Soya is one of the most common allergens in the pet food industry, often used as a cheap filler in both meat-based and vegan kibbles. Many 'itchy' dogs are actually reacting to the phytoestrogens or the GMO nature of mass-produced soya. By being 100% soya-free, Just Be Kind eliminates this major trigger entirely. We use hypoallergenic alternatives like faba bean protein, quinoa, sweet potato, and innovative fermentation protein, ensuring your dog gets high-quality amino acids without the inflammatory response associated with soya.

Yes. Research shows that well-formulated plant-based diets are safe for dogs long-term when they meet recognised nutritional standards such as FEDIAF. Dogs require specific nutrients, not meat, and these nutrients can come from a variety of plant and microbial sources when carefully balanced. Multiple studies, including comprehensive surveys by Prof Andrew Knight, report that dogs maintained on complete plant-based diets show outcomes comparable to, and in many cases better than, those fed conventional meat-based foods. As with any diet, the key factor is nutritional completeness and the quality of the formulation.

Many prescription 'Hypoallergenic' diets use hydrolysed animal proteins (chemically broken down proteins). Just Be Kind offers a clean, wholefood alternative that achieves the same goal—removing the offending allergen—but with superior, plant-based ingredients. While we always recommend consulting your vet before switching if your dog has a specific medical condition like kidney or bladder stones, many of our customers have successfully transitioned from brands like Royal Canin or Hills to our vet-formulated range with excellent health improvements.

Fermentation protein is a nutritional breakthrough in pet health. Unlike soya, which is a common allergen and often genetically modified, our fermentation protein is created through a natural process similar to making yogurt or sourdough. This process breaks down the protein into a highly 'bio-available' form, meaning it is incredibly gentle on the gut and easy for your dog to absorb. It provides a complete amino acid profile without the inflammatory allergens found in mass-produced non-GMO soya, making it the gold standard for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

Yes. Traditional meat proteins can be heavy on a dog’s digestive system, especially those with sensitivities. Our Fermentation Protein is a 'bio-available' superfood. Because it is created through a natural fermentation process (similar to how yogurt or kombucha is made), the protein is already partially broken down, making it incredibly gentle on the gut. It boasts a higher digestibility score than fishmeal, insect protein and even pea protein, meaning your dog absorbs more nutrients and has a healthier digestion.

To ensure every meal is 'Complete and Balanced' to FEDIAF standards, we use a precision-blended premix of essential vitamins and minerals alongside our whole-food ingredients. While our vegetables and grains provide natural nutrients, we supplement with vital elements like Taurine, L-Carnitine, and Vitamin B12—which are critical for heart health and energy—to ensure your pet thrives long-term. Every recipe is vet-checked to ensure it meets the rigorous nutritional requirements of dogs and cats at every life stage.

Most standard kibble is 'extruded,' meaning it is cooked at intense high heat and pressure, which can destroy delicate vitamins and natural oils. Cold-pressed food is different; the ingredients are gently mixed and pressed at much lower temperatures. This preserves the nutritional integrity of the proteins and enzymes. Furthermore, cold-pressed food dissolves from the outside-in rather than swelling in the stomach, which aids digestion and helps prevent the 'bloat' or heaviness often seen after a meal of traditional kibble.

Plant-based proteins can provide all the essential amino acids dogs need, as long as the recipe is formulated to recognised nutritional guidelines such as FEDIAF. Different plant proteins contribute different amino acids, so combining sources like lentils, peas, sweet potato and microbial protein creates a complete and balanced profile. The bioavailability of nutrients in both plant and animal proteins varies, which is why the overall formulation matters far more than the ingredient source. Research, including studies by Prof Andrew Knight, shows that dogs can thrive on well-formulated plant-based diets, with guardians reporting good overall health, digestion and coat quality. What matters most is nutritional completeness, digestibility and the balance of amino acids, not whether the protein comes from plants or animals.

