kepafood - Guides

Your pet on the ĶEPA wall in Teika — submit a photo and vote!

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 18:32:00 +0000

A large mural is being created in the yard of our new store at 271 Brīvības gatve, and artist Aldija Balode has left three free spaces for your pets. The three dogs or cats with the most votes will be painted on the wall. To stay.

The three dogs or cats that receive the most votes will be painted on the ĶEPAS wall in Teika - to stay. And will also receive surprise prizes from ĶEPA Raw Food.

How to participate

1. Apply your pet. Open kepafood.lv/konkurss, press "Apply your pet", enter the pet's name, your contact information and add a picture. A clear picture showing both the face and the body is better - the artist Aldija Balode will be able to paint it more accurately.

2. Get your unique link. Immediately after applying, you will see your pet's personal link. As soon as the application is approved (usually within 24 hours), the pet will appear in the vote and the link will start working. We will also send a confirmation by e-mail.

3. Invite your friends to vote. Share the link on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram story - the page has ready-made buttons and even a ready-made story picture with a photo of your pet. The sooner you apply, the more days you have to collect votes.

How to vote

Anyone can vote - with their Facebook profile to make voting fair. Press "Vote" next to the pet, confirm in the Facebook window, and the vote has been counted. ĶEPA receives name and email only; nothing is published.

One vote per day per pet - so come every day! Voices resume at midnight.

Important dates

Application - until September 23
Voting - until September 30 at 23:59
Discovery - on October 3rd at Brīvības gatve 271, together with dog brunch

We will announce the winners on the page and personally. 1st place receives a gold, 2nd place - silver, 3rd place - bronze frame in a painting.

Artist

The painting is created by the artist Aldija Balode - she will also paint the three winners of the contest, each after the submitted picture.

Why we do it

ĶEPA is about dogs and cats living well and long - with real, natural food. The mural in Teika is our way of saying thank you to the pets who visit us every day. Three of them will now remain on the wall - you decide which one.

Apply and vote: kepafood.lv/konkurss →

Full contest rules - bottom of contest page. Questions: kepakonkurss@gmail.com.

🐾 ĶEPA RAW FOOD opens a new store in Teika!

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 08:13:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that ĶEPA RAW FOOD becomes even more accessible to Riga residents - already on August 8 our new store in Teika will open its doors.

The new store will offer quality raw food, natural dried foods and delicious snacks for dogs and cats. Our assortment has been carefully selected with pet health, complete nutrition and well-being in mind.

📍 Brīvības gatve 271, Teika, Riga
📅 Saturday, 08.08.2026.
⏰ From 10.00

We welcome both existing customers and anyone who wants to choose high-quality and natural nutrition for their pet.

Come visit with your four-legged friend! 🐶🐱

Salmon oil for dogs and cats

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:16:00 +0000

Tips · Nutritional supplements

Salmon oil for dogs and cats - EXCELLENT KEPA SALMON

📍 Made in Latvia · 🐶 For dogs and cats

EXCELLENT KEPA SALMON OIL is salmon oil for dogs and cats produced in Latvia - a high-quality nutritional supplement that provides Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Suitable for both dry food eaters and raw food (BARF) supporters. Support Latvian product!

Why exactly this salmon oil?

EXCELLENT KEPA SALMON OIL combines three important values: high quality, competitive price and domestic products. By purchasing this oil, you support a Latvian company and provide your pet with a natural source of Omega fatty acids - without unwanted additives or long supply chains.

Good for what?

Salmon oil can be used safely by both dogs and cats, regardless of the type of diet:

Dry food eaters - to add Omega fatty acids, which are often lacking in dry food
Raw feeders / BARF supporters - as a natural food supplement
During the moulting period - in the autumn, winter and spring period, when the pet "throws" a feather and there is little sun

How to use and dose?

Add oil to your daily meal - morning or evening. Added to the bottle convenient dispenser:

1 pressure = 2 g of oil
Daily dose: 1 pressure for every 3 kg of the pet's weight
Important: Do not exceed the daily dose - the oil softens the stomach

Storage

Do not hold an oil bottle in direct sunlight
Store in a cool, dry place
Used after opening within 4 months

Where to buy EXCELLENT KEPA SALMON?

You can buy salmon oil in two convenient places: on the official product website www.kepaoil.com or in our online store www.kepafood.lv, where you can find a wide selection of raw food and natural products for dogs and cats.

