FAQS
FAQS
Getting Started
What makes 5 Hounds different?
What makes 5 Hounds different?
Every decision in this business starts with one question:
"Would I feed this to my 5 dogs?"
Our meals are veterinarian formulated, made from human-grade ingredients, gently cooked to 75°C and built around long-term health rather than shelf life.
The goal isn't simply to make fresh food.
The goal is to maximise nutrient availability, digestibility and ingredient quality while maintaining the convenience required for modern dog owners.
How do I get my dog started on 5 Hounds?
How do I get my dog started on 5 Hounds?
The best way to get started is by taking our Meal Plan Quiz. This helps us build a personalised meal plan for your dog, including portion sizes, recipe suggestions, and a transition guide
Can I subscribe to regularly receive 5 Hounds meals?
Can I subscribe to regularly receive 5 Hounds meals?
We now deliver our meal plans to all states within Australia via our courier. Check if we deliver to your area here!
Simply complete our short Meal Plan Quiz to receive a customised subscription plan that fits your dog’s age, weight, and dietary needs.
Once set up, you can pause, cancel, or modify your plan anytime.
How do I transition my dog to 5 Hounds meals?
How do I transition my dog to 5 Hounds meals?
Whenever changing your dog’s diet, it’s best to transition in stages rather than all at once.
We recommend gradually introducing your dog to 5 Hounds meals, to avoid digestive upset.
A good rule of thumb is to make this transition over 5-7 days.
Important: immediately pause the transition if you notice signs of upset, including vomiting or diarrhoea. If these symptoms persist or you’re at all concerned, contact a trusted veterinarian.
TREATS
Can I buy treats without subscribing to a meal plan?
Can I buy treats without subscribing to a meal plan?
Yes! You can purchase any of our treats as a one-time order. No subscription required.
What kinds of treats do you offer?
What kinds of treats do you offer?
Our range includes functional, vet-formulated treats that support digestion, skin health, immune system health, and more.
You can learn more here.
Do I get a discount on treats if I subscribe?
Do I get a discount on treats if I subscribe?
Yes - subscribers receive 15% off all treat purchases, automatically applied at checkout.
Are the treats suitable for puppies?
Are the treats suitable for puppies?
All of our treats are suitable for puppies, but always check individual product pages for specific guidance.
Puppy Club members also receive tailored treat recommendations.
Delivery / Ordering
Where do you deliver to?
Where do you deliver to?
We now deliver our meal plans to all states within Australia via our courier. Check if we deliver to your area here!
Our Treats range and Synbiotic Powder can be delivered to any location in Australia via Australia Post.
Please sign up here to remain in the loop with regular updates as we expand delivery to new areas.
My order was not delivered, will you re-deliver?
My order was not delivered, will you re-deliver?
We’re sorry to hear there’s been an issue with your delivery. This may have been because we experienced an issue with accessing your delivery address.
If you have specific delivery instructions, please ensure these notes are added to the comments section on checkout.
Alternatively, please contact our customer service team at the following email address for further assistance: info@5hounds.com.au
How frequently do you deliver 5 Hounds meals?
How frequently do you deliver 5 Hounds meals?
5 Hounds orders are delivered Monday - Sunday depending on your location. You will receive updates on your order via email.
Will my 5 Hounds meals be delivered to my address fresh or frozen?
Will my 5 Hounds meals be delivered to my address fresh or frozen?
Your delivery will arrive frozen in insulated packaging, and delivered in a refrigerated van.
We do recommend placing your order in the freezer as soon as you can.
How do I calculate how much of a 5 Hounds meal to feed my dog?
How do I calculate how much of a 5 Hounds meal to feed my dog?
To help you calculate exactly how much 5 Hounds to feed your dog, we’ve created this handy feeding calculator.
Try it out here
Do I have to be home to receive a 5 Hounds delivery?
Do I have to be home to receive a 5 Hounds delivery?
It’s your choice as to whether you want to be home to receive your delivery or not.
But rest assured, you will receive a text message from the courier company when your package is due to be delivered.
Your delivery will arrive frozen in insulated packaging, and delivered in a refrigerated van. We do recommend placing your order in the freezer as soon as you can.
You can also select your delivery date at Cart when purchasing, meaning you can choose a day that best suits you.
I have multiple dogs - what is the best way to put through an order for each one?
I have multiple dogs - what is the best way to put through an order for each one?
We created our Meal Plan Quiz to be personalised to each individual dog’s needs and health goals.
