Raw Diet - Info Needed

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

But....what is it, exactly, you consider definitive proof? For a gazillion years, canines were fed real/raw food - is that definitive? For about 70 years, dogs have been fed kibble, is that definitive? I'm not trying to persuade you, but merely trying to understand the decision to feed...anything, for that matter - if you are persuaded, as stated, by definitive proof...? Bc as far as I know, there is no definitive proof that kibble is the way to go. I'm just more curious, at this point - regarding what someone would consider "definitive proof". Bc in the medical field, we consider peer-reviewed published clinical studies as quite definitive, but it is often anecdotal reasoning/thinking/stories that LEAD to these studies. Interesting conversation.

Btw, I did enjoy my kibble breakfast (cereal)!

Ann, definitive proof for me to switch to something that I'm so unsure of would be, exactly as you stated "peer reviewed published clinical studies". To my knowledge none exist. Also, again, I am not defending kibble as the best answer for the future of our pets. I hope that something better comes along. I just know, that in my own experience, my dogs have done fine on it. So, once I decided (for me and only for me) against raw, I researched how to select the best quality and that's what I've done. If I had grown up feeding my dogs RAW and they had always been fine, I'd have my experience with that. Since I didn't I'll need compelling evidence that it is the solution to the dog food dilemma we all face.

I applaud you all for caring enough about your animals to do what you think is best for them. I really do want to stop posting, but I feel I should answer all posts directed at me.

So many of my little posts go ignored....this did not start out as a crusade to defend my choice...just me adding my opinion.

[lara2913]

For me, proof that kibble is not safe was the pet food recall, so many dogs dying. That could happen again at any time, any time. I prefer to take responsibility of my own dogs diet, not allow a commercial company to do it for me.

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by lara2913

For me, proof that kibble is not safe was the pet food recall, so many dogs dying. That could happen again at any time, any time. I prefer to take responsibility of my own dogs diet, not allow a commercial company to do it for me.

i switched to raw when all the recalls started happening. I didn't trust dog food and wanted to give my dog something that i could prepare at home. I looked into homecooking but there is so many things you need to do to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients it needs and you have to supplement with a lot of things. Then i looked into raw and if done properly you do not need to supplement with anything. They get everything they need from raw meaty bones, organs, and whatnot. its much easier and better for them. I used to see people drop their dogs off for surgery and give me a hunk of frozen meat for their breakfast the next morning and i looked at them like they were crazy. But then i did my research and realized i was the crazy one. Most of those dogs coming in had great coats, teeth, and overall health. it was amazing.

[Yorkieluv]

Originally Posted by lara2913

But, if your worried that she could have liver problems then see the vet, not specifically raw but any high protein diet does not cause or worsen a liver condition but it can bring out the symtoms, therefore alerting you to the problem.

This is a very informative thread!! I'm learning a lot here. I joined the raw feeding group on yahoo groups awhile back and they were very informative as well. Miko can't have raw because of his liver condition, but I was considering it for Emma. For now, I'll stick with homecooking for now, but I really like this thread.

I just wanted to say that a high protein diet/raw diet CAN worsen a liver condition. It can overwork the liver and cause it more damage over time. It also can bring out the symptoms like you said.

[lara2913]

Hats off to you Yorkieluv, I was just going by what my vet said on that. Glad your finding this thread informative, do you think we get the record for longest thread in the diet section yet?

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

I thought this thread was started by someone seeking info/opinions on raw. If I misunderstood that, and what she was asking for was only positives, my bad.

Judy, not 'your bad' at all. It certainly is the OPs prerogative as to what to allow/disallow in a discussion. I just happen to be here, too...answering questions, per the OPs initial post:

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

Ok you raw feeders, get postin'!!!

RAW fed. That's what drew me to the subject today.

I just finished reading that thread, and seems the OP is continuing w/the pre-made. I must say I suspect the ground flaxseed as being the culprit. JMO.

I truly am trying to be respectful here, but I'm a little offended by the scarcasm.

Yes. I truly believe that, Judy. My comment toward your dogs' (supposed) health was uncalled for. Please accept my apologies. It's just hard for me (knowing what I do) to think of any kibble-fed dog as "healthy", so it came out.

Quite frankly, I had no intention of ruffling any feathers, but my are a little mussed up.

Again, I believe you are speaking out of concern for your community. I am sorry for my part of any feather ruffling. But, seeing as how you admit:

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

I know I got a little carried away, defending my position.

Then, you should be able to appreciate our position when we get a tad intense about something for which we feel passionate.

My gracious. Of alllllllllll the things we discuss here, feeding sure is a tender subject!

