Prey Model Raw? Please answer if you can

[Wabbit]

Hi, I just started feeding my Daizy... Prey Model Raw 2 days ago...since then I've been trying to join a support group however I keep getting the runaround with yahoo...and verifying my email...and it's not getting solved so I cannot join yet..........so I have a few questions...

1) I am starting her out on chicken for the first week. I'm feeding her chicken breast and chicken legs. She loves the legs..but is beginning to turn her nose up at the breast meat. So first of all will she come around and eat the breast if it's all she's given.....and is it dangerous for her to have a chicken leg every day...or a portion of one? Wasn't sure how much bone a yorkie can tolerate in a week. She weights 5.5 lbs.

2) Can I introduce chicken organ meet this week? Or do I need to stay clear of the organ meet until after the first week?

3) And while trying to find some information I came across this online and I quote, "
Preventing Food Poisoning in Dogs
In order to prevent the harmful effects of food poisoning in dogs, there are a number of steps and precautions that pet owners can take. Limiting the amount of raw meat and especially fish that your dog regularly eats can prevent infections caused by bacteria and parasites." -----------

Now since I'm feeding her straight raw meat that concerned me quite a bit.......even though I did TONS of research on the pro's and pro's of feeding PMR. So is this statement true? Is there a degree of risk in her eating raw that she could end up with food poisoning?

Thanks to anyone who can answer these questions....hopefully I'll get my email figured out soon, so I can join a group.

And I also hope I'm posting this in the right forum.

[Ellie May]

I'm not a raw feeder, so I can't help with most of your questions but the answer to your last one is yes. You are taking a risk by feeding raw meat BUT if your pup doesn't have a compromised immune system everything should be fine.

Two of the reasons I choose not to feed raw are the very small chance that poisoning would occur (and it does) and I do not think feeding a Yorkie bones is a good idea. Most dogs do fine and their digestive tracts may be identical to that of wolves but it isn't something that I personally want to risk.

So it comes down to what you are comfortable with.

[hugz4all4]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm not a raw feeder, so I can't help with most of your questions but the answer to your last one is yes. You are taking a risk by feeding raw meat BUT if your pup doesn't have a compromised immune system everything should be fine.

Two of the reasons I choose not to feed raw are the very small chance that poisoning would occur (and it does) and I do not think feeding a Yorkie bones is a good idea. Most dogs do fine and their digestive tracts may be identical to that of wolves but it isn't something that I personally want to risk.

So it comes down to what you are comfortable with.

Your reasons are the same as mine as to why I wont feed raw. It just seems to dangerous for my family. Also keep in mind that if the food is contaminated it can cause you/your family to get sick.

good luck with it, I hope it works out for you and your pets!!

[Wylie's Mom]

Congrats on your switch!!!

I feed Premade raw (Natures Variety), but I think PMR is wonderful.

Have you read this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...odel-diet.html

It covers a lot, if not all of your questions. Dogs are not sensitive to parasites in the same way that we are - unless their immune systems are compromised. You can read more about that exact thing and other myths related to raw feeding here: The Many Myths of Raw Feeding

How has your baby's poo been, good? You could also try feeding a lamb chop - have you tried that? If the poo is good, you could maybe try a bit of organ meat, but I would go very slow as organ meat can initially cause some digestive issues in some. Have you tried raw egg yet?

Variety is definitely good, but I wouldn't worry to terribly if this first week or so is just chicken - especially as Daizy is just getting used to it. You're doing GREAT.

[Wabbit]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Congrats on your switch!!!

I feed Premade raw (Natures Variety), but I think PMR is wonderful.

Have you read this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...odel-diet.html

It covers a lot, if not all of your questions. Dogs are not sensitive to parasites in the same way that we are - unless their immune systems are compromised. You can read more about that exact thing and other myths related to raw feeding here: The Many Myths of Raw Feeding

How has your baby's poo been, good? You could also try feeding a lamb chop - have you tried that? If the poo is good, you could maybe try a bit of organ meat, but I would go very slow as organ meat can initially cause some digestive issues in some. Have you tried raw egg yet?

Variety is definitely good, but I wouldn't worry to terribly if this first week or so is just chicken - especially as Daizy is just getting used to it. You're doing GREAT.

Whew I was worried after the first couple posts I might only be getting ANTI-RAW feeder comments! lol Thanks so much!!!!
Well her stool has very soft today...almost a little runny...but she seems to be doing well in other ways...she's WAY MORE SATISFIED than she's ever been...she always was a begger for anything anyone ate...and wouldn't touch her food...now she sleeps after each meal...and she hasn't been begging at all...which is totally shocking to us all.....

And she is still getting used to chicken....but she prefers the leg to the breast right now..and I was worried about feeding her too many legs...what is the usual amount of bone that is given to dogs? I did read those posts....especially the first one...I read ALL of it.....the only one I don't think I read all of was the myths...I did know that dogs digestive system is a bit different than humans that they were'nt as suseptible to bacteria....but I just had to ask anyhow.

