Raw Diet - Info Needed
 

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. :p

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.

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). 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?

For example, do you feed buffalo with green beans, peas and strawberries mixed together? Or is that not a good combo? I hope I'm making sense lolol :p What about rabbit, blueberries and baby carrots? I want to get a bunch of different combos and mixtures together and make a list for myself so that when I start feeding them raw, I'll know exactly what to do.

If you can, please list all of the different meats you use and also the different fruit and veggies. :p

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'!!! :D :D

PS - SillyJacki, THANK YOU so much for all of your help. :D

I'm so excited for you! We're on the freeze dried right now, but will start NV's raw end of month.

I can't help w/ most of your questions - but I can say that steamed/pureed green beans are GREAT for their digestive systems, esp. during changes - so that'd be a good one to add.

I have always fed my dogs canned green beans and they LOVE them. Do you think I should switch to natural green beans? Also, would I cook them or feed them raw? I'm still a little confused on all of this lol :p

I would talk to TWO YTers in particular (not to offend others who are RAW feeders, but in my opinion these two are the most knowledgable). If I were you, I would contact Lara and Abbie's Mom. They both feed RAW, like regular raw meat, not prepackaged like I do :p, and they are very, very knowledgable on this topic. I'm sure they'll be on your thread in no time at all anyway, but if you search for their posts about RAW, you should find some great info! Good luck and let us know how it goes :thumbup:

I do use the canned - it's just so much easier. You can feed them raw - but they should be pulverized; the nice thing about raw veggies is you retain all the nutrients - the down side is that they are more difficult to digest.

So, you can still steam them, then puree - the downside is you lose some nutrients - the upside is the easier digestion. If they're NOW used to cooked, I'd keep them that way as you transition to raw - bc then you'll only be changing one thing at a time.

Lara2913 and MyFairLacy will chime in, I'm sure, about the other advice - they're a wealth of good info!

I've searched but all of the different theads seem a little confusing to me lol When I do go raw, it is going to be a BIG thing for me. I'm really worried and nervous about it. It's a big commitment and a big change for me. I don't know why I am so nervous but I really am. :confused:

Yeah, I only do NV, and I was still a nervous wreck!! I could never personally do real RAW, but I know it's probably even better for them.

And trust me, any question you have about it, one of them will answer! And answer well! Just ask away and they will be sure to help you out :thumbup:

They eat a lot of different fruits and they LOVE LOVE LOVE raw baby carrots. I usually feed them canned green beans but I would be willing to switch to fresh green beans if it's better for them (although they really love the canned ones).

THANK YOU for being so positive. 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 :rolleyes:

Ugh...that's what everyone tell me too, and you know what my exact reply is?? UMMMMM....what do you think dogs in the wild used to/still do eat??? RAW ANIMALS!! That's why it's the "natural" food for dogs.... if they still don't listen, do this :rolleyes: and walk away :D

How is your baby's teeth since switching to raw? I brush my trio's teeth every night, so hopefully that will help once we go raw.

Wow, I didn't realize there was a different in raw. So what is the meat like when you buy it from NV? How different is it from store bought raw meat? Ok now you peaked my curiosity lolol :p

Its fantastic that you are thinking about this, I also do it myself rather than pre-made.

Well veggies are not necessary, by necessary I mean that the only things they actually need are raw meaty bones, muscle meat and organ meat.

First of all I am going to mention that from the meats you are choosing to use, for the raw meaty bones go for rabbit ones as bones from both of the other animals (venision and buffalo) will be too dense for them to consume. Stick to one meat at first (for example the rabbit) and once you are sure they are ok (firm stools etc) with that you can introduce the other meats.

Other things are optional, although I do give raw eggs and live yogurt. I very rarely give fruit or veg but if I do have some that needs eating then I will puree it raw and mix it with meat. Ocasionally I give a little bit of chopped up fruit as a treat. Obviously no grapes, raisins or onions. A good thing to remember is that veggies grown below ground are stool firming and those grown above ground are stool loosening. So if you are pureeing a few then its good to have a mix of some from both group.