Chicken feet for dogs - natural treat for joints | ĶEPA

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:28:00 +0000

Tips · Natural delicacies

Chicken feet for dogs - Your pet's nutrition bonus

🍔 Natural delicacy · 🐶 For dogs and cats

Chicken feet is an often overlooked part of the dog's diet - small but powerful in value. They are raw bones consisting of bone, skin, fat, cartilage and connective tissue, making them into functional foods, not just chewy treats.

Support for joints and mobility

Chicken feet are naturally rich in collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin - ingredients that support joint health and mobility. Especially valuable for puppies in the growing stage and for senior dogs.

Ideal first bone for puppies

Chicken feet are soft, flexible and easy to digest - A great choice for puppies just starting to chew on raw bones. Promotes correct chewing behavior, supports jaw musculature development and provides natural brushing teeth.

Rich source of minerals

Chicken feet offer a remarkable spectrum of minerals:

Calcium and phosphorus - For bone development and skeletal health
Folate (vitamin B9) - for cell function and regeneration
Zinc and selenium - For immune system and thyroid support
Iron (in small amounts) - for oxygen transport and metabolism

Dental health and mental stimulation

Chewing works as natural toothbrush - Helps clean the teeth and massages gums. Also provides mental stimulation, which is as important for dogs as physical activity.

Remember: chicken feet are BARF nutritional supplement, not a complete daily meal. Balance is essential!

Important! Safety rules

Never feed boiled chicken feet - Cooked bones can crack and cause serious indigestion
Always monitor the chewing process - especially for first time puppies and seniors
Make sure that the dog condition of mouth and teeth is suitable for chewing bones

How is dry food actually produced?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:44:00 +0000

Tips · Nutrition education

What you not really ber in a bowl — dry feed vs. raw food

🐶 For dogs · 🍽️ Nutrition and health

Most of the owners are not even aware that those small, brown gabilťi in the bag are made during an industrial process similar to the production of breakfast cereal. Here's what happens to your dog's food before it goes into the bowl:

How is dry food produced?

In powder form - Synthetic meat protein, rendered meat meal, grains and starch are ground into a fine powder.

Mixing - Add water and binders to form dough.

Extrusion - the dough is prepared under high temperature (up to 200°C) and pressure, then the mold is inflated.

Drying - Reduces moisture so food can stay on the store shelf for 18-36 months.

Fats and flavorings - without them it would smell and taste unpleasant.

Vitamins and mineral substances - Added artificially as natural sources are destroyed during processing.

📦 Result: crisp, long shelf life product designed for convenience and storage - not optimal health.

On the other hand, fresh whole products provide...

Naturally preserved nutrients and enzymes.

Better digestibility and absorption.

Moisture and antioxidants, which are not present in dry feed.

Real food, which the dog's body recognizes.

💡 Just like us, dogs are also healthy and happy if they receive fresh feed.

Fresh feeding promotes a healthier weight, stronger immunity, shinier coat and a longer, happier life.

Ready to go refresher trip?

Check out our range of raw food - Real food for real dogs and cats.

Visit the store →

Why can a dog that eats dry food vomit after eating raw food?

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:02:00 +0000

MY DOG IS EATING DRY FOOD. I GAVE YOUR RAW FOOD.

MY DOG WAS VOMITING AND HAD DIARRHEA. WHY?

Very good and common question!

The fact that a dog vomits or has diarrhea when given fresh meat or balanced BARF food is usually NOT because the FOOD IS bad, but because the dog's ORGANISM IS NOT USED TO THIS DIET.

Here are the main reasons:

1. Lack of adaptation of digestive enzymes and microbiota (a set of beneficial microorganisms/microflora).

A dog that eats dry food (kibble) for a long time gets used to a food that is heat-treated and full of carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, berries, grains).

Such a diet creates a different gut microbiome (beneficial bacterial environment).

When suddenly fed fresh, biologically active meat (BARF), the pH, composition and fat content of the feed changes - the intestine is not ready to process such food.

2. Too rapid transition. Vomiting or diarrhea is very common if:

- the transition happened suddenly (from dry to BARF in one day);

- fattier meat is given (for example, pieces of lamb, pork, chicken skin);

- food raw materials with greater "power" are immediately offered (liver, kidney, penis, spleen, diaphragm, stomach, etc.).

IT IS A SHOCK FOR THE ORGANISM, especially for the liver and pancreas. That is the truth. Your dog's pancreas can no longer digest raw food.

