Need advice for new dog coming on diet

[deesgsd]

Hi, I am new here. I have owned 3 GSDs in the past. I am about to rescue a 2yr old GSD who has been fed a raw diet for several months by the foster mom. I have never tried this before and after researching this online, I am so confused with the conflicting opinions by organizations and vets. I lost my last Shepherd at 9 to bloat and read the RAW diet is good at preventing it. On the other side, I have read that an amateur like myself could leave out nutrients and I would be better off finding a commercial food such as Blue Buffalo. I am getting this girl this weekend and I want to do what is best. I know vets generally dont agree with the RAW diet but GSD breeders swear by it. If I do commit to this, how do I get what I need at my local grocery store(do I go see the butcher in the back and ask for something that is specially made)? I do not have a large freezer to store tons of meat in bulk either. Apparently my soon to be new dog is getting chicken only. Thanks for any advice you have.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

If you can afford it, there are pre-made raw food diets.

Oma's Pride Raw Pet Food - they were really good to a foster of mine
All Natural Dog Food | Dehydrated Raw Dog Food | Like Homemade Pet Food
Bravo! - The Diet Designed by Nature for Healthy Dogs and Cats
Primal Pet Foods: Wholesome Raw Food for Dogs and Cats

Plus I think Nature's Logic and Nature's Variety and Only Natural Pet Store for Dogs and Cats also have raw foods. And http://www.wysong.net/tnt-raw-dog-food.php

I wouldn't feed a raw diet myself (I skeeve raw meet so bad!) but if I did do that, or a home cooked, I would get a consult with a science based nutritionist or do a pre-made (which I do for my cats). My dogs get kibble with add ins. Individualized Nutrition For Your Dogs has a pamphlet about that.

Congratulations on your rescue!

[onyx'girl]

If your dog has been eating chicken only, I'd find out why. Is there a reason for the single protein?
I feed raw and it isn't that hard once you get into it. But finding resources that aren't costly may hamper that. I don't know of your area/yahoo group or a raw co-op that you could get in on for cheaper source. You can get 10# bags of leg 1/4's that are cheap, and one leg 1/4 is almost a perfect portion for a GSD meat/bone/organ ratio and weight.
I wouldn't feed chicken exclusively for a normal dog, however.
Make sure that you know exactly why she's on raw and why only chicken. Some dogs have digestive issues(kidney, perianal fistula's, etc) that have them on the diet for a reason.
If you have to feed kibble go with a chicken based to begin, then after she's stable in your place, you can blend in what you decide to feed longer term. And I thank you for rescuing, too!