Frequently Asked Questions
You can find out where to purchase our products by visiting our online retailer locator. We always suggest calling ahead as inventory levels vary from store to store.
Bravo does not sell any of its products directly.
If haven’t already done so, we suggest using our Retailer Locator to find a retailer in your area or you can ask your local retailer if they can bring in our products for you.
No, our products are currently only available in the USA.
No, we do not have a bulk buying program in place.
From time to time, we will remove certain products from our offerings due to lack of consumer interest. If a product you typically purchase is among those that have been discontinued, please Contact Us, as we may be able to recommend a replacement product.
While most retailers carry an assortment of Bravo products, inventory levels vary from store to store so we always recommend calling ahead to be sure the product you want is in stock. For a list of retailers in your area, please use our retailer locator.
If you are unable to find a specific Bravo product, it could be one of two things: the retailer does not stock a specific product, or the product you want may be temporarily out of stock. Despite our best efforts, on occasion we do experience product shortages due to overwhelming demand and/or supply issues. Because we only work with reputable suppliers and refuse to compromise on quality, there are sometimes delays in getting product, which are usually resolved quickly.
All of our products, including our treats and chews, are made in the USA.
We do not use any GMO ingredients in making Bravo products.
We try and purchase organic ingredients whenever possible, but because we cannot always source organic ingredients we will not state this on our label. We do, however, always purchase the best quality meats, poultry and vegetables possible from reputable sources.
Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in all of our proteins except beef and lamb. While we always seek to buy hormone free beef and lamb, we cannot be absolutely certain no hormones were ever administered to the animal so we do not make that claim.
The majority of our meats and poultry are sourced in the USA. We also source some ingredients from New Zealand and France. We never source ingredients from China.
No. We use Atlantic farm-raised salmon so there are no issues with flukes, which is typically present in Pacific salmon.
We formulate our Bravo Blends, Bravo Basics and Bravo Boneless product lines so that our customers can customize them by adding their own vitamins, minerals and supplements based on their respective pet’s needs. We must say it is intended for “supplemental or intermittent feeding only,” as the products are not complete and balanced right out of the package. If supplemented properly, Bravo is a great long-term food for your pets. If you are looking for a product that is complete and balanced right out of the package, you should take a look at our Bravo Balance and Bravo Homestyle Complete lines.
For a complete nutritional analysis on all of our products, please visit the respective product information pages.
For the complete Guaranteed Analysis for all Bravo products, please visit the respective product pages on our website.
Cats have unique dietary requirements, especially when it comes to their need for a high protein diet with specific vitamins and minerals, so only products labeled for cats should be fed to them. While not complete and balanced right out of the package, our Bravo Blends, Bravo Basics and Bravo Boneless provide a good foundation for cats. Please note these products are not complete and balanced and you should consider adding vitamins, minerals and other supplements based on your pet’s needs. To learn more about which supplements are suggested, please download a copy of Bravo Beginnings, which also includes lots of information on a cat’s dietary needs.
For taurine levels, please see the individual nutrient profiles for the products you feed. You can also find information about Taurine and other important supplements for cats by reading Bravo Beginnings.
Bravo offers many great, customizable formulas based on your specific pet’s needs. You can learn more about our formulas throughout our website. If you have a special needs animal with unique dietary needs or a medical condition, we suggest you consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to find the Bravo product best suited to your pet.
How much you feed your dog or cat daily depends on several factors including age, weight and activity level, as well as the formula you choose. You can calculate the correct amount using the feeding guidelines for each product available on our website.
We do suggest slowly transitioning your pet over to Bravo over the course of a 10-day period. Be sure to download a copy of Bravo Beginnings for more information and how-tos.
Typically, kittens can be introduced to raw after weaning, which is usually 4-6 weeks. For puppies, we suggest starting them on raw at six weeks with pet parents watching them closely to see how they are digesting the food. There is advice on how to transition a puppy or a kitten to a raw diet in Bravo Beginnings. Young pets should be introduced to a raw diet slowly, in steps over several weeks. Bravo Beginnings also offers advice on what will be "different" about your pet's response to a raw diet versus what they might be eating now. Growing puppies and kittens may need to eat more often and may need to supplement their diet with other foods and supplements as they grow and develop.
While many dogs and cats with medical conditions do well on a raw diet, it is best to consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist in selecting a formula best-suited to your pet’s particular needs.
Bravo formulas are specially formulated so pet parents can customize them to their pet’s specific nutritional needs. If you are feeding Bravo Blends, Bravo Basic or Bravo Boneless, which are not complete and balanced right out of the package, we do suggest adding supplements, including a good multivitamin, a probiotic and a fish body oil. Be sure to download a copy of Bravo Beginnings for a complete list of recommended supplements.