Different plant proteins contain different levels of essential amino acids, so combining several sources creates a more complete and balanced amino acid profile. Ingredients such as lentils, peas, sweet potato and microbial protein complement each other by supplying amino acids that may be lower in one ingredient but higher in another. This approach improves overall protein quality, supports digestibility and helps the recipe meet recognised nutritional guidelines such as FEDIAF. Using a blend of proteins is a common practice in both plant-based and meat-based dog foods, and it ensures dogs receive all the essential nutrients they need.

We only stock foods that follow recognised nutritional guidelines for dogs, such as those set by FEDIAF. These guidelines outline the minimum and maximum levels of essential nutrients required for a diet to be considered complete and balanced. Our own BioBowl™ recipe has been formulated by a vet and a canine nutritionist to meet these standards and provide all essential nutrients for all life stages. Full nutritional details for every product are available on each product page.

Complete and balanced’ means a dog food provides every essential nutrient a dog needs, in the correct amounts and ratios, for daily health. This includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and key amino acids such as taurine and methionine. Complete foods must meet recognised nutritional guidelines such as those set by FEDIAF, which outline the minimum and maximum levels of each nutrient for different life stages. Whether the recipe is plant-based or meat-based, it can only be labelled ‘complete and balanced’ if it meets these standards.

B vitamins play essential roles in energy metabolism, digestion, nerve function and overall health. They are added to all complete dog foods because processing and cooking can reduce their natural levels. Vitamin B12 is especially important because it supports healthy nerve function, red blood cell formation and normal digestion. While some B vitamins occur naturally in plant ingredients, B12 must be added because it is not reliably present in plants. Adding a stable, bioavailable form of B12 ensures the diet meets recognised nutritional guidelines such as FEDIAF and provides dogs with the levels they need for everyday health.

Vitamin D3 is added to dog food because it is essential for bone health, immune function and overall metabolism. FEDIAF nutritional guidelines require all complete dog foods to include Vitamin D3 at specific levels. Even in meat-based diets, D3 must be added because natural levels are not sufficient after processing and cooking. Vitamin D3 in meat-based diets comes from sheep's wool (lanolin). In vegan formulations, Vitamin D3 is derived from algae or pure lichen so it remains fully plant-based while still meeting these nutritional requirements. We have included Vitamin D3 in our Omega 3 Algae oil for extra nourishment and use if home cooking wholefood recipes.

Amino acids such as taurine, DL-methionine, L-carnitine and L-tryptophan are added to ensure the food provides a complete amino acid profile in line with recognised nutritional guidelines such as FEDIAF. While plant ingredients supply many essential amino acids, levels can vary, so adding specific amino acids ensures dogs receive the correct amounts for heart health, metabolism, muscle maintenance and overall wellbeing. Methionine and cysteine also help the body produce taurine, which is why both are included in well-formulated plant-based diets. Adding these amino acids ensures the food remains complete and balanced for all life stages.

L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound that helps the body convert fat into usable energy. It plays an important role in healthy metabolism, muscle function and overall vitality. Its inclusion helps maintain a balanced nutritional profile and is common in both meat-based and plant-based diets. It is also included in our Gold Dust Joint and Heart Supplement to support weight loss.

A dog’s daily calorie needs depend on factors such as age, ideal weight, activity level and individual metabolism. Feeding guides on each product are based on a dog’s target weight and provide a suitable range to begin with. Different foods vary in calorie density depending on their ingredients and how they are made, which is why portion sizes can differ between brands or recipes. The most important thing is to feed according to your dog’s ideal weight and maintain a healthy body condition over time.

Calorie levels vary between different dog foods because each recipe uses its own combination of ingredients, cooking methods and nutritional targets. Some ingredients are naturally more energy-dense than others, and different production processes can affect the final calorie content. This is why portion sizes can differ between brands or recipes, even when feeding the same dog. Feeding guides are based on a dog’s ideal weight and take into account the calorie density of each specific food.

