I DID IT - ordered RAW....now some questions

[milomlo]

Ok I ordered 3 lb of NV chicken/turkey medallions and 4.4 bag of NV Instinct GF kibble.
I plan to feed 1/2 kibble and 1/2 RAW and see how it goes.

So how long do you think this will last? Right now a 10 lb bag of kibble lasts about 4 -5 weeks. I have a 15 pounder and a 7 pounder.

[yorkie_mama22]

a bag of 48 medallions lasts me about 24 days. My girl is about 5-5.5b lbs so she gets 2 medallions a day. If you were feeding raw only a 10 lb dog would need 3-4 a day. so 2-3 for your 15 lber and maybe 1 for your 7 lber per day I would do.

[PrincessDiana]

I believe a 3lb bag has 48 medallions and you can calculate how much you would be feeding daily per dog at the NV website: Feeding Guide | Nature's Variety

[Sweet Apple]

Congratulations on your choice to feed raw...Just be real careful about handling it (wash hands, etc.) and read all the directions...My Apple weighs 5 lbs. 1 ounce and she gets 2 medallions a day...Her treats are green beans/apple slices/or carrot circles...not many of any of these, just a few....

[milomlo]

Do you guys ever order the 8 oz patties and cut them up to divide between dogs? I am thinking 1 8oz patty would be 2 days and it may be cheaper. What about the chubs? Is that just a tub or tube of food that you divide up? If so do you thaw it all out and divide it then refreeze?
Does anyone use the FREEZE DRIED stuff? How does it compare with the RAW? Asking as my 15 lber used to spit out the veggie pieces in Merricks so I am wondering if that would be the same. How much does one of those dried things make?

OMGoodness, I know I am all full of questions. Just don't want to go broke trying to feed my pups. Good grief I don't even think about what I am feeding my children this much... LOL

[Sweet Apple]

I'm sure you can't thaw it out and refreeze The directions say use within 24 hrs. of thawing, but some, on here, thaw enough for 3 days and say it's o.k...I'm too paranoid to do that, so I just thaw 2 medallions in the fridge, everynight, before I go to bed...

[tjdmom]

Originally Posted by milomlo

Do you guys ever order the 8 oz patties and cut them up to divide between dogs? I am thinking 1 8oz patty would be 2 days and it may be cheaper. What about the chubs? Is that just a tub or tube of food that you divide up? If so do you thaw it all out and divide it then refreeze?
Does anyone use the FREEZE DRIED stuff? How does it compare with the RAW? Asking as my 15 lber used to spit out the veggie pieces in Merricks so I am wondering if that would be the same. How much does one of those dried things make?

OMGoodness, I know I am all full of questions. Just don't want to go broke trying to feed my pups. Good grief I don't even think about what I am feeding my children this much... LOL

I haven't ordered the patties but they also have a roll and I buy that instead of the medallions. I thaw it and fill a mini muffin tin with the ground and then I freeze that for a couple hours then I pop them out and put them in a baggie and it's just like having the convenience of the medallions with 1/2 the cost. I don't always feed NV, I usually feed PMR but sometimes I like the convenience of it....

[milomlo]

So you actually thaw the entire thing out make your own medallions then refreeze it? That sounds interesting. I was worried about refreezing.

[tjdmom]

Originally Posted by milomlo

So you actually thaw the entire thing out make your own medallions then refreeze it? That sounds interesting. I was worried about refreezing.

Yes, it's perfectly fine. I thaw it in a day, and immediately refreeze.

[amandawash]

No different than thawing hamburger, dividing it up, and refreezing it

You really don't have to be *that* careful with the raw. I thaw enough for 3-4 days and have never had any issues. I know, bad mommy

[viviansnickers]

Welcome to the wonderful world of RAW

We absolutely love the raw diet and are so happy with the results and I'm pretty sure you will be too!!

I have defrosted and refroze meddalions before, not my favorite thing to do but I have done it and the meat was fine.

Good luck
-Snick & Viv

[PrincessDiana]

Originally Posted by tjdmom

I haven't ordered the patties but they also have a roll and I buy that instead of the medallions. I thaw it and fill a mini muffin tin with the ground and then I freeze that for a couple hours then I pop them out and put them in a baggie and it's just like having the convenience of the medallions with 1/2 the cost. I don't always feed NV, I usually feed PMR but sometimes I like the convenience of it....

What a great idea, tjdmom! We are getting a bulk order in this weekend with a ton of meat/organ grinds and I will definitely use that method! This may be a silly question but how do you keep the meat from sticking to the pan (i.e. how do you get the "medallions" out once they are frozen)? Also, do you happen to know how much each "medallion" weighs using that method? I can just fill one up and then scoop it out and weigh it when I get home.. I was just wondering if you already knew

[PrincessDiana]

Originally Posted by amandawash

No different than thawing hamburger, dividing it up, and refreezing it

You really don't have to be *that* careful with the raw. I thaw enough for 3-4 days and have never had any issues. I know, bad mommy

Agreed. As long as the raw meat is frozen and/or refrigerated for no longer than 4-5 days, it is perfectly safe!

[milomlo]

Originally Posted by PrincessDiana

What a great idea, tjdmom! We are getting a bulk order in this weekend with a ton of meat/organ grinds and I will definitely use that method! This may be a silly question but how do you keep the meat from sticking to the pan (i.e. how do you get the "medallions" out once they are frozen)? Also, do you happen to know how much each "medallion" weighs using that method? I can just fill one up and then scoop it out and weigh it when I get home.. I was just wondering if you already knew

Yeah that is a GREAT question. Is there a certain size "scoop" you use or do you fill the pan only just the bottom? Do you weigh it? This sounds alot more appealing (price wise) than the medallions. Although the ease of the medallions sounds great, but the price is the draw back there.

[milomlo]

OK well now I am ticked! I ordered the RAW and the kibble and then they only ship the kibble. They said they dont' ship raw. So does anyone out there order their RAW online and have it shipped? I have no one near me but the big chains and they don't sell RAW (not showing online anyway). Any suggestions?