Starting Raw diet, advice?

[MissSunni]

There are many reasons I've decided to feed my babies Raw diet. For health it seems to be the best thing I can give them. My local dog boutique was very generous with samples, so I have the weekend to try them out. I've got Vital Essentials (turkey), Canine Caviar Holistic Wilderness Venison, Amicus small and mini breed, which she suggested I could use for training Sunni, and Pioneer Naturals, chicken. I notice that a couple, maybe all add probiotics, which I am a HUGE fan of for humans, and is the reason I give both dogs a bit of yogurt every morning. I also mix coconut oil (melted) in with the yogurt and add to the kibble. I have home cooked specially for the dogs and freeze it, using only approved veggies, no starch, I will add sweet potatos, carrots, peas, maybe a bit of broccoli (not much, lol..for good reason) and flax seed meal. I use that in lieu of canned food.
Am I missing any nutrients they may need? Will they get everything they need from a Raw diet? I was told there is another brand that is easier for me to get at PetSmart, since I am already there every week...Natures Valley? I went to another Pet Supply store in my area and the owner said..literally, it doesn't matter which one you pick! They are all the same I thanked him and left, lol.
Please let me know your opinions good and bad. And I'd appreciate guidance. I've never done a raw diet for my babies before, but after some of the illnesses I've lost my babies to, I want to start out with the best I can for Sunni and maybe this diet will give Harry a little more time. Thank you ps, they do get Pet-Tab vitamins every morning..they think thats a treat, lol

[Scoobstersmom]

After trying about every kibble out there over the years, I switched mine to a pre-made raw diet about six months ago. They are doing awesome on it. I can barely get the food to their bowls as they're woofing it right out of my hand. LOL They have never enjoyed their meals this much! I've got a 2 year old rescue yorkie that was not well cared for prior to us adopting him. His coat was dry, brittle and just would not grow, and he'd lived on such crap food (pedigree) that he'd upchuck just about any decent food because it was too rich for him. He has not thrown up once since switching to raw and has put on a bit of weight and filled out nicely. He looks great and was the main reason I made the switch.


I feed Primal frozen 8 oz patties. I have three dogs so one patty makes a meal for all three. My vet says its a complete diet, so no need to add anything to it. My senior poodle gets a joint supplement and that's it. Primal also makes a freeze dried raw - just add water - so I keep that on hand for when we're traveling. They also eat that well, but they absolutely LOVE the frozen stuff. I get their food from Pet Choice Market. They order it in special for me, and it's expensive but I'm definitely saving on vet bills so its a wash.


Diana

[MissSunni]

Thanks Diana. I kind of agree. Sunni is also a little rescue with some health problems, so I'm hoping to get her on the optimum diet to prevent any future issues...well, as many as possible. Today's the first day off I've had in 10 days!! lol. Needless to say, I have a LOT of things to do around the house..evenutally, I'll get to the freezers. Frankly, as far as the cost. I've tried expensive brands, thinking they were healthy for my babies, and turns out there is always something about them that isn't. For a few more $ a month, I'd rather feed them the right stuff and not have to keep worrying about what they are eating?

Do you ever give your pets a treat like a little blueberry, banana, apple or strawberry? My Shih Tzu is not interested at all, but I can't eat one without Sunni climbing all over me begging for one too. Just little bites I admit, I give in every time.

[Wylie's Mom]

I've been feeding raw now for about 6-7 years and I love it! It's so convenient, fresh, healthy. I mainly feed either Primal or Natures Variety bc I like their 1oz sizes as that works well for my crew.

I didn't think PetsMart carried raw frozen, I thought they just carried refrigerated non-raw fresh...? Did that change for some locations?

Mine gobble it up like crazy and I mainly rotate btwn duck, chicken, and beef. I also feed my 2 larger fellas a little Natures Logic kibble at their meals...as they each get over 1oz at meal times. Once I got to 4 dogs, I just couldn't keep up with getting to the store often enough to feed only raw - so I supplement the 2 larger doggies w/ a bit of kibble too.

[Scoobstersmom]

Hon, I lost my last yorkie at 16 after treating him for kidney failure for three years, so I know how you feel. It makes much more sense to start off healthy. And yes, mine do get little treats here and there, but I'm very careful about what I give them. An occasional carrot, slice of apple, bite of watermelon or berry is a great addition to their diet. Two of mine also get a raw chicken wing a couple times each week. It is great for their teeth, and they both have pearly whites. The senior doesn't have any teeth, so I pick the meat off the bone for him. LOL Good luck with the raw. Let us know how Sunni likes it!


Diana

[mimimomo]

I mainly feed Primal frozen. I do always keep freeze dried on hand (also Stella & Chewy's)...if I forget to thaw the frozen, then they get freeze dried. I used to forget a lot more when I 1st started feeding them premade raw. It's also handy to have when traveling.

