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What makes UMe different from other dog foods?
UMe is formulated by leading animal nutritionists who believe real food should be treated with real care. That’s why we strongly advocate minimal processing. Our meals are gently prepared to protect nutrient quality and avoid the harmful compounds that can develop under high heat. The result is cleaner, more consistent nutrition that supports long-term health from the inside out.
What UMe products are available right now?
Right now, we offer two gently prepared, minimally processed meal options:
- UMe Pro Meal for Adult Dogs
- UMe Pro Meal for Puppies
Both are designed to deliver targeted, species-appropriate nutrition with no unnecessary fillers, just real ingredients with real benefits.
What’s the difference between the bag and the tub?
There’s no difference in the food, just the packaging. Whether you choose the bag or the tub, you get the same high-quality, minimally processed nutrition. We keep our packaging simple and practical, because for us, it’s not about layers of commercial fluff. It’s about delivering real food, backed by science, in the most efficient way possible.
Why isn’t UMe grain-free?
Dogs are omnivores, and their digestive systems are built to handle a mix of animal and plant-based ingredients. While grain-free diets have become popular in recent years, they’re largely driven by human food trends, not proven nutritional science for dogs.
There’s also ongoing research into a possible link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. Until the science is clearer, we take a cautious, evidence-based approach. We include grains where they make sense, nutritionally, digestibly, and functionally.
At UMe, we don’t follow trends. We follow what works.
Is UMe hypoallergenic?
UMe is not technically hypoallergenic, but we’ve seen many dogs with allergy-like symptoms improve significantly on our meals.
Our team has observed a strong connection between over-processed diets and issues like skin irritation, digestive trouble, and chronic inflammation. By using a gentle, minimal processing method, UMe helps preserve nutrient quality while reducing exposure to compounds that may trigger these reactions.
Many pet owners have reported better skin condition, stronger digestion, and noticeable overall improvement in their dog’s wellbeing after switching to UMe.
Is UMe a raw diet?
No, UMe is not a raw diet. It is gently cooked and designed to offer a middle ground between raw food and conventional kibble. This gives your dog the benefits of real, minimally processed food in a safe and convenient format.
We believe in the value of fresh, whole ingredients and often encourage customers to add healthy extras to their dog’s bowl. However, raw meat diets can carry risks if not carefully considered and sourced.
If you are considering a raw diet, we recommend speaking to your vet to make sure it is the right fit for your dog.
Is UMe suitable for all dog breeds?
Yes. UMe is formulated to meet and exceed the daily nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Whether you share your home with a Chihuahua or a Boerboel, our feeding guide is carefully calculated to deliver the right balance of nutrients based on weight and energy needs. Each serving supports long-term health, vitality, and the specific needs of your dog’s body, from muscle maintenance to digestive health.
Big or small, UMe is built to nourish them all.
Does UMe help clean my dog’s teeth?
UMe Pro Meal isn’t designed specifically for dental care, but we do encourage daily habits that support oral health.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples offer a natural “scratch factor” as your dog chews, helping to reduce plaque and stimulate the gums. These foods also contain beneficial compounds that support the mouth’s natural defences.
Some pet parents also use dental chews from other brands. While they can help with plaque control, not all are created equal. Be mindful of added sugars, low-quality ingredients, or overly hard textures that may damage teeth. Always choose options that are vet-approved and suited to your dog’s size and chewing style.
Nothing replaces regular brushing, but combining smart chews, real foods, and a clean diet goes a long way toward keeping your dog’s mouth healthy.
How much should I feed my dog?
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. You’ll find clear daily guidelines on each UMe pack and in our Feeding Guide online.
For full details on how to calculate meals for adults, puppies, or active dogs, visit our Feeding Guide.
Can I mix UMe Pro Meal with kibble?
Yes, UMe Pro Meal can be used alongside kibble as a topper or supplement. Some pet owners choose to mix it with their current dry food to boost palatability and increase the nutritional value of each meal.