Fish body oil is preferred. Salmon "body" oil is high in DHA and EPA. Typically cod liver oil contains DHA and EPA, but in much lower concentrations. So in simple terms, you get higher DHA/EPA from fish body oil. Please see our Salmon Oil package label or our website for the Guaranteed levels of DHA/EPA.
When dividing your chub, we suggest defrosting it in the refrigerator until it is soft enough on the outside to cut through (we recommend using a sturdy bread knife for this purpose), but still has ice crystals in the center. Once divided, you can wrap and re-freeze the portions you are not feeding right away (plastic sandwich bags with a zipper closure work well for this). We get lots of questions as to whether the product can be refrozen. As long as there are still ice crystals in the center you can refreeze the product. For more information on storing, preparing and feeding our products, check out our educational video on preparation and storage here.
Yes it is, provided there are still ice crystals in the center. We always suggest using the same caution and care as you would if you were feeding the product to your two-legged family members.
Your defrosted Bravo product should be fed within two to three days. For more information on storing, preparing and feeding our products, check out our educational video on preparation and storage here. If you ever have a concern about your product, do not feed it and dispose of the product with care and PLEASE Contact Us and be sure to include the following information: date of purchase, purchase location, product name and size, best used by date from your package and a short summary of the issue. Or call us at 866.922.9222.
All of our freezed-dried products, including our Homestyle Complete, Bonus Bites, Training Treats and Cat Treats should be stored in a cool, dry place.
The supplements your pet needs will vary depending on which product formula you feed. For Bravo Blends, Bravo Basic and Bravo Boneless, which are not complete and balanced right out of the package, we recommend you add supplements. We always suggest adding a good multivitamin, probiotic and fish body oil. If you have a dog or cat with a medical condition, you should check with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to see if any other supplements are required. Download a copy of Bravo Beginnings to read more about supplementing your raw diet.
Fish body oil is preferred. Salmon "body" oil is high in DHA and EPA. Typically cod liver oil contains DHA and EPA, but in much lower concentrations. So in simple terms, you get higher DHA/EPA from fish body oil. Please see our Salmon Oil package label or our website for the Guaranteed levels of DHA/EPA.
High pressure processing (HPP) ensures food safety in the production of raw (non-thermally processed) pet food, while keeping all its organoleptic and nutritional properties intact, without the need for preservatives.
HIGH-QUALITY, SAFE, AND MINIMALLY PROCESSED PRODUCTS
- Food Safety. HPP inactivates microorganisms such as Salmonella spp., E. coli or Listeria monocytogenes.
- Prevents Human Contamination. Cross-contamination poses an extremely dangerous risk to pet owners, which is prevented using HPP pet food products.
- Premium Quality. HPP maintains the nutritional and organoleptic profile of meat, the primary ingredient in pet food.
- Clean Label. HPP makes it possible to eliminate the use of preservatives or additives, guaranteeing a natural, clean label product.
- Health Benefits. HPP pet food offers health benefits such as cleaner teeth, brighter fur and lighter digestion.
Here’s the actual HPP process:
- The product is put in hermetically sealed packaging.
- It’s placed into a “pressure vessel.”
- The pressure vessel is filled with cold water.
- High levels of isostatic pressure (300–600MPa (megapascals) or 43,500-87,000 psi) are applied (through the water) to the food.
- “Hold” times range from a few seconds to a few minutes.
This achieves the effect equivalent to pasteurization, except without the use of heat.
HPP has become increasingly popular as a method of pathogen control since the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was introduced in 2011.
The FDA has applied a zero-tolerance policy to bacteria like salmonella or listeria in raw pet food.
This is a pathogen elimination step that will assure you and your family along with your pet do not get exposed to any potential pathogens during feeding or when that silly pup licks your face after a feeding.
The Bravo! formula is still the same formula you have been purchasing for years. The only change is now our products undergo High Pressure Processing (HPP).
HPP is a minimal process step not a sterilization step. Meaning our pet food maintains their nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics and still provides pets with beneficial bacteria.
HPP helps to better retain nutrients compared to traditional thermal processes.
We have maintained the same product formulas. They the serving size has not changed; the nutrient profile of our products remains the same even though we added the HPP kill step.
While we make every effort to ensure the safety and quality of every product we make there may be occasions where there may be an issue. We guarantee all of our products, so If you are not satisfied with your purchase, or if you feel there is an issue with your product, Contact Us and be sure to include the following information: date of purchase, purchase location, product name and size, best used by date from your package and a short summary of the issue. Or call us at 866.922.9222.
At Bravo, we always like to stand on the side of caution. If you suspect there is something wrong with your Bravo product, do not feed it to your pet. Contact Us and be sure to include the following information: date of purchase, purchase location, product name and size, best used by date from your package and a short summary of the issue. Or call us at 866.922.9222.
Bravo has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase, Contact Us and be sure to include the following information: date of purchase, purchase location, product name and size, best used by date from your package and a short summary of the issue. Or call us at 866.922.9222.