tjdmom,
You made the switch!!! Hooray to that! Two days really hasn't been that long so it's a pretty common occurence for dogs that never had the prey model experience to not "get it" at first. Kibble is sprayed with good smelling fat and raw meat doesn't have that strong of a smell to it. Some dogs don't even get that this is supposed to be food. Holding it a little in the beginning is absolutely normal. My oldest likes me to sit and watch him for a bit and I egg him on by saying; "eat your boney, eat your boney!!!!!" If your pups don't get any other source of food, then they'll learn even faster! If a dog also gets kibble or pre-made or whatever then he's more likely to be reluctant about having to "work" on his food vs. gulping it down! I also walk/exercise my dogs before a feed and that seems to do the trick every time! That also mimics the chase a wild wolf does to stalk, chase and kill his prey. But that one is more in my head I think, LOL
Feeding organ meats is an important aspect of any raw feeding but you are right to be concerned. A dog new to all of this can get the runny poops if not used the organ meats. But do try to give just a LITTLE once a day. Then gradually step up the game until you reach about 10%. Meaning that if your dogs eats 1 pound of chicken (for example) per day then he should be getting 1.6 ounces of organ meats of any source. Don't be a slave to the numbers though, these are just guidelines. Let your dog(s) be your guide. Constipation in a prey model dog usually means he's getting to much bone which is the case for my senior Yorkie and seems to be the case with other senior dogs. Giving your Colli some livers and gizzards should solve the his problem. This might be an indication however that he will need extra muscle meat and organs on a daily basis. I feed my Toy a tad bit extra muscle meat and organs everyday, aside from his usual meaty bones.
Yes, stick with the chicken for at least a week if not more.
Too much variety, too soon is a mistake many beginners make. Dogs, unlike humans will not complain about; "Chicken for dinner-AGAIN!!!???
" LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by tjdmom  ohhh I'm loving this thread! I just switched my two dogs to prey model raw two days ago. I have an older collie and a one year old yorkie. They are both doing great but I do have a question.... they both look to me to hold the meat for them. I started with chicken breasts on the first day and yesterday we had chicken legs and thighs. No stomach upset and they seem happy with it but they just don't quite know how to eat it. I don't really much like touching the raw meat although I imagine I'll get used to it but sitting there holding it is certainly not what I had anticipated. Any suggestions? I'm hoping they'll get the hang of it soon.  Also, I plan to stay within the chicken family for a few weeks to allow their system to adjust, but do you think chicken livers would be too much to add at this time? I read it was a bit rich and I'm trying to take it slow but I think my older collie might be a tad contipated, but she was on the kibble so she might be fine but thought I might try that? What do you think? |
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