That said, UMe is designed to be complete on its own. Feeding it as a full meal allows your dog to benefit from its complete nutritional profile and gentle preparation method.
Can I feed UMe Pro Meal to my cat?
No, UMe Pro Meal is formulated specifically for dogs. Cats have very different nutritional needs, including higher protein requirements, essential amino acids like taurine, and other nutrients they cannot produce on their own.
Feeding dog food to a cat, even occasionally, can lead to nutritional imbalances or deficiencies over time. We are working on species-appropriate nutrition for cats, but until then, we recommend choosing a diet made specifically for them.
Can UMe help with allergies, digestive issues, or a fussy appetite?
Yes. While every dog is different, we’ve seen many dogs with allergies, digestive issues, and picky appetites thrive on UMe.
Allergies:
UMe isn’t marketed as hypoallergenic, but its clean formulation and gentle preparation have helped many dogs with food sensitivities and skin concerns improve over time.
Thin and/or fussy:
UMe’s minimally processed meals retain more natural aroma and flavour, making them more appealing to selective eaters. The texture also allows you to create variety in how it’s served, which can encourage better feeding habits in fussy or underweight dogs.
Runny tummy or digestive issues:
Digestive upsets are often linked to heavily processed food. UMe avoids the use of high heat and pressure, which helps preserve nutrient quality and reduce the risk of triggering inflammation. Many customers have reported firmer stools, better digestion, and noticeable improvements in skin and coat health.
Do I have to add fruit and vegetables to my dog’s UMe meal?
No, UMe is nutritionally complete on its own. Your dog will get everything they need from the base recipe.
That said, we do encourage customers to garnish meals in moderation with healthy extras like fruit and vegetables. These ingredients can provide added antioxidants, vitamins, and phyto-active compounds that support overall wellbeing, reduce inflammation, and help fight oxidative stress.
If you're unsure what’s safe to use, our What Belongs in a Bowl guide includes a list of fruits and vegetables we recommend.
Are krill-based supplements safe for dogs or horses with shellfish allergies?
Krill are small crustaceans, and while they belong to the same biological family as shrimp and prawns, true allergic reactions to krill in dogs or horses are extremely rare. However, if your animal has a known or diagnosed shellfish allergy, consult your veterinarian before introducing any marine-based supplement. Start with a small portion to confirm tolerance before feeding the full daily amount.
If I am allergic to shellfish, can my dog or horse still eat SOVE?
Yes, but you should take precautions when handling it.
SOVE contains Antarctic krill meal, which is derived from marine crustaceans and can trigger allergic reactions in people with shellfish allergies. While your pet can safely consume the product, anyone (humans) with a known allergy should:
- Avoid direct contact with the powder.
- Wear gloves or a mask when scooping or mixing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the supplement or feeding bowls.
- Store the product securely in a sealed container to prevent accidental exposure.
- If accidental contact or inhalation causes irritation, seek medical advice immediately.
Does harvesting krill harm whales, penguins, or the ocean ecosystem?
No. SOVE’s krill meal comes exclusively from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified Antarctic fisheries that follow the world’s strictest sustainability standards. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) sets strict catch limits and enforces seasonal buffer zones around penguin colonies and marine feeding areas. This ensures responsible harvesting with minimal ecosystem impact.
Can humans take SOVE, too?
NO, although SOVE is made from high-quality ingredients, it is formulated specifically for animal nutrition under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947). Human supplements are manufactured and tested under different safety and dosage regulations. For personal omega-3 supplementation, choose a product registered for human consumption.
Is SOVE suitable for animals on fat-sensitive diets?
SOVE is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which naturally contain beneficial fats. If your pet or horse has a fat-sensitive condition, such as pancreatitis or compromised liver function, consult your veterinarian before use. Your vet may recommend a reduced feeding rate or an alternative low-fat formulation depending on the condition and dietary goals.
Need help with an order or have a concern?
Whether it’s a late delivery, a product issue, or a question about feeding, we’re here to help. Our team is made up of real people who care about your dog as much as you do. Just reach out, we’ll take it from there.