[lara2913]

Originally Posted by kalina82

I used to see people drop their dogs off for surgery and give me a hunk of frozen meat for their breakfast the next morning and i looked at them like they were crazy. But then i did my research and realized i was the crazy one. Most of those dogs coming in had great coats, teeth, and overall health. it was amazing.

I hear ya! When I first heard about raw, on the other forum i'm on, I thought they were insane. But they gave me the courage and support that I needed to try it and i've never looked back!

[Gingergirlsmom]

Ada,

Thank you for your understanding post. Sometime (perhaps through pm's or email, lol...I've taken up more space here than I meant to) you can share with me what you know. I'm always interested in learning more.

Judy

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by lara2913

Abbie we are jelous of you, our mummy can't find any chickie feet for us

But we did get big chunks of beef and eggs for breakfast

Oh, Indy and Malachi ~ you will wub, Wub, WUB chickie feets! We hafta find a way for your mum to get you some! I had more twipe (mixed w/gwound turkey). Dis was a rare tweet, as mom doesn't usuawy feed twipe two days. She also doesn't usuawy feed gwound meat; but, is thinking dat will be a way to get turkey in me. She's wight! <hehehe...shhhh....don't tell > I would eat just about anyfing mixed w/gween twipe! Oh! Hope she doesn't figure dat out and give it in <gack!> wibber.... I will let you know.

abigail

[lara2913]

Originally Posted by abbie's mom

Oh, Indy and Malachi ~ you will wub, Wub, WUB chickie feets! We hafta find a way for your mum to get you some! I had more twipe (mixed w/gwound turkey). Dis was a rare tweet, as mom doesn't usuawy feed twipe two days. She also doesn't usuawy feed gwound meat; but, is thinking dat will be a way to get turkey in me. She's wight! <hehehe...shhhh....don't tell > I would eat just about anyfing mixed w/gween twipe! Oh! Hope she doesn't figure dat out and give it in <gack!> wibber.... I will let you know.

abigail

Don't forget Benjamin, Abbie!

We feel so deprived that we don't get chickie feet

Oh well its not so bad,we spotted mummy getting ox heart out for breakfast, yay, we WUB that!

Our mummy does dat trick on us to, dats how she gets us to eat kidney! Dat is out absolute worstest meal, kidney YUCK ewwwwwwwww. We had turkey wings for dinner last night, oh my dey were HUGE, like giant chickie wings, mummy would not let us have a whole one each, we had to share, not fair!
Wub,

Indy, Benjamin and Malachi

[MyFairLacy]

I saw on a link posted in the thread in the general section that chicken feet are a good natural source for glucosamine and chondroiton. I didn't know that. Lacy has LP and I used to give her a supplement but Petsmart was out of the supplement I was giving her the past few times I've been there (and all the other supplements they have were much more expensive and for bigger dogs). I have to admit that chicken feet kindof wierd me out a little..LOL I wonder where in the world I could get some though??? I can't even find fresh tripe around here that I know of

[abbie's mom]

I've been feeding chicken feet for at least three years. That was one thing I thought I'd never - ever - in a million years feed my dogs! They still weird me out! LOL But, I know they are a natural source for glucosamine and chondroiton, so I do it. My Mo still has some bad days w/arthritis, especially in wet cold weather; but, nothing like when he was eight. Before we switched to RAW, he was dragging his left(?) hindquarter.

I am so blessed to have a natural a petfood store just down the road. She carries chicken feet and green tripe. You might have to order green tripe. Here is a site, but I can't vouche for the quality, as I don't use them.

ada

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by lara2913

Don't forget Benjamin, Abbie!

Ohhh, nooooooooo! How could I fo'get Benjamin! Pweeze, oh pweeze fo'gib me, Benjamin!

abigail

[Yorkieluv]

Originally Posted by lara2913

Hats off to you Yorkieluv, I was just going by what my vet said on that. Glad your finding this thread informative, do you think we get the record for longest thread in the diet section yet?

Haha!! I think it is the longest diet thread yet I did research it but never took the plunge. I think Emma would probably do well on it, but it's really a big step to take. She's doing very well on homecooked so far. There's so much to feeding raw, but it sounds like once you get the hang of it, it's easy! I think I've asked this before, but do you wash their paws and faces and the front of their bodies after they eat so that they don't spread bacteria around the house? Do they give you kisses still?

[kalina82]

oh my.... i went looking for chicken feet one day and boy did i find some. i went to the local grocery store and asked if they had chicken necks, backs, feet, blah blah blah and he said sure and threw a whole package of chicken feet down in front of me. I nearly threw up. LOL i don't know what i was thinking but fresh chicken feet are GROSS!!!!!!! especially when they come in packages of 30. needless to say i didn't buy them and left the store i think i need to start out with only a few feet, not 30. *shudders*