3. Loss of enzyme and gastric acid activity.

A dog fed dry, sublimated food often LOSES the powerful stomach acid that normally breaks down not only meat, but also bones and bacteria.

Therefore, fresh ingredients can cause insufficient digestion, resulting in diarrhea, fermentation, vomiting.

4. "Strength" and intensity of feed components. Fresh liver, kidney, stomach, fermented raw materials or too many bones can be too much for a dog that is not used to it.

Even 100% quality BARF feed mix should be given gradually.

What to do to avoid vomiting/diarrhea:

1. Make a slow transition from dry and BARF:

In the first 3 days, give only 1-2 tablespoons of fresh balanced BARF food to the existing food (without mixing in dry food). Gradually increase the amount over 7-14 days.

2. Choose simpler meat at first: beef, turkey, rabbit, chicken. At first, choose PREY meals - without vegetables, berries - without carbohydrates.

3. Give enzymes and probiotics: kefir, lacto, brewer's yeast, probiotic capsules or fermented goat whey help the digestive system adapt.

4. Avoid bones and fat in the first phase. Do not include skin, wings, duck meat, liver, kidneys until the body gets used to plain meat. And the back stomach is able to restore its activity (unless it is already "killed").

5. Observe the dog's reaction. If diarrhea appears - take a step back - give less or simpler BARF feed.

Ask us, ask a nutritionist or knowledgeable vet about BARF feeding.

PS. currently sellers/manufacturers of BARF products have entered the market, who know NOTHING about raw feeding and the recipes are roughly like this - "we grind everything we have left over (udder, diaphragm, liver, kidneys, stomach - THEY ARE ALL ORGANS, l AND ALL ARE ACID!).

PS. The miser pays twice - if you buy food that grinds a large amount of organs instead of meat, you will have to go to the VET with complaints about a "fast" stomach.

#barf #topdogbistro #arsuni ¨#ķepa #delivery #mail

Author of the article: Lāsma Cimere.

The ticks have woken up! 6 natural remedies for dog protection

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:33:00 +0000

ĶEPAS-AT-MESSAGES

The ticks have woken up! 🦟

How to naturally protect your dog from ticks - without aggressive chemicals. 6 effective remedies.

🐾

⚠️ Personal example: I found a tick on mine already during the holidays Rumi fur coat. So it's time to protect yourself! Everyone has a choice of how and what to do - I choose natural remedies.

6 Natural repellants of external parasites

Hemp oil and Cistus tablets

Hemp oil is rich in omega fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, making the dog less attractive to parasites. When added to food or applied in small doses to the coat, it can help reduce the risk of tick bites.

Cysts or rosehip extract has a positive effect on the animal's body odor - making it less attractive to ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. A rich source of antioxidants, increases natural resistance to viral infections.

Coconut oil

Cont lauric acid - A natural insect repellent. Apply to the dog's coat before going for a walk, especially on the legs, belly and head area. This prevents ticks from attaching to the coat. Can also be added to the diet - helps maintain skin health.

Garlic (in small quantities)

Contains natural substances that change the dog's sweat and body odor, making it less attractive to ticks and fleas. To be used in very small quantities - Finely chopped garlic once a week for large dogs. Small dogs - be especially careful.

Cider vinegar

Diluted with water (in a 1:1 ratio) and sprayed on the coat before going out into the wild, it helps repel ticks. You can also add a few drops to your dog's drinking water - make sure your dog likes it and doesn't cause stomach irritation.

Essential oils ⚠️ Be careful!

Lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and rosemary oil can help repel ticks. It should be diluted in coconut oil or olive oil and applied in small amounts to the neck and legs. Avoid contact with eyes! Some dogs can be sensitive.

Regular combing and washing

After each walk, check the coat - especially ears, armpits, muzzle and belly. Washing with natural shampoos (with neem/neem oil or lemon extract) can help keep ticks at bay. A little more in the owner's care - and without chemicals!

🛒 You can buy ĶEPA RAW FOOD from us

Cyst tablets Hemp oil Coconut oil Essential oil clovers and straps

🔗 All anti-aging products →

Do you want to know which products are suitable? just for your dog?

🛒 Visit the store →

"A little more host care - no chemistry. It's possible!"

Salt in dog and cat food - an often overlooked risk

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:53:00 +0000

ĶEPAS AT-MESSAGES

Salt in dog and cat food 🧂

Salt (sodium chloride) is added as a preservative and flavor enhancer - but is it really necessary? And how much is too much?

