Yet another ? about raw - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Tissy · 10-24-2007, 08:22 PM

I am as intrigued about feeding raw as I am scared of it. I worry about the possibility of e. coli/salmonella, the bones, what it will do to her digestive system. I guess I relate it to feeding my human baby raw meat. I know that is silly but worry is my thing!

Anyway, I think I remember someone saying that freezing the meat first helps with the threat of salmonella? Also, I was wondering if any of you maybe mixed the muscle, organ, etc. in a meat grinder? That would help me feel better about the bones....although I know the meaty bones are what is recommended for the benefit of the teeth. She is a small baby at 2 lbs....although I think she has put on a bit of weight since her spay. I read that initially they lose a bit of weight...can she stand to lose weight?

What can I expect the first few days after starting this? Also, is there anyone that has had a pup that did not want to eat the raw? So many questions.

lara2913 · 10-25-2007, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tissy

I am as intrigued about feeding raw as I am scared of it. I worry about the possibility of e. coli/salmonella, the bones, what it will do to her digestive system. I guess I relate it to feeding my human baby raw meat. I know that is silly but worry is my thing!

Anyway, I think I remember someone saying that freezing the meat first helps with the threat of salmonella? Also, I was wondering if any of you maybe mixed the muscle, organ, etc. in a meat grinder? That would help me feel better about the bones....although I know the meaty bones are what is recommended for the benefit of the teeth. She is a small baby at 2 lbs....although I think she has put on a bit of weight since her spay. I read that initially they lose a bit of weight...can she stand to lose weight?

What can I expect the first few days after starting this? Also, is there anyone that has had a pup that did not want to eat the raw? So many questions.

A healthy dog has the stomach enzymes to fight salmonella and e-coli. They were made with digestive systems that know how to deal with it.

Bones are far easier for them to digest than kibble, its what their digestive system was created to digest.

Freezing for 48 hours or more kills neosporum caninum.

I think even though she's small, you'd be suprised how she could take to the bones. Of course you can grind it (or feed pre-made) however as you mentioned you do loose the benefits of it being great for their teeth.

It is more common for them to actually put on a little weight at the start, because they often eat like they have never seen proper food in their lives.

You will never know what to expect until you do it really, each dog is different. Occasionally you come across a dog/puppy who doesn't like raw, usually older dogs who are so accustomed to dog food that they don't even see raw as food. A bit of perseverance tends to encourages them though.

kitt · 10-25-2007, 09:58 AM

Hi I know it's scary at first, I started my 3 dogs on raw 2 weeks ago and I'm still learning but it has been great for them. Teddy my 4 month old yorkie did lose a few ounces at first he weighed 2 1/2 lbs and is now back up to that. I think mostly because he had to learn how to rip the meat off the bone and it takes him a while to finish his meals now but he is getting the hang of it, I help him out by holding the meat for him so he can pull it off the bone and sometimes if it's just too much work for him I will cut the meat off, that way I know he is getting enough to eat. Then I leave the bone in his pen so he can eat it as he wants, but I never leave him alone with it. I also feed him 3 times a day, my other two dogs are big breeds so I feed them once a day.

Sookie · 10-25-2007, 10:43 AM

Kalina for sure did NOT lose weight when she went to raw. She inhaled her food for the first time since I had her when I gave her the raw. I think it was G-O-N-E in ten seconds. She still doesn't completely finish her bones. I let her decide when she has had enough.

Just wanted to add that I took her to the Vet for a check up on Monday and he said she is in fantastic shape. His jaw hit the floor when I told him she was on a raw diet. I don't think most Vets encourage raw for whatever reason. His only remark was to say "We don't have many dogs on the raw diet here" but he hastened to add that she's looking great.

magsy17 · 10-25-2007, 11:54 AM

I feed the kids Nature's Variety raw and freeze dried raw. They are the pickest eaters and just love this. I have tried feeding the raw chicken wing but they weren't interested. You shouldn't mix raw with kibble because that slows the digestion proccess. I find their coats, teeth and allergies alot better since I started ther raw.

