[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

I am seriosly considering switching my babies to a raw diet due to several reasons (in particular, Codie's allergies). I've been doing some research and this seems like the way to go but I am still nervous. But I think my being nervous is more because raw meat look so nasty.

Yes, it does look (and feel) nasty . I've been feeding this way for almost five years, and I still don't look forward to handling it! But, you won't be sorry, in the long run.

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

Anyway, I am considering just buying meat straight from the butcher rather than different brands like BARF, Darwins and Nature's Variety. I am going to avoid lamb, chicken and turkey because that could be contributing to Codie's allergies. I'm going to stick to buffalo, venison and rabbit for right now.

??..why do you think Cody is allergic to chicken, lamb and turkey? Just wondering, because most dogs tolerate chicken best when first starting out. And, as lara points out: buffalo and venison bones are far too dense for any dog, and may damage teeth.

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

From my research, I've learned that it's good to mix some fruit and veggies in with the meat (to blend them in a blender into a really puply mixture and then combine well with the meat).

Sounds like you've been 'researching' in the BARF section . Dogs do not need veggies or fruits. Look in your dogs' mouths. What do you see? Canines, right? No grinders for chewing fruits and veggies. Dogs are carnivorous (from dictionary.com: 1. flesh-eating: A dog is a carnivorous animal.). Now, look in your mouth: mostly grinders (chewing fruits & veggies) and a few canines (for ripping and tearing meat). We are omnivorous (An organism that eats both plants and animals.)

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

So can some of you raw diet feeders please post some of the meat combos you do and also list some of the raw fruit and veggies you feed your babies?
Also, do any of you feed your dogs supplements? If yes, which ones?

And I guess my only other concern is free feeding. I've been free feeding my babies since I first got them. Can you free feed raw food? Would it make the house smell? Would the meat go bad? I really want to continue free feeding because of Cali. She's so tiny and I hate the thought of leaving her home all day without access to food.

Ok you raw feeders, get postin'!!!

Free feeding Raw is not a good idea. Especially at first, you need to see what kind of eater Cali is (gulper or careful). I would feed her three smaller meals/day, and if that's not possible, then feed two. I feed a RAW Prey Model diet. We don't hunt, nor do we know anyone who hunts regularly, so my choices are limited to store meats: chicken, beef, (sometimes) turkey, pork, fish. But, this year, I think (hoping!) we will get some venison - especially the heart and liver! The prey model diet is based on what a wolf would normally eat in the wild. It is important to include innards of whatever meat you feed. I feed innards twice weekly, with chicken feet. The only supplement: fish oil.

I asked a few friends for their advice and they were like ARE YOU CRAZY??!!??!! lolol You can't feed your dogs raw because they can get sick and their teeth will get ruined! lol

LOL....everyone who feeds a prey model RAW diet exclaims how wonderful their dogs' teeth are! The vets can't get over my dogs' teeth. Abigail will be two next month, and Mozart (in his 13thy/o mix) ~ I never brush their teeth, and they have sweet smelling breathe. I've had a few dogs lick me, and I felt like I needed a bathe!

Here are some links I hope you find helpful:

- Feeding Your Dog

- Jane Anderson's RAW Learning Site

- RAW Feeding (might want to look into the Recipes on this one )

- RAW fed

Questions: ask away!!