Absolutely. Many of our customers use Just Be Kind as a 'Nutritional Topper' to add high-quality, soya-free protein to a meat-based diet. This is a fantastic way to introduce the benefits of fermentation protein and plant-based antioxidants without a total lifestyle change. Just remember to adjust the portions of their base food to account for the extra calories, ensuring your pet maintains a healthy, lean weight.

Yes, but it’s important to transition gradually. Dogs moving from raw food to a cooked or plant-based diet may need a slower and more managed switch, as the textures, ingredients and processing methods differ. Start by adding a small amount of the new food to the raw diet and increase it gradually over 10–14 days, or longer if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Monitor stools, appetite and general comfort during the transition. Feeding guides are based on ideal weight, so once fully transitioned, follow the guide for the food you’re using. If your dog has a medical history or you are unsure how quickly to transition, a consultation with Arielle can help tailor the process.

During the switch, monitor stools, appetite and energy levels. Mild changes in stool consistency are normal in the early stages. Feed according to your dog’s ideal weight and follow the feeding guide on the product. If your dog has a complex medical history or known sensitivities, a consultation with Arielle can help tailor the transition.

If your dog is hesitant with new textures, we highly recommend starting with 'Give a Dog a Bean.' Because it is a moist, savory wet food, it has a highly enticing aroma that appeals to a dog's natural instincts. You can mix a spoonful into their current kibble to act as an 'appetizer.' Once they are excited by the flavor of our whole-food ingredients, introducing our dry kibble or fermentation range becomes much easier.

Feeding amounts vary based on your pet’s age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule, a highly active Spaniel will require more calories than a sedentary senior dog. We provide a detailed feeding chart on every product page to act as a starting point. We always suggest monitoring your pet’s weight and 'body condition score'—if they are gaining too much, slightly reduce the portion; if they are too lean, increase it. When in doubt, Dr. Arielle recommends feeding to the 'target weight' rather than the current weight.

Yes! We know every pet eats at a different pace. You can easily adjust your delivery frequency (e.g., from every 4 weeks to every 6 weeks) within your account settings. If you find you’re receiving food too quickly or not fast enough, simply log in and select the 'Change Frequency' option to align with your pet's actual appetite.

If you want to try a new flavour or add a bag of treats to your next scheduled delivery, you can do this directly in your portal. Select 'Manage Subscription' and use the 'Add Product' or 'Swap' feature. This allows you to keep your existing discount while rotating between our Soya-Free recipes or adding seasonal supplements to your order.

Absolutely. Subscribers are the heartbeat of the Just Be Kind community. When you choose to subscribe, you automatically unlock a 10% discount on every single recurring order. This ensures your pet gets premium, vet-led nutrition at the best possible price, with the added peace of mind that their favorite meals are reserved for them in our inventory.

Most orders are delivered within 1–2 working days. Please place orders before 2pm on a Thursday if you need the food before the weekend. Delivery times may vary slightly based on your location and stock availability, but we do our best to stay fully stocked as we know how much your dogs and cats rely on their healthy food. Orders to the Highlands and Northern Ireland usually take 2–4 days.

Yes. If you live in the UK and would like a free sample of our dry or tinned foods, please fill in the sample request form on our website with details about your dog and which samples you would like, plus your address. We also offer a generous sample box of our top foods, treats and Omega 3 oil via the same form.

Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing a unique tracking link. You can click this at any time to see the real-time status of your delivery. If your tracking hasn't updated or your package is more than 2 days overdue within the UK, please reach out to our team at [Insert Support Email] with your order number, and we will investigate immediately.

To cancel an order, please contact customer service as soon as possible or complete the contact form on our website chatbot so the team can help you. If the order has already been dispatched, we will advise you on the next steps.

We offer refunds for items that arrive damaged or faulty. Please contact us within 2 days of receiving your order, include photos, and we will replace the items or refund you, including postage where applicable. For all other cases, including change of mind, ordering by accident, or forgetting to cancel a subscription, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds. All products must remain unopened to be eligible.

Yes, we offer trade pricing for approved and select stockists. Please contact us with your business name, Website, location and the products you are interested in, and we will send you the latest trade price list.