Yorkiedaze · 10-25-2007, 01:56 PM

At 2 or 3 pounds, I doubt she could muster chewing a tough chicken bone. If you want to make sure she gets enough calcium, then add a little bone meal to her food. I'd home cook for that little girl and avoid all dog foods.

T Doll · 10-25-2007, 02:12 PM

My pup is on Solid Gold kibble right now, but I would like to transition him onto raw after I finish the bag (which will probably be a while). I've read that when transitioning them to something different, you should gradually mix it in with their regular food. Is this not ok with raw then? Should I just cut off the kibble and go straight to raw without the transition? Will this upset their tummies?

[QUOTE=magsy17;1460875]You shouldn't mix raw with kibble because that slows the digestion proccess.QUOTE]

marcerella02 · 10-25-2007, 02:39 PM

[QUOTE=T Doll;1461240]My pup is on Solid Gold kibble right now, but I would like to transition him onto raw after I finish the bag (which will probably be a while). I've read that when transitioning them to something different, you should gradually mix it in with their regular food. Is this not ok with raw then? Should I just cut off the kibble and go straight to raw without the transition? Will this upset their tummies?

Quote:

Originally Posted by magsy17

You shouldn't mix raw with kibble because that slows the digestion proccess.QUOTE]

no this is the OPPOSITE with raw.. they can NOT have grains and raw at the same time and since MOST dog food is just filler corn or wheat you want do it quickly.. one day kiibble the next raw.

T Doll · 10-25-2007, 02:44 PM

Oh ok, thank you! I'm going to finish the bag of Solid Gold that my breeder included with our puppy package and then I'm going to be feeding him pre-made raw. I had seen one brand (forget the name) and it looked like little meat pellets. I think that would be the most convenient one to bring to work with me when I feed him there.

[QUOTE=marcerella02;1461318]

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Doll

My pup is on Solid Gold kibble right now, but I would like to transition him onto raw after I finish the bag (which will probably be a while). I've read that when transitioning them to something different, you should gradually mix it in with their regular food. Is this not ok with raw then? Should I just cut off the kibble and go straight to raw without the transition? Will this upset their tummies?

no this is the OPPOSITE with raw.. they can NOT have grains and raw at the same time and since MOST dog food is just filler corn or wheat you want do it quickly.. one day kiibble the next raw.

magsy17 · 10-25-2007, 02:49 PM

[QUOTE=marcerella02;1461318]

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Doll

My pup is on Solid Gold kibble right now, but I would like to transition him onto raw after I finish the bag (which will probably be a while). I've read that when transitioning them to something different, you should gradually mix it in with their regular food. Is this not ok with raw then? Should I just cut off the kibble and go straight to raw without the transition? Will this upset their tummies?

no this is the OPPOSITE with raw.. they can NOT have grains and raw at the same time and since MOST dog food is just filler corn or wheat you want do it quickly.. one day kiibble the next raw.

Yes she is right with raw you just switch right over don't mix it in.

lara2913 · 10-26-2007, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

At 2 or 3 pounds, I doubt she could muster chewing a tough chicken bone. If you want to make sure she gets enough calcium, then add a little bone meal to her food. I'd home cook for that little girl and avoid all dog foods.

Then you'd be very suprised, I know quite a few dogs that small who can manage chicken and even lamb bones with no problem whatsoever. They might be small, but they are still dogs. My youngest was consuming chicken rmb's from the moment he came home, he was about that weight then. Bone meal is a horrible unnatural form of bone with most of the goodness cooked out of it.