As long as you give them a variety of different protein sources you don't need to supplement. I do give salmon oil and vitamin e but thats not really dietary, it just seems to give their coats that extra something.

You can't really free feed raw no, because you would not know what different quantities of different foods each of your dogs had eaten. They should be fine being fed on a schedule and you can feed more than twice a day if you like.

Good luck, feel free to ask lots of questions :)

Wow, thank you!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :D

Ok so if you were going to give fruit or veggies, which ones would you choose and why? And I didn't know that about veggies grown below ground or above ground. That was an eye opener, thank you!

Sorry if this is a dumb question but ... but what is live yogurt? :confused:

I am definitely going to take you up on the last part of your post about asking lots of questions lolol You'll be hiding from my PM's in no time lol :p I just really want to make sure I make the switch the right way and give them all of the necessary ingredients and things they need. I'm worried that I will mess it up somehow.

I forgot to mention one other thing in my post. I have one friend that does raw (for her dogs and 3 cats) and she highly recommended it to me. She gives her dog a little bit of a ground up egg shell for calcium. Is this necessary? What about a calcium supplement (or is the egg shell better)?

Well to be honest i'm pretty darn relaxed about raw now, its like second nature to me. So, as I said with veg I don't give it unless I have some that really needs eating.

But, ok lets see. I think it would be better to explain the ones that are not so good, i'm sure you know about grapes and raisins (kidney failure), onions (anaemia) and then care should be taken not to overfeed cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, swedes, turnips, cassava, and broccoli to dogs as this may inhibit thyroid function. Also spinach, chard and beetroot leaves can interfere with calcium absorption. So other than those, as long as they are in moderation, are fine.

Live yogurt is yogurt in its natural form, without anything added or taken away, it contains fantastic probiotics (good paired with banana as they are full of prebiotics) and digestive enzymes.

It depends, are you planning on feeding raw meaty bones? If so, they won't need any extra calcium. When you give them raw eggs you can let them eat the shell if they want, some dogs like it, others don't. Alternatively you could speak to your butcher about grinding the rabbit with the bone for you, but of course this way you would loose the benefits for their teeth from crunching up the bones.

You can't free feed raw food. First of all, they'll eat as much as they can of whatever you put down and you don't want to overfeed them..I know Lacy gobbles her food down in like 10seconds. Also, you don't want raw meat just sitting out for a long period of time. You want them to eat it pretty quickly..I'd say within 30 minutes at the most. I'd just feed small meals more often

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.??..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. 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.) 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. 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!!

Great links from abbie'smom there, the recipe section in the raw feeding one is my absolute favourite raw link ever lol. I love it.

Heres a few more,

http://www.rawmeatybones.com/
http://www.rawdogranch.com/
http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm
http://www.raw4dogs.com/calculate.htm
http://www.holisticvet.co.uk/nutrition.htm

This morning I fed them fresh green tripe, the smell is certainly not appealing to the human nose lol, as always I was literally wretching as I put it in their bowls but they absolutely adored it, scarfed it down. Yuck :D

Another beautifully informative thread....another thread I now must subscribe to..... :D

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. :p

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?)

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? Ok what about pork, is that good? I can get pork locally from my butcher. I know ham is a no-no.

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?

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.

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 3 oz. 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.

I just found this website where I can buy the Grizzly Salmon Oil (they also have Alaskian Salmon Oil ... what is the difference between that and the Grizzly Salmon Oil? Anyone know?) and some of the raw food. They a few different brands, so I can get a nice mixture for my babies. I still would prefer to buy some fresh meat from my local butcher but this pre-packaged meat can help me out on mornings when I'm in a rush (and also for variety). I can buy buffalo, beef and pork from my local butcher and then add in the pre-packaged vension and rabbit.

I think I'm starting to get the hang of this (at least I hope I am).

Check it out:

http://www.wholepetmarket.com/

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.

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.


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.

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.

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.