The premade frozen diets are nutritionally balanced complete diets, so you don't need to add anything, like xtra vitamins. I do add probiotics & digestive enzymes, sometimes krill oil for omega 3's.

Some companies do offer mixes & grinds, those are for supplemental feeding only. It does not contain the vitamins & minerals, so it is not a complete diet. It will say on the packaging.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I've been feeding raw now for about 6-7 years and I love it! It's so convenient, fresh, healthy. I mainly feed either Primal or Natures Variety bc I like their 1oz sizes as that works well for my crew.

I didn't think PetsMart carried raw frozen, I thought they just carried refrigerated non-raw fresh...? Did that change for some locations?

Mine gobble it up like crazy and I mainly rotate btwn duck, chicken, and beef. I also feed my 2 larger fellas a little Natures Logic kibble at their meals...as they each get over 1oz at meal times. Once I got to 4 dogs, I just couldn't keep up with getting to the store often enough to feed only raw - so I supplement the 2 larger doggies w/ a bit of kibble too.

That was me...I couldn't remember who carries NV raw, so I mentioned both.

[MissSunni]

I am actually pretty happy with the raw diet. I dont think Petsmart carries the frozen raw, but they do carry Natures Variety raw boost. Its high protein kibble and freeze dried raw, toy breed. My pups love it. I home cook 3/4 days a week, and have canned Natures Variety Instinct with varied proteins which I add to kibble on non cooking days. They get yogurt and coconut oil every morning and thats a treat for them. I take probiotics for myself, but was using the yogurt as a source for the babies. I'll have to look into some of the ones I've seen mentioned here. I give a daily vitamin supplement just to be sure I dont miss any bases...I also add flax seed meal to homecooked food, with veggies and an egg now and then. This is working well for my guys, particularly Sunni, who had a ton of medical and digestive issues because of her medical condition. I know she grew super fast, lol. But she is perfectly lean and fit. Shes just not a tiny Yorkie. At 6 1/2 months she's been 10 lbs for 5 weeks now..the longest she's gone without a growth spurt. Vet says her weight is ideal for her body proportions So I am giving my own feeding method...5 stars lol

[Teegy]

Seems you are on the right track. I would avoid peas if you are avoiding starches for sure. I have been feeding both my dogs raw which began because of a health issue too and I have no regrets. There are many well balanced diets on the market and a good book I recommend is Lew Olson PHD. Great resource loads of info. Good luck and we are here for you

[MissSunni]

Thank you for the support. Sunni does love her diet. She is definitely not a fussy eater, so its been a breeze to transition. I also notice Harry, my sick dog is actually holding his own lately. He's not worse, in face the congestive HF isnt noticable at all, and he's able to walk a little more again. It hasn't been very long, but overall I think they seem to be very healthy. Sunni is a big Yorkie. She's 10 lbs, but tall and lean. I'm sticking with it I know I can look this up somewhere but, can dogs eat little grape tomatos? I dropped on on the floor when making a salad and Sunni ate it, lol..no ill effects, and she loved it!! Wonder if I could occasionally give them to her. She loves, blueberries, bananas, strawberries, apples..(cut into small bites) She also loves string beans, and avacado, lol. Really she will try just about anything I offer her. I found a recipe on the site for freeze drying apple slices, and made a batch up for her for treats..she loves them.
Thanks for the tips!

[Teegy]

Night shade family are not recommended for dogs but one tomato isn't going to do any harm. Just make sure you limit the amount of veggie and fruits. Good for a small amount of the diet but not all the time in large portions. My boys go mental for frozen wild blueberries. Have you tried frozen smelts/sardines/mackerel. Good oily fish as a snack or treat.

[MissSunni]

No I haven't Teegy....the sight of them will make me gag! haha..I'm actually a mostly vegetarian. I do occasionally eat chicken and fish. I suppose those ugly little fish would be good for them, natural omegas. I'll bite the bullet and give it a try, lol.

[Teegy]

Well good for you. I have a friend who's vegan and last summer made the choice to go raw for her wee Yorkie. She bit the bullet for her dogs sake and couldn't be happier with the decision. You made me laugh. My cousin rescued an 8 year old with digestive issues and skin problems. I pointed her in the right direction and she said within a couple of weeks they had a complete turn around and her baby loves dinner time now.
When your wee buggers tap you on the head in the morning for their breakfast it sure makes you feel like you are doing something right.

[MrSYorkie]

I'm confused are you doing a raw vegan diet or raw meats as well?

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by MrSYorkie

I'm confused are you doing a raw vegan diet or raw meats as well?

This thread is discussing raw meat protein based diet.