MyFairLacy · 10-26-2007, 08:52 AM

I wanted to add that there isn't much danger of raw bones perforating the stomach of a dog. Carnivores have a special tough lining to their stomachs to prevent this (as carnivores in the wild eat bones all the time). So a dog's stomach is strong and tough and a bone should not be able to tear or puncture it

10-24-2007, 08:22 PM	#1
Tissy YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Starkville, Mississippi Posts: 387	Yet another ? about raw I am as intrigued about feeding raw as I am scared of it. I worry about the possibility of e. coli/salmonella, the bones, what it will do to her digestive system. I guess I relate it to feeding my human baby raw meat. I know that is silly but worry is my thing! Anyway, I think I remember someone saying that freezing the meat first helps with the threat of salmonella? Also, I was wondering if any of you maybe mixed the muscle, organ, etc. in a meat grinder? That would help me feel better about the bones....although I know the meaty bones are what is recommended for the benefit of the teeth. She is a small baby at 2 lbs....although I think she has put on a bit of weight since her spay. I read that initially they lose a bit of weight...can she stand to lose weight? What can I expect the first few days after starting this? Also, is there anyone that has had a pup that did not want to eat the raw? So many questions. __________________ Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

10-25-2007, 10:43 AM	#4
Sookie My Four Sweet Babies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Jersey near Philadelphia Posts: 5,452	Kalina for sure did NOT lose weight when she went to raw. She inhaled her food for the first time since I had her when I gave her the raw. I think it was G-O-N-E in ten seconds. She still doesn't completely finish her bones. I let her decide when she has had enough. Just wanted to add that I took her to the Vet for a check up on Monday and he said she is in fantastic shape. His jaw hit the floor when I told him she was on a raw diet. I don't think most Vets encourage raw for whatever reason. His only remark was to say "We don't have many dogs on the raw diet here" but he hastened to add that she's looking great. __________________ I LOVE MY BABIES

10-25-2007, 11:54 AM	#5
magsy17 LuvMyFurbaby Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami Posts: 700	I feed the kids Nature's Variety raw and freeze dried raw. They are the pickest eaters and just love this. I have tried feeding the raw chicken wing but they weren't interested. You shouldn't mix raw with kibble because that slows the digestion proccess. I find their coats, teeth and allergies alot better since I started ther raw. __________________ Bella KCee Mia Cody

10-26-2007, 08:52 AM	#12
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	I wanted to add that there isn't much danger of raw bones perforating the stomach of a dog. Carnivores have a special tough lining to their stomachs to prevent this (as carnivores in the wild eat bones all the time). So a dog's stomach is strong and tough and a bone should not be able to tear or puncture it __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.

10-25-2007, 09:58 AM	#3
kitt Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Victor, New York Posts: 81	Hi I know it's scary at first, I started my 3 dogs on raw 2 weeks ago and I'm still learning but it has been great for them. Teddy my 4 month old yorkie did lose a few ounces at first he weighed 2 1/2 lbs and is now back up to that. I think mostly because he had to learn how to rip the meat off the bone and it takes him a while to finish his meals now but he is getting the hang of it, I help him out by holding the meat for him so he can pull it off the bone and sometimes if it's just too much work for him I will cut the meat off, that way I know he is getting enough to eat. Then I leave the bone in his pen so he can eat it as he wants, but I never leave him alone with it. I also feed him 3 times a day, my other two dogs are big breeds so I feed them once a day.

10-25-2007, 01:56 PM	#6
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	At 2 or 3 pounds, I doubt she could muster chewing a tough chicken bone. If you want to make sure she gets enough calcium, then add a little bone meal to her food. I'd home cook for that little girl and avoid all dog foods.

10-25-2007, 02:12 PM	#7
T Doll Mocha's Mommy Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 888	My pup is on Solid Gold kibble right now, but I would like to transition him onto raw after I finish the bag (which will probably be a while). I've read that when transitioning them to something different, you should gradually mix it in with their regular food. Is this not ok with raw then? Should I just cut off the kibble and go straight to raw without the transition? Will this upset their tummies? [QUOTE=magsy17;1460875]You shouldn't mix raw with kibble because that slows the digestion proccess.QUOTE]