Opinions on feeding a Raw diet?????

[hollie91999]

I've been doing a lot of research, and I think the raw diet is good. I don't think I can feed straight raw prey model yet, so am wanting opinions on the alternative raw diet( the kind that you can buy in the store). Any input on what brand you use, do you use frozen raw or freezed dry raw?

[Anny Mendoza]

I personally don't like it.
My friend has a poodle and she feeds him raw meat.
Last year I took care of the dog for a week and his stool was very watery and he trew-up twice..

[Teresiana]

Sorry, but this post is going to be long. I have a lot to say.

I fed my 2 PMR for a while. The reason I stopped is because I just got a new puppy & I honestly don't trust myself to make sure she gets all of the nutrients she needs. I know that's sort of a contradiction when it comes to the theory behind PMR. But I wasn't feeding raw because I'm a big believer in a raw diet. I have an extremely finicky eater & I tried every diet imaginable. I must admit, my Yoshi LOVES raw. I've never seen him eat anything with as much gusto - consistently - as he did PMR. I felt really guilty making the change back to kibble. His stools were perfect & he had a lot more energy. He just seemed happier overall. I'm also totally anal about their nutrition, so I stayed in close contact with my vet during the transition. Both of mine were healthy & their teeth had no tartar whatsoever.

I do understand the concept behind raw & I think that with the exception of a few companies, premade raw sort of goes against that concept. I do believe that feeding fresh is better than something from a bag that's been processed. I found a raw food co-op near me & was able to get my meat, offal & RMB straight from the farm. It was a raw feeders dream! I also supplemented their diet with occaisional egg, yogurt, and a few veggies like frozen peas & green beans (fun for them to chew ).

With regard to premade raw, I really like Vital Essentials. My pups still eat the frozen nibblets occasionally. They love it. They also love their freeze-dried nuggets, which I can free feed. I like the company a lot because of the ingredients, of course. The source of meat is important to me & if you research the company, you'll see that their meat comes from free-range, open-grazing animals. I don't eat meat from inhumanely treated animals. So I really try not feed it to my dogs either. I've had a lot of interaction with the company & their customer service is top notch. I also like the fact that they put more money into their product than their marketing.

Another company I like is Darwin's. Their food comes from excellent sources as well. I've had looong telephone conversations with their customer service & I haven't had a better experience with any other company - food or any other product. The reason I stopped feeding Darwin's is because it's by mail only. It just got inconvenient for me.

I would definitely consider going back to PMR one of these days. It's just that right now, I'm more comfortable with seeing a list of ingredients/nutritional information in print, on a bag. When making the switch back to kibble, I looked for a food from a company I could trust. I'm feeding Royal Canin now & although my pups don't enjoy eating it as much as they did raw, I will say that they're definitely healthy & they're doing really well. Good stools, shiny coats, happy puppies Plus, with years of research and nutrionists on staff, I do feel confident that Royal Canin will give my growing puppy what she needs during her critical developmental phase.

Anyway, I hope that answers some of your questions. Personally, I prefer PMR over pre-made because I know exactly where my pup's food is coming from, I have more control over what they eat & they get a lot more variety in their diet. I think pre-made is good in a pinch, or if you're too busy to commit to PMR.

Good luck with whatever you decide! I think you're doing a great thing for your pups.

[Wylie's Mom]

Hi - I've been feeding pre-made raw for about 5 years now and I really love it for the kiddos. It's much less processed than, say, kibble or canned (though dogs can do wonderful on both of those as well) -- so I do like it for that reason, as well as that many of the enzymes are still present in the meat. Raw also results in very small/dry poops, which is a side benefit, but a nice one nonetheless. Many raw feeders see improvements in coats and teeth as well.

I favor Primal, but I also use Natures Variety and Bravo occasionally to mix it up, or Stella and Chewys.

