Complete Recipes Vs. Signature Mixes: What’s the Difference?
Want to feed raw, but don’t know how?
One of the biggest reasons pet parents say they don’t feed raw is because “it’s just too complicated.”
While we know that making the switch from kibble to raw can sound overwhelming at first…it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
In this article, you’ll learn about your two main options: Complete Recipes and Signature Mixes. We’ll provide you with a definition of what recipe should work best for you and review raw topics like rotational feeding.
By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what you should order and how to utilize our recipes.
Table of Contents
At-A-Glance
| Signature Mixes | Complete Recipes | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Meat, bones, organs, and select veggies | Meat, bones, organs, select veggies, and a special nutrient mix |
| AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages? | No | Yes |
| Does anything need to be added? | Yes | No |
| Is rotational feeding required? | Yes | No |
| Ideal for… | More experienced pet parents, those who want a custom solution, and those who want to DIY. | Pet parents who just transitioned from kibble, those new to raw, or those seeking convenience and simplicity. |
| Sizing | Available in 1 lb bricks and 5 lb bricks. | Available in 4 lb bricks and 8 oz portions (dogs). Available in 1 lb bricks and 4 oz portions (cats). All are available in 12 and 24 lb Bulk Boxes. |
| Available for cats? | No | Yes |
| Available in a subscription? | Yes, and save 5% | Yes, and save 5% |
| Free from additives, by-products, grains, corn, soy, sugar, or other fillers? | Yes | Yes |
| Human-grade ingredients? | Yes | Yes |
| HPP? | No | No |
Deep-Dive: Signature Mixes
Oma’s Pride began crafting raw pet food in the 1990s with our “Signature Mixes.” These classic recipes are formulated exclusively for dogs and available in four unique proteins: chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb.
Signature Mixes are a custom solution for pet parents interested in rotational feeding.
Definition
Signature Mixes contain meat, bones, organs, and select veggies (that’s it!). They are meant to be fed in rotation to achieve balance over time instead of every meal.
These mixes are not labeled as complete and balanced, meaning they do not contain every vitamin, mineral, or ingredient that AAFCO requires for a complete and balanced diet (AAFCO sets nutrition standards for pet foods in the USA). This is where something called “rotational feeding” comes in.
What is Rotational Feeding?
Think of rotational feeding as the way you and I (as humans) eat. Most of us don’t eat the exact same meal every day. This means that while we might lack exposure to certain nutrients on a daily basis, we achieve a “balanced diet” over time by eating a variety of foods over days and weeks.
In the same way, rotational feeding mimics how animals naturally eat in the wild. Instead of eating the same exact thing for every meal, pets fed a rotational diet eat various foods over time. This allows for balance over time instead of in each meal.
Rotational feeding benefits include:
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Exposure to a variety of amino acid profiles, minerals, and vitamins
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Reduces the risk of intolerances, allergies, and deficiencies
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Promotes better digestion and immune function
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Helps picky eaters stay engaged with meals
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Keeps the system adaptable
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Helps gut bacteria flourish
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Mimics ancestral prey variety
How to balance Signature Mixes
Since Signature Mixes don’t contain every vitamin, mineral, or nutrient to be labeled as “Complete & Balanced,” how do you use them?
Well, your aim as a rotational feeder is to balance your food over time. You’ll need to add additional ingredients or vitamins. Some ideas to get you started include:
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Fundamental Vitality (our all-in-one daily multivitamin)
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Eggs
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Tripe
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Sardines
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Raw meaty bones
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Kelp
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Ground seeds (such as hemp, flax, or sunflower)
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Pet-friendly fruits
Check out a sample meal plan below to give you an idea of what using Signature Mixes could look like in action:
Shop Signature Mixes
Signature Mixes are available in 1 lb and 5 lb bricks. Please click on a product below to learn more.
Are Signature Mixes right for you?
Now that you know more about Signature Mixes, you might be wondering if this feeding style is right for you. In general, we’ve found that pet parents experience success with Signature Mixes if they:
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Have some prior experience with raw feeding
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Are more confident with meal prep
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Like a DIY approach
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Want to add more custom ingredients
If you’re brand new to raw, rotational feeding might sound overwhelming right now. If so, read on to learn more about our Complete Recipes.
Deep-Dive: Complete Recipes
Not interested in rotational feeding? Then Complete Recipes might be right for you.
Complete Recipes were built from our classic recipes with an added special nutrient mix in four unique proteins for dogs (chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb) and one poultry blend for cats. These recipes are complete and balanced, meeting and exceeding AAFCO canine and feline nutritional requirements for all life stages.
Definition
Complete Recipes contain meat, bones, organs, select veggies, and a special nutrient mix. They are designed to meet and exceed AAFCO’s nutritional standards for all life stages, which means that nothing needs to be added in or rotated with these meals.
Benefits of Complete Recipes
Some of the benefits of Complete Recipes include:
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Save time with a convenient, one-and-done solution
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No rotational feeding required
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Take the guesswork out of raw feeding
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All-in-one meals provide everything your dog or cat needs
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Beginner friendly
Shop Complete Recipes
Complete Recipes are available for dogs in 4 lb bricks and 8 oz portions. You can also buy these recipes in bulk (12 and 24 lb boxes).
The Complete Recipe for cats is available in 1 lb bricks and 4 oz portions. You can also buy this recipe in bulk (12 and 24 lb boxes).
Click below on each individual recipe to learn more.
Are Complete Recipes right for you?
Now that you know all about Complete Recipes, you might be wondering if this feeding style is right for you. In general, we’ve found that pet parents experience success with Comple Recipes if they:
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Just transitioned from kibble
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Are interested in raw feeding…but feeling overwhelmed
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Want a one-and-done solution
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Don’t know how to balance meals themselves
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Are unsure about using custom ingredients or supplements
Explore Products
Final Thoughts
The good news?
No matter what you choose, both Complete Recipes and Signature Mixes are made from the highest quality ingredients in our USDA kitchen. Always free from additives, by-products, grains, corn, soy, sugar, or other fillers.
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USA-Sourced & Made
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Crafted in Small Batches
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No HPP
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Human-Grade Ingredients
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4th-Generation Family Owned
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Biologically Appropriate Fresh Food
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Delivered Straight to Your Door (Free Shipping Over $149)
Subscriptions
Additionally, Complete Recipes and Signature Mixes are both available in a subscription. With every subscription you:
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Save 5% on every order
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Unlock FREE shipping on every order
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Have ultimate flexibility…pause, skip, or change anytime
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Can choose from Complete Recipes or Signature Mixes
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Mix-and-match from 4 unique proteins
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Easy-to-serve portions
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Never run out with automatic deliveries on your schedule
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