FAQ

A clearer way to feed

Meet VALKA.

Find the format that fits your dog and your day. Start with VALKA beside their current food or build a complete meal routine.

Porque no todo tiene que ser bolitas. Because kibble can share the bowl.Mix, top or transition gradually. Plan the full bowl with the directions for both foods.
Sakura, the Bernese Mountain Dog behind VALKA

What is the difference between Frozen, To-Go and Toppers?

Frozen complete meals fit home routines. Freeze-dried complete To-Go meals fit outings and adventures. Toppers add variety to an everyday bowl.

Can VALKA share the bowl with kibble?

Yes. Start Your Way offers a flexible approach. Account for both foods and follow the feeding directions for your chosen products.

Does Everyday Wag come in both formats?

Yes. Everyday Wag Frozen and Everyday Wag To-Go share the same recipe in two practical formats.

How do the offers work?

Your first order gets 40% off (up to $75) on any of our 8 products, as one-time purchases, with a free VALKA account. It’s our invitation to try VALKA. After that, Subscribe & Save gives you 10% off recurring deliveries. With an active subscription, each registered and approved dog can also receive a free Happy Barkday cake and celebration kit once a year. The 40% welcome discount does not combine with subscriptions or Happy Barkday.

Where is VALKA made?

In a family-owned facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Your questions, answered

Explore the full FAQ

All 23 questions from our original FAQ are organized by topic. Open a topic, then the question you need. Product-specific information should always be checked against its current label.

01About VALKAProducts, recipes and ingredients4 questions
What is Valka?

VALKA makes food for dogs in three formats: complete Frozen meals for home, complete freeze-dried To-Go meals for travel, and toppers for the everyday bowl. Choose the product and portion that fit your dog and your routine.

Is Valka made for dogs or cats?

Valka is made for dogs. We do not currently offer raw food formulated for cats.

What makes Valka different?

VALKA makes real food practical. Our 8 recipes are tested and ready to serve, so there is no ingredient shopping, chopping or grinding. Serve a full meal or mix it with their kibble. Keeping our range small lets us buy in volume and keep prices accessible. How to Serve shows each format step by step.

What ingredients are used in Valka?

Ingredients vary by recipe and format. Review the ingredient list and nutritional statement on the specific product page and package before feeding, especially if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity.

02Raw feeding basicsWho it may suit and what to expect5 questions
What is raw dog food?

Raw dog food is made with uncooked animal-based ingredients and may also include vegetables, seeds, herbs, and other whole-food ingredients.

Raw feeding is not simply placing plain meat in a bowl. The complete recipe, serving amount, storage, and handling all matter.

Why do dog owners choose to feed raw?

Some owners prefer meat-forward recipes and recognizable ingredients. Frozen meals also add moisture to the bowl. Your dog’s experience may differ, so judge a feeding plan by the product label, your dog’s body condition and your veterinarian’s advice rather than a promised result.

Is raw food right for every dog?

Raw food can be an option for many dogs, but no feeding method is appropriate for every animal.

Dogs with medical conditions, weakened immune systems, special nutritional requirements, or a history of digestive problems may need additional guidance. Speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet when health concerns are present.

Can puppies eat Valka?

Growing puppies have specific energy and mineral needs. Check the nutritional statement and feeding directions for the exact VALKA product. Ask your veterinarian before making it a puppy’s primary food, especially for a large-breed puppy.

Can senior dogs eat Valka?

Many senior dogs may be able to eat raw food, but their calorie and nutritional needs can differ from those of younger dogs.

Consider your dog's weight, activity level, dental condition, digestion, and health history. Speak with your veterinarian before making a major dietary change for an older dog.

03Feeding your dogPortions, transitions and mixed bowls5 questions
How much Valka should I feed my dog?

Start with the directions on your chosen product. The Feeding Calculator estimates Frozen portions using your dog’s target weight and life stage; it is a planning guide, not a prescription. Adjust with your veterinarian based on body condition, activity and health. To-Go and toppers have their own serving directions.

How should I transition my dog to Valka?

Some dogs adjust quickly, while others do better with a gradual transition.

Begin by introducing a small amount of Valka while reducing the amount of your dog's current food. Gradually increase the raw portion over several days.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from a slower transition. Watch your dog's appetite, stool, energy level, and overall comfort throughout the process.

Can I mix Valka with kibble?

Yes. Many households mix VALKA and kibble in one bowl or serve them at separate meals. Introduce changes gradually, account for calories from both foods, and follow each product’s feeding directions. Start Your Way helps you plan a flexible routine.

Does my dog have to eat a fully raw diet?

No. You can choose a partial VALKA routine. Frozen and To-Go products identified as complete meals can serve as meals according to their labels; toppers complement a complete diet and should not replace it. If you want to make a major diet change, speak with your veterinarian.

What if my dog is a picky eater?

The aroma, texture, and flavor of real meat can make raw food appealing to selective eaters.

Thaw Valka properly and serve an appropriate portion. Avoid leaving the food out for long periods, and refrigerate or discard uneaten food promptly.

04Storage & safetyThawing, handling and serving6 questions
How should I store Valka?

Store Frozen meals and Goat Splash frozen as directed on the package. Freeze-dried To-Go meals and dry toppers have different storage requirements before opening. Follow each product’s label for storage after opening, thawing or rehydration.

How should I thaw Valka?

Thaw Frozen meals and Goat Splash in the refrigerator, in a sealed container on a tray. Do not leave raw food at room temperature for extended periods. Follow the package instructions for the exact product.

Can I microwave Valka?

We do not recommend microwaving a raw Frozen meal. Thaw it in the refrigerator and follow the package directions. If you need to speed up thawing, check the label for a suitable sealed-container method.

How should I handle raw dog food safely?

Handle Valka as you would raw meat prepared for your household.

Wash your hands before and after serving. Thoroughly clean bowls, utensils, counters, and any other surfaces that contact the food.

Keep the product properly frozen or refrigerated, and do not allow uneaten food to remain in the bowl for an extended period.

How long can Valka remain in my dog's bowl?

Raw food should not sit out for long.

Serve an appropriate portion and refrigerate or discard uneaten food promptly, especially in warm conditions. Wash your dog's bowl after every raw meal.

Is raw dog food safe?

Raw, unpasteurized food may contain harmful bacteria, so careful handling is important for both dogs and people.

Households with young children, pregnant individuals, older adults, or immunocompromised family members may need to take additional precautions. Speak with an appropriate medical or veterinary professional when you have concerns.

05Choosing with careSensitivities and individual needs3 questions
Is Valka appropriate for dogs with food sensitivities?

VALKA recipes have different ingredient lists. A product may contain more than one animal protein, so do not assume it is suitable for a limited-ingredient diet. Read the full label and consult your veterinarian if your dog has a known allergy or food sensitivity.

Do I need to rotate proteins when feeding Valka?

There is no single rotation schedule that every dog needs. If you change recipes, introduce each new product gradually and watch how your dog responds. For allergies or digestive concerns, ask your veterinarian which proteins to use.

What should I do if my dog does not adjust well?

Mild stool changes can occur during a dietary transition, especially when food is changed too quickly.

Slow the transition and make sure you are feeding an appropriate amount. Stop feeding the product and contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, unusual lethargy, signs of pain, or another concerning reaction.