That’s why, if you have multiple dogs, we ask you to fill out the quiz and order your 5 Hounds Meal Plan for one dog at a time.
The Fussy Dog Guarantee
Every dog is different. If yours doesn't take to their 5 Hounds meals after a proper introduction, Dr Will & the team will work with you to get them there. And if it still isn't possible, you'll get every cent back.
Please refer to our Fussy Dog Guarantee terms in the footer for full details.
Subscription
Is there a minimum subscription time required?
Is there a minimum subscription time required?
There is no minimum subscription time for 5 Hounds. There’s also no lock in either, with the ability to cancel or pause at any point.
Please note: orders must be cancelled or paused by midnight on the Sunday before the delivery is scheduled.
For example, if your order is scheduled for Thursday 15th, you will need to have cancelled or paused your subscription by Sunday 11th.
What are the benefits of subscribing?
What are the benefits of subscribing?
Ultimately, organising regular deliveries of 5 Hounds meals for your dog will be more cost effective for you. Especially if you have a large breed dog who has a bigger appetite!
Also, with larger but less frequent deliveries to your address, this enables us to reduce our carbon footprint with less deliveries per year.
Can I put my subscription on hold?
Can I put my subscription on hold?
Absolutely, yes you can pause your subscription. We just ask that you pause your subscription by midnight Sunday for deliveries scheduled for the following week.
You can also change your address through your Subscription portal, if need be.
Can I order 5 Hounds meals without subscribing?
Can I order 5 Hounds meals without subscribing?
At the moment, you can only subscribe to receive our meals.
The reason for this is because we have found this to be more cost-effective for pup parents like you, and also helps us to reduce our carbon footprint.
We want to make 5 Hounds as accessible as possible, which is why we offer different meal plans tailored both to your dog’s dietary needs and your schedule.
Once you’ve set up a subscription with 5 Hounds, you can easily amend, pause or cancel through your account.
What is the cut-off time for modifying or cancelling my subscription?
What is the cut-off time for modifying or cancelling my subscription?
We ask that you make any changes to your dog’s subscription (whether pausing, cancelling or amending) by midnight on the Sunday before your delivery is due.
For example, if your order is scheduled for Thursday 15th, you will need to have cancelled or paused your subscription by Sunday 11th.
PUPPY CLUB
Are 5 Hounds meals suitable for puppies?
Are 5 Hounds meals suitable for puppies?
We now offer puppy-specific meals as part of the Puppy Club experience!
When you complete our Meal Plan Quiz, if your dog is a puppy, you’ll automatically be matched with one of our newly formulated Puppy Meals, created by Dr Will. These meals are designed with higher nutritional density to support healthy growth and development during the early life stages - with the same lightly cooked, real-food approach 5 Hounds is known for.
Each recipe includes a tailored nutrient profile to meet puppy growth requirements and will be shown to you during your plan setup. You’ll soon also be able to explore each of the puppy meal recipes directly on our site (coming soon!)
What is Puppy Club?
What is Puppy Club?
The Puppy Club is a special program for pup parents, offering tailored guidance, treat recommendations, and support on how to safely introduce 5 Hounds meals as your puppy grows.
Learn more here.
About Our Recipes
Are 5 Hounds meals cooked or raw?
Are 5 Hounds meals cooked or raw?
Dogs have evolved eating fresh food, not ultra-processed food. Returning to a diet built around real, minimally processed ingredients is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your dog's long-term health.
We cook our meals at 75°C - a carefully selected temperature that meets strict food safety standards while preserving the natural nutrients, flavours and integrity of every ingredient. Instead of high-heat methods that degrade nutrition, we apply just enough heat to eliminate harmful bacteria without destroying what matters.
The result is a fresh, safe and nutrient-rich meal your dog will thrive on.
Are 5 Hounds meals complete and balanced?
Are 5 Hounds meals complete and balanced?
Yes. Every recipe is formulated to provide complete nutrition for long-term feeding. We use a combination of muscle meat, organs, functional whole foods and balanced minerals to ensure your dog receives everything they need.
Do 5 Hounds recipes meet FEDIAF and AAFCO standards?
Do 5 Hounds recipes meet FEDIAF and AAFCO standards?
All 5 Hounds meals meet FEDIAF and AAFCO Guidelines. All of our recipes are prepared in a human grade facility.
Why is the food frozen?
Why is the food frozen?
