37 replies to this topic

[Javaluva]

I've been thinking about switching my dogs to a raw diet. Does anyone here feed raw and have any information they'd like to share? How cost effective is it compared to feeding an all kibble diet? I know it's going to be way more involved that just dumping kibble in a bowl when it comes to preparing the meals, but it's something I really won't mind doing, especially if it's better for my dogs.

Any books out there anyone can recommed?

[Javaluva]

Here's some information on the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet:

http://www.barfprodu...om/barfdiet.htm

[Javaluva]

Some good information from Bravo raw diets:

http://www.bravorawd...m/rawdiets.html

http://www.bravorawd...hyrawdiets.html

http://www.bravorawd...com/safety.html

[brownsmom]

Stef feeds a raw diet.

[Javaluva]

An inexpensive book that seems like a good starting point :

http://www.switchingtoraw.com/

[Javaluva]

Some more information:

http://www.monicasegal.com/

[Stef]

I feed raw/homecooked. I feed muscle meat/liver only though - no RMB's. I experimented with chicken wings - but it just made me nervous. I do feed recreational bones though - they get those 4-5 times a week.

I was unsure about just feeding meat so I bought "The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog" because I have a friend that feeds it and her dogs are in beautiful shape. The diet is REALLY involved ... it requires a lot of supplements and it's time intensive to prepare - but the diet has been around for a long time and they suggest blood work before and during and have blood work from a large number of dogs to support it.

They get meat/liver/supplements/etc. in the morning and then a cooked cereal meal (buckwheat/oats)/yogurt/molasses/egg/vitamins at night. I cook every morning and it sits until dinner. I chop up the meat when I buy it and then freeze it in portions.

My guys look gorgeous! Their teeth are also completely tartar free now. It's worth it as far as I'm concerned. It is a lot of work and it costs about the same as the Eagle Pack I was feeding...

[Javaluva]

I think I'm going to give it a shot. I was thinking I could prepare the food in bulk and freeze it into patties (I'd have to grind the meat and veggies, of course). I could just top dress it with any supps. that need to be added. Hope hubby doesn't mind me borrowing his beer grain mill every so often.

I had a parrot many years ago that I did the same thing for. She had a very diverse diet of veggies, fruits, grains beans, you name it. No bird seed for that queen! I'll just have to get used to doing it on a larger scale.

[Prince_Pride]

I don't feed completely raw but do try to suppliment with raw meals on the weekends, and about 3 times a week in the summer. I would like to go totally raw since I have a local bulk supplier but don't have a chest freezer yet....hopefully soon.

Here is a great site to help get you started: http://www.rawdogranch.com/

Lots and lots of info and even an excel sheet you can use to calculate how much you will need to feed your dogs.

Also, two of Tom Londsdale's books are available online.

Raw Meaty Bones: http://www.rawmeatyb.../book-full.html
and
Work Wonders: http://www.rawmeatyb...om/book-ww.html

Hope that helps!

[Javaluva]

I like the information on that rawdogranch.com site! Thanks for posting it!

[Javaluva]

Hey Kevin...check this out: http://www.rawdogran.../musclemeat.htm

Might help Juno? I know it's not a cure, but every little bit might help, ya know?

[Prince_Pride]

Here is an interesting testimonial to raw feeding if anyone is interested

http://www.cinnamondog.com/

[Javaluva]

Here is an interesting testimonial to raw feeding if anyone is interested

http://www.cinnamondog.com/

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I might not be able to go total raw. I have four dogs and no chest freezer. I don't have any where to store the stuff!

[Prince_Pride]

I might not be able to go total raw.  I have four dogs and no chest freezer.  I don't have any where to store the stuff! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know...that's my problem. With the 2 I have I would go through around 180lbs of meat a month. No way will that fit in my freezer!

But I have been able to find rabbit at Meijers, and some good variety in meat (lamb, pork, beef, veal, chicken) at the grocery store, along with beef liver. So I can compile a decent meal every now and then. More in the summer when they can eat outside and not make a mess in the house!

[Javaluva]

I know...that's my problem. With the 2 I have I would go through around 180lbs of meat a month. No way will that fit in my freezer!

But I have been able to find rabbit at Meijers, and some good variety in meat (lamb, pork, beef, veal, chicken) at the grocery store, along with beef liver. So I can compile a decent meal every now and then. More in the summer when they can eat outside and not make a mess in the house!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Feeding this way, how does it compare, price-wise, to feeding an all kibble diet?

Do you also feed vegetables? I'm finding information from those who say to do it and those who say not to. I do know dogs can't digest the vegetables on their own so they have to be pureed...and I've seen them pass right through my dogs completely undigested when I give them whole so can attest to this!

[CAB]

and I've seen them pass right through my dogs completely undigested when I give them whole so can attest to this! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Same here. I have found pieces of carrots in the nuggets outside.

[Stef]

My mom bought me a chest freezer 3 weeks ago. I think she was feeling sorry for me not being able to buy meat on sale ... Whoohooo!! Go mom!!

Because I feed grains/meat it's easier. I go through 10lbs of muscle meat, 3lbs. of liver, 8 eggs and 2 500g containers of cottage cheese a week for my two. It's a little more manegeable - but the supplements are more expensive for me. (Although I found a killer deal on bonemeal at COBO.) The veggies are cooked - so they digest them, but sometimes I see eggshells come through.

I buy meat on sale - and I watch flyers... I feed beef - so it's usually rump, chuck, etc. roasts. I got sirloin roasts a couple weeks ago - but they were 15lbs. each - it was a whole lot of butchering!

[Arda]

Will it surfice if I just walk a cow through my yard once in a while. I comend you all but, I think I will sit this one out. And I'll bet Kevin will too. He can't even eat his own peeps.

[Javaluva]

I posed the idea to Brandon of raising our own chickens and rabbits...the idea didn't sit too well with him, and I'd have a hard time bringing myself to butcher the little critters.

[Karen A]