I also give non-consumable RMBs (raw meaty bones) for their teeth/jaws. PMR feeders won't usually support this, but I fully believe in it. I won't feed consumable RMBs due to choking hazard - Marcel almost died in my arms from choking, and I won't risk it. Some will say it's a concern to give non-consumables bc they'll 'break their teeth' - but I've been giving them for years and never had a problem. Mainly, I use Bison Back/Rib bones and have them cut down in half for Wylie or in thirds for the 2 smaller furbutts. I get them at Whole Foods.

As far as freeze dried raw - I only use that for travel. Another option for freeze dried is that some people will start their dogs on raw using freeze dried for a couple weeks, then switch to raw frozen...but it's not necessary, just an option.

Good luck with your decision!

[brezofleur]

I feed PMR... LOVE IT! Before going PMR I tried to feed my cat (before I had any of the pups) pre-made but he refused it. So I don't have any experience...many members here feed pre-made and will pipe in soon.

If you have any questions on PMR when you're ready, just let me know.

BTW, if your pup has runny poo and throws up on PMR...it's the owner who is doing something wrong...i.e, not feeding enough bone.

[Lovetodream88]

My problem with raw is yorkies have long hair and there are always juices so they get in the beard of the dog and then whatever there beard touches is then contaminated with bacteria and germs.

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

My problem with raw is yorkies have long hair and there are always juices so they get in the beard of the dog and then whatever there beard touches is then contaminated with bacteria and germs.

This is true. It's a pain washing multiple faces everyday. But I think that's a small price to pay for the benefit of a raw diet. If you go PMR, it can also be difficult getting used to watching your little baby in a top knot gnawing on a chicken back. But you get over it when you see how much they enjoy it. Heather helped me a TON when I made the switch to raw. We're so lucky to have such knowledgable people on YT! I never could have done it without her help. I would def recommend reaching out to her if you decide to make the switch. Good luck!!

[brezofleur]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

My problem with raw is yorkies have long hair and there are always juices so they get in the beard of the dog and then whatever there beard touches is then contaminated with bacteria and germs.

Lucky for me I keep my kiddos faces and hair short...but this would be a problem to keep in mind if you keep it longer, for sure.

[Teresiana]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

Lucky for me I keep my kiddos faces and hair short...but this would be a problem to keep in mind if you keep it longer, for sure.

Nothing a little soap & water won't clean up

[Yorkiedaze]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

My problem with raw is yorkies have long hair and there are always juices so they get in the beard of the dog and then whatever there beard touches is then contaminated with bacteria and germs.

These are perfect at keeping the face hair out of the food. Dog Snoods, Dog Snoods for Healing Purposes, Pet Snoods, Cavalier Snoods, Cocker Spaniel Snoods, Irish Water Spaniel Snoods, Springer Spaniel Snoods, Basset Hound Snoods

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by brezofleur

Lucky for me I keep my kiddos faces and hair short...but this would be a problem to keep in mind if you keep it longer, for sure.

Even if it is short there is still hair there to catch those germs

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Even if it is short there is still hair there to catch those germs

When I was feeding premade raw, we didn't have issues w/their mouth getting wet or dirty from the raw food @ all. If anything, they get messier stinkier mouth from eating moistened kibble & canned food.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Even if it is short there is still hair there to catch those germs

I don't feed raw, but honestly this would be the least of my worries. I mean, really, dogs are going to get just as many 'germs' when eating kibble (which seems to be infected with salmonella left and right lately). When Jackson briefly ate pre-made raw, I never remember having any on his face afterward. It just wasn't an issue.

[Teresiana]

I think that there's more of an issue with a grubby face when you feed PMR...especially from raw meaty bones. Pre-made raw is different. They don't need to rip their meal apart to eat it. It's already minced or ground up with the bone & organ. It's just like eating canned food. Although, the consistency of pre-made raw isn't as thick, saucy, or as "gummy" as canned food. So it's actually less prone to stick on the beard/mustache.

[silverjoy]

I have only ever feed PMR.I have two very healthy babies... Never had an issue. As far as stinky faces....I hand feed to avoid that!