🐾

Side Effects - 5 Risks

Excessive thirst and dehydration

High salt concentration causes intense thirst and can lead to dehydration, especially if the animal does not have free access to fresh water.

Electrolyte imbalance

Excess salt can disrupt the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, affecting muscle and nerve function.

Impairment of kidney function

Prolonged high salt intake can place additional strain on the kidneys, especially in animals with pre-existing kidney problems.

High blood pressure

Like humans, too much salt in dogs and cats can raise blood pressure, which can damage the cardiovascular system in the long term.

Salt poisoning

It is especially dangerous if the animal ingests a very large dose of salt at one time - for example, by eating human foods with a high salt content. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, convulsions and even death.

🧐 Is salt necessary at all?

Dogs and cats need a small amount of sodium to function, but that's about it naturally present in fresh meat and organs.

BARF and raw-fed pets do not need extra salt - Necessary sodium is obtained through meat, blood and organs.

Want to switch to natural, salt-free food?

🛒 View raw food →

"Real food - for real dogs and cats!"

IF THE DOG/CAT VOMITS...

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:37:00 +0000

We often hear our customers say: "My dog threw up." And the hostess is always worried.

Dogs, cats vomit for various reasons, and it can be both a normal physiological reaction and a sign of a serious health problem. Here are the most common reasons for vomiting:

1. Normal or less serious reasons:

• Overeating or fast eating: If a dog eats too much or eats very quickly, it can cause vomiting.

• Wrong food: dogs tend to eat things they shouldn't (grass, garbage, unfamiliar objects), which can cause vomiting.

• Stress or anxiety: Excessive stress or fearful situations can promote vomiting.

• Empty stomach: In some dogs, an empty stomach (eg in the morning) can cause yellow bile to be vomited.

• Medicines: Some medicines can cause temporary vomiting as a side effect.

2. Vedeath due to illness or health problems:

• Stomach problems: stomach irritation, ulcers or gastritis.

• Poisons or toxic substances: poisoning by household chemicals, poisonous plants or food (eg chocolate, grapes).

• Parasites: Intestinal parasites such as worms can cause vomiting.

• Infections: viruses or bacteria (eg parvovirus).

• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas.

• Kidney or liver disease: when the organs are unable to adequately filter toxins.

• Intestinal obstruction: ingestion of foreign bodies (eg toys, bones).

3. When to contact a VETERINARY immediately:

• Recurrent/frequent vomiting.

• Vomiting blood: red or dark (like coffee grounds) colored vomit.

• Accompanying symptoms: apathy, fever, diarrhea, severe weight loss, abdominal pain.

• Suspicion of a foreign body: if the dog might have swallowed something dangerous. Do not wait and seek the help of a veterinarian!

Good health to all pets!

Can a dog eat ham, sausage or dried meat?

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:04:00 +0000

The holidays are approaching, when setting the festive table, cooking different dishes becomes relevant.

Today we will talk about HAM/SAUSAGE/DRIED MEAT, which decorates a person's refrigerator shelf/on the table, but often the owner hands a piece to the pet.

CAN DOGS EAT HAM, SAUSAGE, DRIED MEAT?

CAN!

BUT - SHOULD YOU DO IT?

Of course, a small piece will not immediately harm the pet's health. However, it is NOT a HEALTHY "TREAT" to offer your pet.

Ham is processed meat, which means that it is often filled with extra salt, preservatives, various hidden additives (nitrates and nitrites, antibiotics, hormones) and spices that are not intended for dogs. Plus, it's high in fat—more than their digestive system could process.

Too much fat can upset your dog's stomach, causing consequences such as diarrhea or vomiting.

It can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, which is serious and painful.

Then there is the problem of sodium. Ham is "enlivened" with large amounts of salt, which can dehydrate your dog and even cause sodium poisoning if eaten in excess. Symptoms to watch for include extreme thirst, vomiting and low energy.

Likewise, do not offer your pet dried bones, ribs that remain after you have eaten the meat and feel sorry for throwing the "beautiful" bones out. But a DOG IS NOT A WASTE CAN.

It is worth adding that processed meat (ham, sausage, dried meat/fish) is associated with long-term health risks for both humans and dogs. These risks include chronic diseases such as heart problems and even some cancers.

We are setting the festive table - healthy and safe for you and your pet!

Choose something fresh and suitable for your pet!