Going raw...

hi lana_banana..i just recently switched to an all raw diet..it has been wonderful!! My dogs arnt picky about eating anyomore, they REALLY look forward to their meals each day, and the best thing of all is knowing that im improving their health..it makes me really wonder why i ever fed kibble.. I kow many people that have been feeding their dogs raw for a while, and their dogs are just reeking the benefits, shiny coats, little to no trips to the vet, allergies disappear, no more doggy odor, less stool, and many other things..it really is great!..good luck, and glad to hear someone else has switched over for the better!!
heres a site with great Raw/barf diet links....http://www.rawfoodlife.com/barf_links.htm

Hi, I have been feeding Romeo raw since he came to live with me.
 
I started with the pre made food.....He liked Dr. Billinghurst but so hard to find, switched to NV frozen medallions, but he is allergic to some of the ingredients that they use so I found Bravo and he did great.  As I became more educated I started preparing myself, but always have a tub of Bravo at hand.  I also feed natural unbleached green tripe....which he absolutely loves.....and feed fish twice a week either salmon, tuna, sardines, tilapia...
 
I would recommend reading as much as possible about it first, with some dogs at first there will be an adjustment period you may see runny stools, etc...
 
A good book to have if you are going raw is : Dr Pictairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.  There are so many but I love this book.
 
Here are some links too:
 
[linkhttp://www.barfworld.com]www.barfworld.com[/link]
[linkhttp://www.rawdogranch.com]www.rawdogranch.com[/link]
[linkhttp://www.bravorawdiet.com]www.bravorawdiet.com[/link]
[linkhttp://www.naturesvariety.com]www.naturesvariety.com[/link]
[linkhttp://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com]www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com[/link]
 
I am sure someone else will come along with more suggestions. 
 
Good luck!
 

For little dogs the pre-mades are great!  Easy to use, not expensive.  Just make sure you feed a good variety of protein sources - even with the pre-mades.

I know your going to use premade but this can answer a lot of your questions about the whole thing.
 
[linkhttp://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm#top]http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm#top[/link]

Wow, thanks so much for all the responses!  She's been getting raw meaty bones for about a year now and she also does get green tripe at a treat sometimes.  We're really exicted to get her on raw.  I'll check out those links and show them to my BF as well.
 
Lana is only 13 or so lbs. and since I'm such a newbie at it, we're definately going for the premade stuff.  At least for now. 
 
Quick question, how do you know how much to feed?

ORIGINAL: lana_banana



Quick question, how do you know how much to feed?

if you go to natures variety web page they have a calculator that will help you decide based on your dog's weight and activity level...select the link that says: amount to feed.  for example you say your dog is 13 lbs...if her activity level is moderate she should eat 4 oz a day... if you use the medallions which are easier to thaw out that would be 2 per meal if you are feeding twice a day...ok you get my drift.  If you give treats you may want to account for that as well.

With Romeo, I had to adjust because he had started to get chunky...according to the website he should be eating 8 oz, but I give 6oz during summer, because his activity level goes way down...we live in Houston and is just too hot and humid to be outside during the day for a long period of times, so is just quick bathroom breaks.

Okay, I am sorry I am rambling.  I don't use NV not because is not good but because Romeo is allergic to some of of its ingredients like carrots...I wish I could feed since is so easy with the medallions.

Good luck, sorry long post.[]

[sm=tex.gif]Hi lana_banana
I have a 5 month old German Shepherd.  He has been eating raw since momma stopped feeding ( 5.5 weeks old).  He eats Bravo, also, raw beef, marrow and knuckle bones.  He is 72 pounds right now.  He is eating 4-6 pounds a day.  Vet said he is in excellent shape.  Vet said he should eat kibble.  I asked theVet, if there was a kibble tree or kibble supermarket in the wild.  Dogs are CARNIVORS!  They should eat raw.  Their stomachs are designed for raw.  Their teeth are designed for bone.  Then the Vet said well if you could afford steak everyday for your dog do it.  So I feed my German Shepherd raw meat.  I have a Bravo distributor about 2 miles from my house.  They are 2 GREAT ladies, Donna & Diane.  Their website is pawsuponhealth.com.  View their website and learn about feeding raw.  Also, kibble leaves icky stuff on their teeth that causes tarter and has to be scraped off.  Imagine your dog sitting in a dentist chair.  With raw, their teeth are gorgeous.   WHITE WHITE and HEALTHY HEALTHY!