Is there a more private place to talk about raw feeding...other than the support groups..like I meantioned earlier I haven't been able to get into that yet.......And more importantly I really don't want people getting upset at MY choice to feed raw...and I don't want to offend anyone either...I adore my baby...and I absolutely didn't get into this type of feeding lightly. And I want anyone that is going to read this thread to know that.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Wabbit

And more importantly I really don't want people getting upset at MY choice to feed raw...and I don't want to offend anyone either...I adore my baby...and I absolutely didn't get into this type of feeding lightly. And I want anyone that is going to read this thread to know that.

I think what you said is REALLY important here . You will find support here. And I do want you to know that if anyone gets inappropriate in your thread (or any thread), their post will be deleted. I do know how you feel - and it's too bad that people are sometimes made to feel that they can't post publicly without feeling like they'll be made to feel "wrong". There are raw feeders here, and I know you'll be supported . I, for one, support all feeders. I just happen to think raw is the best for my babes.

You are of course free to PM me, but don't know that I'm the best person to help you since I don't feed prey. We could start a Raw Feeders Social Group - have you seen some of the social groups? It's like a "page" where people can talk - if you click on my profile, you'll see that I'm a part of an anti-Puppy Mill group (for an ex. of a 'group'). I'm not sure how much a group would help, but it would be a bit more private for folks.

I wonder why you can't get into the Yahoo group . This is a nice site too: Raw Feeding FAQ

As for how much bone, as long as you give a nice meaty bone - and are feeding within the 2-3% of ideal body weight guideline, it should be balanced for the dog.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Wabbit

Whew I was worried after the first couple posts I might only be getting ANTI-RAW feeder comments! lol Thanks so much!!!!
Well her stool has very soft today...almost a little runny...but she seems to be doing well in other ways...she's WAY MORE SATISFIED than she's ever been...she always was a begger for anything anyone ate...and wouldn't touch her food...now she sleeps after each meal...and she hasn't been begging at all...which is totally shocking to us all.....

And she is still getting used to chicken....but she prefers the leg to the breast right now..and I was worried about feeding her too many legs...what is the usual amount of bone that is given to dogs? I did read those posts....especially the first one...I read ALL of it.....the only one I don't think I read all of was the myths...I did know that dogs digestive system is a bit different than humans that they were'nt as suseptible to bacteria....but I just had to ask anyhow.

Is there a more private place to talk about raw feeding...other than the support groups..like I meantioned earlier I haven't been able to get into that yet.......And more importantly I really don't want people getting upset at MY choice to feed raw...and I don't want to offend anyone either...I adore my baby...and I absolutely didn't get into this type of feeding lightly. And I want anyone that is going to read this thread to know that.

I'm a bit confused.
Yes, I am anti-raw but I thought my post was as balanced as possible for having the point of view I do. Yes, feeding raw to a dog with a compromised immune system may not be a good idea and even some raw feeders admit that. Feeding this diet is something I am not comfortable with but you have to do what you think is best.

Whatever you feed, somebody is going to disagree.
I'm sure raw feeders do hear negative comments all the time but kibble feeders have to hear that what they feed is overprocessed, going to be recalled, contaminated with salmonella, unfit for human consumption...
Canned feeders have to hear that it is terrible for dogs' teeth.
Homecookers have to hear that they spend way too much time cooking for their dogs or that their dogs are spoiled or vets would rather they feed "dog food."

[Wabbit]

I'm a bit confused.
Yes, I am anti-raw



That's the whole point in a nutshell Crystal. You are ANTI-RAW and I was asking a question pertaining to raw feeders...yes it's true people post their opinions...but while I was posing a question...I was not being negative, much less bashing anyone else's choice in feeding such as home made, kibble, or canned. Had I bashed those types of feeding in my thread..then I would have taken your comment a little better....and even deserved.............You should not presume that just because I CHOOSE to feed my baby this way that I am in any way UN-EDUCATED on the matter......... Did this help clear up the confusion?

[Wylie's Mom]

Do you have this site too: Raw Meaty Bones

I do think people have come a long way in being supportive here of other feeding types, I really do. There was a time here when raw threads used to turn bad (not involving anyone currently), and that no longer happens - which is nice . People now are generally really respectful of other's feeding choices - even when they disagree. So, I do hope you feel comfortable to post about raw. We really haven't had to delete posts in the Health Forum in a long time due to heated raw threads. I don't think Crystal meant any disrespect.