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 :)

GREAT! Cold turkey is actually the best way. As I was told when switching: why continue feeding something you know is not doing them any good, and maybe harming them? Give them REAL food! :) Throw the kibble out. Of course you're overwhelmed. I haven't talked/read anyone who wasn't at first. It's a LOT to digest (no pun intended ;) ); but, the good new is, you don't have to know everything at once. I was Terrified when I switched Mozart; but, that's another loooooong story I'll share with you later. You will notice a difference in stool; but, I doubt you'll see any signs of tummy aches, as their systems are intended to digest raw meat and meaty bones. Tripe is the stomach of ruminating animals. ~ http://www.truecarnivores.com/greentripe.shtml Yes, dogs can certainly eat RAW Salmon. Best to freeze it for 48hrs, though. Will get back to this, or let Lara pick up my slack!It's GREAT that you already know that variety is key to this life style change. Difference proteins supply diff nutrients. However, I don't know what BARF offers, nor the quality. I would buy human-grade meats, wherver you can get the best bargain.Again...you're nervous, because you love your furfriends, and are about to embark on a course of action you've been taught is wrong all your life. You'd be weird if you weren't a bit nervous ;). I don't offer marrow bones at all. Most are too dense, and though some refer to them as rec (recreational) bones, more of us think of them as wreck-their-teeth bones. And, yes...ALL BONES SHOULD BE FED RAW. Cooked bones are dangerous. RMBs I would consider: Chicken (with meat on), Turkey (meat on), Rabbit (meat on), Lamb (meat on), the softer pork bones (meat on). There are no 'silly' questions.Yes, it's fine.
LOL...good luck with the feeding in the bowl thing ;). The general rule for quantitiy is: 2-4% of an adult's wieight, 5-10% for puppies.

LOL....lara, you beat me, again! :p

Hahaha, beat ya! :D

Doesen't matter, you always remember things that I forget :)

..........you guys, ROCK...........it is SO exciting to see everyone making wonderful decisions for the health and extreme happiness for their fur babies!..........I was in the supermarket three days ago and the cahier commented on all the meat....chicken wing, gizarrds, hearts, etc....I told her who they were for and she asked question after question....she said she put one dog down last yr and another last month and has a 2 yrs old....she was so excited and asked where to go on the web....then the guy behind me joined the conversation and said he gives his german shepherd hamburg cause he eats a lot of hamburg and I said fine just don't cook his next time and add some bones.....also gave him more info for the web so he understands the basics and proper ratios...he said "but my dog is healthy"....i said yeah cause he's still young....its' like if we were to eat McDonalds every day while we are young....eventually it catches up w us......they both laughed and totally agreed.........I think now w all the kibble companies being exposed for what they do people are ready to listen......just think you are not only helping your babies but by spreading the word you are helping thousands of thousands obtain healthier pets.....there are so many good sites listed on these posts.....I would definitely get on a site or order a book and get the knowledge ....this will motivate you to prepare what you feel is best for your babies.....I use one book for new ideas in feeding and another to help explain to people w health challenges what is going on in their baby's digestive system that is leading to these illnesses.....YT is so awesome because everyone seems to have their own personal way of feeding and it is all good as long as you stick to the basics.........Bless you all!!!

Once again you ladies are amazing!! :D THANK YOU not only for sharing your welath of knowledge but also for being so kind. :p :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Ok marrow bones are a big NO NO, got it. They're off my "list of food to buy." I'll stick to rabbit meaty bones for right now. I think I'm going to start them off the first week with ground beef. I'll see how they adjust to just that one meat for about a week to a week and a half (depending on how they do) and then slowly each week add another meat to the mix. That should also help determine what Codie is truly allergic to. I'll start with beef, then add rabbit, then venison. If all of those meats agree with them (and Codie's allergies are in check), I'll try adding lamb. If that's good, then turkey and last chicken. I'll even give ground pork a try (hopefully it won't make them gassy lolol) :p

I didn't know that you should always freese the meat for 48 hours before thawing it and feeding them. Thanks for that tip!! :thumbup: I just wrote it on my instruction list (as you can probably tell, I have a lot of lists lolol) :p

As for the Vitamin E, I will definitely give it to them in addition to the grizzly salmon oil. Can one of you ladies please post a link to buy it on-line? I'm not sure if it needs to be in liquid form or what or even if there's a different type of Vitamin E for canines vs. humans.