Thanks again for all the info.  I think I'll go to the store sometime this week leap into this raw thing!  Lana will be extatic, I'm sure!! 
 
You weren't rambling at all Olinda.  You info was very useful and very much appreciated. 
 
Michele, I'm wonding what our vet would say too.  Actually, since we just moved, we don't have a vet yet (still working on looking for one).  Either way, I don't care.  I want to feed her raw, I know it's better for her, I know she'll like it more, and that's what I'm going to do. he he.

[sm=tex.gif]Usually vets would say feed kibble,because they usually sell it at their office.  Like science diet or iams.   They even offer samples.  They discourage raw feeding.  They dont make any money that way. The dog stays too healthy and has beautiful teeth. NO DENTAL BILLS!  If you dog has runny poop with feeding raw just put the food in the oven or micro for a few minutes.  Dont overcook.  Some dogs have runny poop when changing food.  Try some marrow bones for your dog too.  As for treats, try Canz brand, its a jerkey with 99 percent meat or fish. What ever it is.  My shepherd LOVES the lamb and the venison.  He will do anything for a treat.  And they are healthy for them too.  When you get away from kibble and the crap in the can you will see the difference in their coat too.  ITS GORGEOUS.  Good Luck, let me know.

ORIGINAL: Michele12
 If you dog has runny poop with feeding raw just put the food in the oven or micro for a few minutes.  Dont overcook.  Some dogs have runny poop when changing food. 

I found a hollistic vet who of course is all about raw, she adviced me that at first he was going to have not runny poop but softer than usual as long as he did not have diarrehea this was normal becuase their body is adjusting etc but to not cook or put in the microwave...sure enough for a while Romeo's poop was cow pie like ( I mean no consistency or shape) and stinky I would give him yogurt after his meal (still do) and little by little stools started to get firmer and smaller the bad smell went away...some people calling "healing crisis" because the body is getting rid of all the bad stuff....so do not be alarmed if this happens.

Good luck []

[sm=tex.gif]I agree with the vet. The slight cooking suggestion was to get his belly ready for raw, without a drastic change.  And you wouldnt be concerned that he was sick.  The poop will change.  I noticed if my dog eats alot of red meat his poop is a little runny.  Mix his foods up.  Feed chicken turkey rabbit venison fish  (I dont feed pork) or shellfish). His poop will be okay after a while.  And yes it does stink. That will pass.   He will be pooping less than before.   You will notice also that he will be drinking less.  Dont be alarmed. Dry food will make them thirsty.  Raw usually not. GOOD LUCK!

ORIGINAL: lana_banana

Lana is only 13 or so lbs. and since I'm such a newbie at it, we're definately going for the premade stuff.  At least for now. 

Quick question, how do you know how much to feed?

Ok - how old is she and how active?  1 being a total couch potato and 5 being a Border Collie on Sheep.

He is 72 pounds right now. He is eating 4-6 pounds a day.

Michele - Just curious, but how much does it cost you to feed raw?  I'm guessing the premade Bravo is quite expensive and I know you supplement with beef, but what do you estimate it costs per day or week or month?  My dogs weigh about the same as yours and I would think it would be very expensive, especially for the premade.

Ok - how old is she and how active? 1 being a total couch potato and 5 being a Border Collie on Sheep.

ORIGINAL: lauric

Her activity level is probably moderate.  She's not couch potato, that's for sure!  I'll say she's right in the middle...a 3.  I site Olinda mentioned and the lady at the pet store both say about 4 oz a day.