Freezing is one of the most natural ways to preserve fresh food. It allows us to lock in freshness and nutrient quality without relying on artificial preservatives or extensive processing.
How do I get my dog started on 5 Hounds?
How do I get my dog started on 5 Hounds?
Before switching over to 5 Hounds meals, we would recommend creating your very own tailored meal plan with us here.
This questionnaire only takes a few minutes to complete, and is the best way to receive personalised guidance on how to transition your dog to 5 Hounds, as well as what recipes best suit their dietary needs and also what portioning will align with their health goals.
We now deliver our meal plans to all states within Australia via our courier. Check if we deliver to your area here!
Can I rotate proteins?
Can I rotate proteins?
Absolutely.
Many dogs benefit from dietary variety over time. If your dog has a sensitive digestive system, we generally recommend starting with a single protein before introducing additional recipes gradually.
For sensitive dogs, our preferred starting proteins are often:
- Goat
- Venison
- Kangaroo
Which protein should I start with?
Which protein should I start with?
There is no single best protein.
- Beef is typically the most popular and palatable option.
- Kangaroo is naturally lean and ideal for dogs requiring lower fat intake.
- Goat and venison are excellent novel proteins for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion.
- Fish provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids and can be a fantastic addition once your dog has settled onto fresh food.
At 5 Hounds, we place a strong emphasis on wild-harvested proteins such as kangaroo, goat, fish and venison. These animals are raised as nature intended, consuming diverse natural diets rather than intensive agricultural feeds. This often results in proteins that are leaner, more nutrient-dense and better aligned with our philosophy of feeding dogs real, biologically appropriate food.
For most dogs, we generally recommend starting with beef, goat, venison or kangaroo before introducing fish.
Do I need to cook 5 Hounds meals?
Do I need to cook 5 Hounds meals?
No. Once defrosted you do not need to cook 5 Hounds meals before serving to your dog.
How should I calculate my dog’s portions?
How should I calculate my dog’s portions?
We’ve created our own feeding calculator here.
This will help to create a personalised meal plan for your pup, formulated by Dr. Will himself.
It will be adjusted for your dog’s age, activity levels, current health status and more, to ensure your portion calculation is best suited for your dog’s unique lifestyle needs.
Where do your source 5 Hounds meal ingredients?
Where do your source 5 Hounds meal ingredients?
At 5 Hounds, we strive to offer complete transparency about where we source our ingredients.
To learn more, please visit Our Farming Partners page to meet the passionate, inspired individuals that help to make 5 Hounds meals possible.
Where are 5 Hounds meals prepared?
Where are 5 Hounds meals prepared?
5 Hounds meals are gently cooked - in our very own kitchen - at 75°C to protect your dog’s health while retaining the maximum nutritional value from each ingredient.
We use a precise, science-backed approach that balances time and temperature - cooking long enough to ensure food safety, but gently enough to preserve natural nutrients, texture, and flavour.
This process helps us deliver a wholesome, minimally processed meal that’s both safe and nourishing for your dog.
Want to know more about our fresh food philosophy? → Learn more here.
Why don't you use chicken?
Why don't you use chicken?
Chicken is one of the most common proteins used throughout the pet food industry and one of the most common proteins we see associated with food sensitivities in clinical practice.
While many dogs appear to tolerate chicken well, we chose to focus on higher-quality proteins that are often better suited to dogs with skin, digestive and inflammatory conditions.
Storage
How do I store 5 Hounds meals?
How do I store 5 Hounds meals?
You will need to prepare freezer space to store your 5 Hounds pouches.
Before serving 5 Hounds to your dog, we recommend removing a pouch the night before and defrosting in your 5 Hounds container in the fridge overnight.
Once defrosted, serve within 4 days. Do not refreeze. Discard any remaining food after 4 days.
Are 5 Hounds meals frozen?
Are 5 Hounds meals frozen?
5 Hounds meals are lightly cooked before being flash frozen to preserve all those tasty nutrients.
You should store your 5 Hounds meals in the freezer until ready to serve.
We would recommend your freezer be kept at -15°C. To serve, defrost to 4°C and keep any unused portions refrigerated. Do not refreeze.
How long do 5 Hounds meals remain fresh?
How long do 5 Hounds meals remain fresh?
Once defrosted, serve within 4 days. Do not refreeze.
Keep any leftovers of your dog’s 5 Hounds pouch in an airtight container in the fridge.
