concept for some people. I am not an expert on the
subject, but have been feeding my own dogs raw for a
couple of years. My dogs are incredibly healthy. They
are the picture of health, no ear infections, no doggie
odor, no bad breath (ok, well maybe when I feed fish) :-)
and very infrequent trips to the vet! While opponents of
the diet will say that this is merely anecdotal evidence of
a healthier dog, the evidence is clear enough for me.
We as humans have been warned to stay away from
processed foods in our diets yet turn around and feed
our pets inappropriate processed junk foods on a daily
basis. Could you imagine spending your whole life eating
Total cereal? That is essentially what we do for our best
friends when we feed them "instant nutrition in a bag."
There are many different feeding plans out there,
ranging from no grains, to cooked grains and meats. We
feed a virtually grain-free diet of raw meaty bones,
muscle meats, organ meats, and tripe. You can explore
the possibilities with your pet. What works for one dog
does not always work for another, just like people! I do
not, however, suggest that anyone embark on a self
prepared diet without educating themselves a bit on the
nutritional needs of their pet. To do so could be
disastrous!
If you are interested in raw feeding, but not quite ready
to make the switch without some further investigation, I
have compiled a list of books and websites available for
you to read and research.
I understand first hand the strange looks and different
opinions you will encounter with the diet, but for me it
has been the best thing I could do for my dogs. They look
forward to meals like never before and the health
benefits alone are well worth it! I only wish I had found
the diet sooner. All along I have tried to do the very best
for my dogs, and each one has taught me something.
The links on the right should give you a good base to
start on!
Give your dog a bone by Ian Billinghurst DVM
Grow your pups with bones, Ian Billinghurst DVM
The BARF Diet, Ian Billinghurst DVM
Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Diet, Kymythy
R. Schultze
The Nature of Animal Healing, Martin Goldstein DVM
Raw Meaty Bones, Tom Lonsdale
Raw Dog Food, Carina Beth MacDonald
Websites
www.raw-dogs.com
www.rawdogranch.com
http://www.living-foods.com/articles/rawpetfood.html
http://www.njboxers.com/barf.htm
B Naturals- supplements as well as great info!
Leerburg Kennel's Sample Raw Diet Menu for Adult Dogs
Leerburg Kennel's Sample puppy menu
Is a raw diet safe? Article by Wysong
I also urge people to check out the yahoo groups in their area to see
what resources are available nearby. I have found many tips, hints,
and even people to share orders with this way.
more and more companies that are working towards
high-end kibbles and pre-packaged raw meals.
I have had good success with The Honest Kitchen
products as a great travel food. It is a freeze dried raw
food that smells good enough that it makes ME
hungry. 10 minutes and some tepid to warm water is
all that it takes to have a nutritious meal on the go.
"Quality Kibbles"
I noted the above header in quotes because I do not
feel that any kibble is the ideal diet for our friends and
pets, but I do feel that if you must feed kibble, there
are some that are truly trying to improve their
products. Some are expensive, others are just a few
dollars above the typical dog foods.
The list below is not a total list, it is only a baseline.
Solid Gold
Chicken Soup for the Dog/Puppy Lover's Soul
Innova
Wysong
Natural Balance
Wellness
Get in the habit of reading lables if you feed kibble!
Just because the bag has a picture of what you
consider a balanced meal on the front does not mean
they do not use crap in their food!!
