this option. We don't. With all of our ingredients, we pay a premium price for the very best available. Just like you would feed your family.

Why 23% protein in your puppy and adult dog kibble?

It is not the amount of protein in a dog food that is important, it is the type of protein and how easily it can be digested. The protein is the right amount for all stages of life. In some cases of working dogs or dogs under high stress, the addition of meat protein can be considered.

Do I feed Flint River Ranch food just like my old brand of pet food?

We find many pet owners still feed the amount of Flint River Ranch food they normally would feed with other brands. With concentrated premium foods, it is best to feed about 25% less. Your pet may require a little adjustment over a period of time to shrink their stomach and reduce their food intake (this is normal and healthy when fed a concentrated premium food). Lightly cooked vegetables of all types can help while your pet's system adjusts. Improper feeding is the greatest cause of a pet being overweight, not the quality of the food.

Why is the dog food not in nice round pieces?

We know that dogs don't eat their food - they "wolf" it down - the small pieces digest easier in the dog's system. This is part of what makes Flint River Ranch food so great!