How long do 5 Hounds meals last, when kept frozen
How long do 5 Hounds meals last, when kept frozen
5 Hounds meals can remain frozen and suitable for consumption for 6 months.
The batch date will be printed on the label of your pouches.
Additional Info
When will I notice a difference?
When will I notice a difference?
Many dog parents notice improvements in digestion, stool quality and enthusiasm at meal times within the first few weeks. Changes to skin, coat, body composition and overall vitality often take longer and may continue improving over several months.
Is it normal for stools to become softer initially?
Is it normal for stools to become softer initially?
Yes. Fresh food contains significantly more moisture and biologically active nutrients than dry food, so the digestive system often requires time to adapt.
A slightly softer stool in a bright, happy and otherwise healthy dog is usually nothing to worry about. During this period, beneficial microbes are establishing themselves within the gut ecosystem. As the microbiome adapts, stool quality typically improves over time.
What if my dog rejects their 5 Hounds meal / is fussy?
What if my dog rejects their 5 Hounds meal / is fussy?
One of the biggest mistakes dog parents make is offering too many alternatives.
We recommend:
- Feeding at scheduled meal times
- Removing uneaten food after the meal period
- Avoiding treats during the transition
- Avoiding free-choice access to food
Many dogs simply need time to recognise real food as their new normal. Once fresh food begins moving through the digestive system, improvements within the gut microbiome often help drive stronger appetite and enthusiasm over time.
Are 5 Hounds meals suitable for senior dogs?
Are 5 Hounds meals suitable for senior dogs?
Yes, 5 Hounds meals are suitable for senior dogs.
In fact, as we lightly cook our meals, we’ve found that this is much gentler on senior dogs’ digestion and can be the kinder option in comparison to feeding completely raw.
Are 5 Hounds meals suitable for dogs on medication?
Are 5 Hounds meals suitable for dogs on medication?
Yes, you can still feed your dog 5 Hounds meals even if they’re currently on medication.
If you’re at all concerned, please reach out to our customer support team at info@5hounds.com.au and they will be able to provide further assistance.
Can I feed 5 Hounds as a topper?
Can I feed 5 Hounds as a topper?
Absolutely.
Many families begin by replacing only part of the bowl with fresh food. Even partial replacement can significantly improve dietary quality.
As your confidence grows, we can help transition your dog towards a Full Bowl plan if desired. We can also adjust your delivery frequency, quantities and meal plans at any time.
How can I be sure 5 Hounds meals are suitable for my dog’s unique needs?
How can I be sure 5 Hounds meals are suitable for my dog’s unique needs?
Every 5 Hounds recipe is developed by Dr Will - a veterinarian with deep experience in both clinical nutrition and ethical farming - and is carefully balanced to meet either adult or puppy-specific nutritional needs, depending on your dog’s life stage.
When you complete our Meal Plan Quiz, we’ll ask you a few simple questions about your dog. Based on their age, weight, breed, and health status, we’ll automatically assign them to either our adult dog meal plan or our new puppy-specific meals (available exclusively via our Puppy Club).
Puppy meals include adjusted nutrient levels for healthy growth and development, and are only available to customers with puppies - so you can feel confident your dog is getting exactly what they need, at the right time in their life.
And because every dog is different, we encourage you to monitor their progress and get in touch with us at info@5hounds.com.au if you ever need extra guidance or support. We’re always here to help.
How much does it cost to feed my dog 5 Hounds?
How much does it cost to feed my dog 5 Hounds?
There is no single amount it costs to feed a dog 5 Hounds, as this can vary depending on: your dog’s breed, age, weight and activity level.
To find out the calculation for your own dog, please follow this link to their personalised meal plan.
Help
How can I get in touch with the 5 Hounds team?
How can I get in touch with the 5 Hounds team?
We’re always happy to help. If you have any questions or simply want to get in touch, please fill out our contact form. We aim to respond to all queries within 48 hours.
For anything more urgent, please email our customer service team directly at info@5hounds.com.au
What is your returns and refund policy?
What is your returns and refund policy?
Unfortunately, we don’t accept returns due to 5 Hounds meals being frozen on delivery.
Refund can be discussed with our team by contacting info@5hounds.com.au
If for whatever reason your dog doesn’t absolutely love their 5 Hounds meals, we can suggest alternative options for you to try. Dr. Will can also offer additional tips and tricks to aid the transition or provide general support.
Please refer to our Terms of Service for further details on our Money Back Guarantee.
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