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Originally Posted by JCarlson2004  Wow, thanks you ladies for all of this information!! To be honest, I feel a little overwhelmed. I know I probably sound silly but this is a big switch for me. I really want to start raw this Saturday because they will be finished with their kibble by then. I'm going to do the switch cold turkey and hope for no serious tummy aches or runny poop. 
Ok I think I get everything so far (except what is green tripe? Is that fish? I only eat salmon ... can dogs eat raw salmon?) |
Green tripe is cows stomach, content and all. I buy it ground up. Its very good for them.
I feed mackrel, sardines and pilchards. However I think some raw feeders do feed salmon, its very important to freeze it first though. I personally freeze everything for 48 hours or more before thawing and feeding.
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Originally Posted by JCarlson2004 It's hard to get good rabbit and venison where I live. I was wondering if I could do the rabbit and vension from brands from BARF, Darwin or Nature's Variety, etc. and just buy the buffalo/beef at my local butcher. My local butcher is a small shop and he doesn't always have a large selection of rabbit and venison grrrrrrr lol Could you mix those brands with store bought meat? |
You could if you wanted to yes. I haven't ever used any premade stuff though. Just remember to start with only one meat, and introduce each new thing one at a time so you do not overwhelm them.
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Originally Posted by JCarlson2004 Ok what about pork, is that good? I can get pork locally from my butcher. I know ham is a no-no. |
Pork makes one of mine gassy so I don't feed it but you can yes. But again, you must make sure it has been frozen before thawing and feeding.
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Originally Posted by JCarlson2004 I'm going to read all of those links you ladies were so kind to post!! THANK YOU!! Again, I don't know why I am so nervous about this.
Oh and about the bones, my friend who feeds her dog (and 3 cats) raw said she gives Tawanda (her dog) 1 or 2 marrow bones (uncooked bones) a week. Is that a good type of bone? Would they need to eat marrow bones every day to ensure they are getting enough calcium or just twice a week?. |
No, do not feed marrow bones. They are far too dense and can break teeth, they are also more difficult for them to digest. Feed consumable raw meaty bones, such as chicken, lamb, turkey and rabbit ones. I feed rmb's almost every day, along with muscle meat. Organ meat (innards) I feed 1-2 times a week.
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Originally Posted by JCarlson2004 I'm sorry if my questions seem silly because I really do not know that much about it yet but I hope to be an expert soon! 
PS - About the salmon oil, is Grizzly Salmon Oil ok? I use to give my dogs that with their kibble and they absolutely loved it. |
No question is silly, the more the better. I buy salmon oil from a health food store but grizzly's would be fine yes. However, when you give oil you should also give vitamin e as their bodies use up vit e to process the oil and you don't want them to end up low in it.
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Originally Posted by JCarlson2004 PSS - Ok another question lololol How much meat should each dog get per meal (breakfast and dinner)? 1/2 lb, 1/2 cup, etc. I have no clue lol Codie is 8 lbs, Tis is 5 lbs and Cali is 1 lb and 3oz. I want to make sure Cali gets enough to eat, so for now I will make them 3 separate bowls of how much they're supposed to individually eat and feed them separately. |
The general rule is 2-4% of an adult dogs weight and 5-10% of a puppies weight, this link actually has a calculator which tells you how much to feed-
http://www.raw4dogs.com/calculate.htm. However, once you are used to feeding raw i'm sure you will be able to simply feed by eye as the amount depends on so many things. You know your dogs better than any feeding guide
