I can understand your concerns! Having a dog with chronic health issues myself, it was a "do or die" approach that worked! In my experience, liver compromised dogs especially would benefit from a raw diet as cooked proteins are so hard on their systems. Veggies/grains add to the problem. That being said, I don't know your dog's history nor am I trying to dispute your vet's advice!!!!
Most prey model feeders work full time jobs and have worked out a schedule that works. The more and longer a dog has been eating prey model, the faster and more efficient they become. Now, I don't hardly even watch my dogs anymore when they eat. I go about my business and check on them periodically, they bark to alert me when they're done!
Unless a dog has no teeth whatsoever, he/she is still capable of chewing through meaty bones. Raw bone (especially chicken) is soft and pliable. If a dog can eat kibble, he can eat prey model. Slightly frozen meat is how many dogs like to eat so no problem there! "Some" prey model combined with ground is still better than none at all!
Prey model and pre-made ground diets actually utilize all that you have mentioned you weren't sure about feeding. Meaty bones from all sorts of protein sources, organ meats, fish and eggs pretty much sums up the raw "recipes".
You can purchase human grade meat from any grocery store, meat market or butcher! I buy whatever is on sale. I typically pay a visit to a certain ethnic grocery store as they have the best deals and carry a wide selection on hard to find items like beef pancreas for example.....
In no way was this intended as a lecture, just letting you know that there might be solutions to the things you feel are currently a stumbling block. There's a few experienced prey model/raw feeders here, and including myself always here to help!
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Originally Posted by TLC  The BIGGEST issues are #1 TJ is on raw and Roxy must eat a 'special' homecooked diet (liver issues) - so being able to keep Roxy at her 'own' plate is tough. #2 I do not have much time in the AM, so right now, the premade raw is ideal. #3 TJ doesn't have any side teeth (the adult ones just never formed) so he PREFERES slightly frozen meats. #4 I am just not sure on 'what' to feed (meat, organs, bones) #5 I am not sure yet as to 'what' store I feel comfortable buying the 'goods' from...
...so I have a lot to work on... |
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