[tjdmom]

HI! I've been feeding raw to my 2 dogs (one yorkie one collie) since April.
I don't for one minute regret my switch but don't feel that I'm an expert yet either. I have read you should stick to one source for a week or two and make sure they are tolerating it well before changing to another meat. I too fed chicken breast for the first 10 days and by the way, had no problems at all with that. When I first tried pork, my senior collie had a little runny poo one time but that was it. I do let my yorkie eat chicken bones and even let her chew a little on some other smaller bones. The collie eats most bones with no problem. (I don't feed the larger marrow bones though!) My dogs have changed so much since the switch. Neither one was too happy with their kibble but now they get excited at dinner time and really enjoy their meals. Anyways, here is a link to a site I really like: Jane Anderson's Raw Learning Site
Good luck and keep us posted!

[Wabbit]

It's possible you are right. ...I don't necessarily think she was disrespecting me...but I did feel like I was being scolded...I truly didn't mean to sound hateful in my comments...... I simply tried to explain how I felt...I think more of it is that I'm very new to PMR and I was hoping for more support...didn't expect to get "talked down too...." even if it had the appearance of being respectful....the underlying anti-raw sentiments were clearly stated.

Anyhow.......that is not why I started this thread......to get into any debates...I guess what I feel is that if someone does NOT agree...then why post? That's all I'm saying...I don't go to other sites and post my anti-whatever it is they're talking about thoughts......If I don't agree...I don't post.

You answered most of my questions....I'll not be coming back to this thread...LOL I don't see the point...

thanks Wyliesmom....I think that's your ID.... I'll wait and see if I can get into a group!!

I would strongly reccommend to anyone that has considered or even heard about PMR to completely research it...facts and myths and even better than that...go listen to success stories regarding feeding raw. It might open up your eyes...even if it's just a little. I was an Anti-raw person not too long ago! Good luck to all of us in taking the best care we can of our precious little ones.

[Wabbit]

Originally Posted by tjdmom

HI! I've been feeding raw to my 2 dogs (one yorkie one collie) since April.
I don't for one minute regret my switch but don't feel that I'm an expert yet either. I have read you should stick to one source for a week or two and make sure they are tolerating it well before changing to another meat. I too fed chicken breast for the first 10 days and by the way, had no problems at all with that. When I first tried pork, my senior collie had a little runny poo one time but that was it. I do let my yorkie eat chicken bones and even let her chew a little on some other smaller bones. The collie eats most bones with no problem. (I don't feed the larger marrow bones though!) My dogs have changed so much since the switch. Neither one was too happy with their kibble but now they get excited at dinner time and really enjoy their meals. Anyways, here is a link to a site I really like: Jane Anderson's Raw Learning Site
Good luck and keep us posted!

LOL one more post Thanks so much for your comments!!! I appreciate it....I read all about Jane Anderson's Raw learning site...I have a copy on my fridge....I won't presume to know all the in's and out's...not sure any of us will ever know everything to do with this....but I understand the logistics of the diet.

I don't regret it and its only been 2 days...and YET my baby is completely satisfied...I've not seen her this content in the 7 months I've had her...we can eat around her and she doesn't care...so that right there is immediate proof that this is a beneficial system.
:thum bup:

[CupofDog]

I am staunchly pro raw feeding and feed my babies prey model. I started prey model a month ago after almost a year of pre-made. I am working with a holistic vet, which has been great, because having 'professional' support makes me feel more confident.

Raw feeding causes a great deal of controversy and everyone is entitled to their opinions and should do what they feel is best for their babies!

I wanted to ask about the egg! How do I feed a raw egg? Sounds messy!

Also, I wanted to recommend Ian Billinghurst's book Give Your Dog a Bone, and Ann Martin's book, Food Pets Die For. For those who are raw feeders, home cookers or otherwise off the beaten path of kibble, knowledge is our power and even for kibble feeders (which there are high quality ones - no judgement!) having all the information from both pro and anti perspectives is just awfully interesting!

I became a raw feeder because NOTHING would stop my Cavalier puppy's diarrhea. He had colitis and we tried every single conventional vet remedy. After turning to a holistic vet, we tried raw and Louis had his very first solid poo at 6 months! It took a long time and a lot of probiotics to heal his digestive tract, but it worked for us. Its not for everyone!

As for the thigh/breast issue with chicken, I always feed the breast first because I know they like the thighs and wings better! Another great thing to offer are cornish hens~yum!

[MyPeanutAbbyGra]

Tammy, I think it's wonderful that you are going w/ the prey model diet! I feed Abby and Daisy NV Raw and kibble, but they much prefer the NV Raw. I'll be completely honest and tell you that the only reason I don't feed them Raw all the time is because of the expense. That might change in the future, but for now, they enjoy their medallions in the morning and then I give them thier kibble w/ green beans, a little grated cheese, carrots...or whatever veggie we have on hand. It seems to "spice" it up for them a bit.

I can imagine that your Daizy is a lot more satisfied!

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by MyPeanutAbbyGra

I'll be completely honest and tell you that the only reason I don't feed them Raw all the time is because of the expense.

That's partly why I switched to prey model! MUCH less $$ and easier then I could have imagined!