We’ve come a long way in food science—but not always in the right direction. As technology and convenience have advanced, both humans and their pets have strayed from the diets that once sustained our species in optimal health. The consequences are everywhere: rising rates of obesity, chronic disease, diabetes, and inflammation—for both people and their four-legged companions.
One solution lies in going back to nature, through a principle known as species-appropriate nutrition. This idea, foundational to the 16hrs for Life programme, asserts that every species thrives best on the food it evolved to eat. It’s the same concept guiding our new venture—Bundu & Buzz—which brings ancestral eating to your dogs and cats.
Let’s explore what it means to eat in line with your biology—and why it’s as important for your Labrador as it is for you.
What Is Species-Appropriate Nutrition?
At its core, species-appropriate nutrition is about respecting biology. Every animal, including humans, has evolved to digest and thrive on specific types of food. This approach prioritises nutrient-dense, bioavailable foods that align with a species’ natural dietary requirements.
Consider the absurdity of feeding oats to a lion or expecting a cow to hunt for mice. Likewise, feeding grain-heavy kibble to a carnivore like a cat makes little evolutionary sense.
Species-appropriate diets favour:
- Efficient digestion
- High nutrient absorption
- Stable metabolic function
For humans, dogs, and cats, this generally means a focus on proteins and fats, with minimal or no reliance on processed carbohydrates. The balance of these macronutrients is crucial—and different for each species.
Species-Appropriate Nutrition for Humans
Humans are omnivores with a distinct evolutionary preference for animal-sourced nutrients. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors thrived on fatty meats, fish, seasonal low-sugar fruits, and tubers. The industrial rise of processed foods, seed oils, and refined carbohydrates has severely disrupted this balance—fueling metabolic dysfunction.
Today’s standard high-carb, high-sugar diet leads to:
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Visceral fat accumulation
- Chronic inflammation
- Energy crashes and brain fog
The 16hrs for Life programme helps humans return to metabolic harmony through intermittent fasting and a low-carbohydrate, high-protein approach. By shortening the eating window and prioritising real food, participants improve energy, shed fat, reduce inflammation, and restore hormonal balance.
This isn’t a diet—it’s a reconnection to our species-specific needs. And now, this philosophy extends to our pets.
Species-Appropriate Nutrition for Dogs
Dogs, descended from wolves, are facultative carnivores. Their bodies are built for meat: sharp teeth, short digestive tracts, and enzymes that thrive on animal proteins and fats.
Yet most commercial dog food is based on grains, legumes, and starches—cheap fillers that bear no resemblance to a natural canine diet. The consequences?
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Dental decay
- Joint pain
- Lethargy and behavioural issues
Dogs thrive on:
- 2–3 g of bioavailable animal protein per kilogram of body weight
- Natural fats for energy
- Organ meats for micronutrients
That’s the philosophy behind Bundu & Buzz. Our raw food for dogs follows the prey model diet, mimicking what wild canines would eat: muscle meat, bones, and organs—with nothing artificial.
Species-Appropriate Nutrition for Cats
Cats are even more specialised. As obligate carnivores, they are biologically incapable of thriving on plant-based food. Their physiology requires:
- High protein intake (3–4 g/kg/day)
- Taurine (essential amino acid)
- Vitamin A in its animal-derived form (retinol)
- Arachidonic acid (found only in animal fat)
Grain-heavy kibble and soy-filled pouches undermine feline health. Over time, this can cause:
- Kidney disease
- Dental problems
- Digestive disorders
- Low muscle tone
- Diabetes
Bundu & Buzz raw cat meals mirror nature’s blueprint: whole prey—with human-grade meats, no preservatives, and no fillers. It’s a feline feast designed for longevity, energy, and wellbeing.
Introducing Bundu & Buzz: A Natural Extension of the 16hrs Philosophy
Born from the success of 16hrs for Life, Bundu & Buzz is our way of bringing ancestral health principles to our pets. Just as intermittent fasting and nutrient-dense eating has transformed human health, a return to species-appropriate nutrition is set to do the same for dogs and cats.
Our guiding principle: Feed pets the way nature intended.
What sets Bundu & Buzz apart:
- Raw prey model meals
- Human-grade meats from local butchers
- No grains, no starch, no preservatives
- Scientifically formulated macronutrient ratios
Our product range includes:
- Beef, chicken, venison, and pork
- Variety boxes tailored to canine and feline needs
- Custom feeding guides and support
Why It Matters: Pets Rely on Us
Our pets can’t read ingredient labels or speak up about their fatigue or itchy skin. Their health is in our hands.
By choosing Bundu & Buzz, you’re not just buying food—you’re restoring your companion’s biological integrity. You’re choosing to feed with intention, knowledge, and love.
Just as 16hrs for Life empowers humans to reclaim control of their metabolic health, Bundu & Buzz enables your pets to thrive in alignment with nature.
Try It Now: A Simple Step Back to Nature
Want to see the difference that species-appropriate nutrition can make for your dog or cat?
- Order a variety pack today and give your pet a taste of evolutionary nourishment.
- Message us via WhatsApp to place your order or ask questions. +27 60 619 7517
- Follow Bundu & Buzz on Instagram for feeding tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks into our raw food journey.
