Wow, great. Thanks!

 

This thread has been very helpful as I have had many questions concerning the raw diet. I started supplementing their kibble with raw meats with the intention of switching over to BARF almost completely. Here are the questions that I still have:

1. Is there anything wrong with feeding just once a day? Due to the disinfecting clean up operations associated with the raw meats, of course it would be easier on me just to have to do that once a day.

2. Clarification on a cooking term: "puree"....(as in carrots, apples) does that mean you can leave those foods raw if you pulverize it in a vita-mix?
(I add in some water and yougurt to order to facilitate the process)

3. I have been feeding each of my dogs an egg a day (raw), it this too much for them?

4. the controversy about whether raw meats are likely to have E coli or salmonella, is this a concern? I would rather not have to cook the meats.

5. Why is it that when I give my dogs the eggshell along with their meal that that is the only thing they leave behind, but let them find an eggshell in the trash or in the compost and they slurp up every speck of it? (LOL)

Thank you everyone for the great guidance, questions and answers in this thread!!!!

 

The canned sardines and canned mackeral has bones,(cooked?) I am assuming that those bones are safe for the dogs to eat?

 

Quote:
1. Is there anything wrong with feeding just once a day? Due to the disinfecting clean up operations associated with the raw meats, of course it would be easier on me just to have to do that once a day.

I prefer to split up my dogs food over the course of the day to lessen the chances of bloat AND to keep them from having the 'Empty Stomach Bile' urps.

Quote:2. Clarification on a cooking term: "puree"....(as in carrots, apples) does that mean you can leave those foods raw if you pulverize it in a vita-mix?
(I add in some water and yougurt to order to facilitate the process)

Puree is NOT cooking. It IS mushing up the items into a liquid or semi-liquid form. The idea is to break down the cell walls so the dogs will benefit from whatever you are giving them.

Ever give your dog a whole carrot? If you do you will, most likely, find big chunks of carrot in their stools. It didn't get digested and, as such, didn't contribute anything to the dog other than just bulk.

Quote:3. I have been feeding each of my dogs an egg a day (raw), it this too much for them?

As long as they are WHOLE eggs it shouldn't be too much.

Quote:4. the controversy about whether raw meats are likely to have E coli or salmonella, is this a concern? I would rather not have to cook the meats.

In the 10+ years I have been feeding raw I've handled and fed over 10 THOUSAND pounds of raw meat. Never once got sick. And I am not always very careful about it, either. I do some basic clean up with hot water and a towel.

Quote:
5. Why is it that when I give my dogs the eggshell along with their meal that that is the only thing they leave behind, but let them find an eggshell in the trash or in the compost and they slurp up every speck of it? (LOL)

It's the lure of the forbidden!!

 

fish bones are fine, some members feed fresh fish fillets

 

Oh thanks for the answers! That really helps so much. Since I am new to the raw diet I just wanted to make sure. I have already noticed a big difference in their coats, vitality, teeth, and it has just been a little over a month since they have been eating some raw.

 

Quote:4. the controversy about whether raw meats are likely to have E coli or salmonella, is this a concern? I would rather not have to cook the meats.

In the 10+ years I have been feeding raw I've handled and fed over 10 THOUSAND pounds of raw meat. Never once got sick. And I am not always very careful about it, either. I do some basic clean up with hot water and a towel.

That is good to know. I wasn't that worried about myself becoming sick, But what I meant to ask is the health concern of Ecoli and salmonella for the animals. A friend showed me a book that raises some concern over animals becoming sick or dying from tainted meats. I rinse off the meats before serving, is this enough?
Thank you so much for your quick and enlightening answers. It is all valuable advice that I plan to use.

 

Originally Posted By: little redThat is good to know. I wasn't that worried about myself becoming sick, But what I meant to ask is the health concern of Ecoli and salmonella for the animals. A friend showed me a book that raises some concern over animals becoming sick or dying from tainted meats. I rinse off the meats before serving, is this enough?
Thank you so much for your quick and enlightening answers. It is all valuable advice that I plan to use.

Back when we raised chickens we would lose a few to the local hawks. About a month after we got rid of all the chickens I found the dogs eating the remains of one. A hawk had caught it, killed it, ate what it want and left the carcass somewhere in our field. The dog found that carcass - which was at least 20 days old - and finished it off.

No problems.

Also, think about all the dogs that eat poop and survive!

 

I love menus, they give me new ideas sometimes.

 

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The Gang

Originally Posted By: little redThat is good to know. I wasn't that worried about myself becoming sick, But what I meant to ask is the health concern of Ecoli and salmonella for the animals. A friend showed me a book that raises some concern over animals becoming sick or dying from tainted meats. I rinse off the meats before serving, is this enough?
Thank you so much for your quick and enlightening answers. It is all valuable advice that I plan to use.

Back when we raised chickens we would lose a few to the local hawks. About a month after we got rid of all the chickens I found the dogs eating the remains of one. A hawk had caught it, killed it, ate what it want and left the carcass somewhere in our field. The dog found that carcass - which was at least 20 days old - and finished it off.

No problems.

Also, think about all the dogs that eat poop and survive!

Oh I know! Aren't they amazing. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

So I want to know WHERE does everyone shop?
I am not sure I could get 260# of various meats for $200 like one post stated.... I really want to do this but its about 5# a day for me with 2 dogs..... Please let me know.... also is there a GOOD way to get free meat at hunting season if you dont knwo hunters?

 

My GSD and my Manchester Terrier eat:

Ground Turkey with veggies ground in a food processor mixed in;
Turkey necks;
Chicken Backs;
Chicken Necks;
Raw eggs mixed in on occasion;
Chicken hearts and gizzards (MT doesn't like liver!);
A bit of what I eat sometimes as a treat.

Been feeding raw for almost 10 years to my dogs. Its the best.

 

Update:

Winnie - 10 yr old Corgi mix, slowing down alot
AM - 4 ounces RBMs
PM - 4 ounces MM & .5 ounce OM
RMBs - Chicken backs, leg quarter pieces, necks
MM - beef and pork heart, ground turkey/beef
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs, oatmeal (when I forget to defrost things)
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s)
Limitations - RMBs have to be either small enough for her to swallow whole without choking or big enough so that she HAS to chew (she's a gulper)
Special Note - Winnie puts on weight just LOOKING at food so we monitor her very closely


Tazer - 10 yr old Cocker, slowing down some
AM - 5.25 ounces RBMs (day after coursing - 6.5 ounces)
PM - 5 ounces MM (day after coursing - 6 ounces) & .5 ounce OM
RMBs - same as Winnie
MM - beef and pork hearts 90% of the time (for the taurine - he's epileptic), ground beef or turkey
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s), multi-vitamin (because of his seizures)
Limitations - NO large amounts of grains as they trigger seizures (he can have treats)
Special Note - Tazer sometimes has trouble keeping weight on during coursing season - even when he's not running (he gets worked up in the house listening to the other dogs run)


Sasha - 21 month old GSD mix, not super active
AM - 6 ounces RMBs
PM - 6 ounces MM & .75 ounce OM
RMBs - chicken leg quarters/backs/necks, tilapia, pork rib tips, canned mackerel, turkey necks, pork necks, lamb necks
MM - beef heart, ground turkey, pork hearts, lamb trim
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs, oatmeal (if I forget to defrost something)
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s)
Limitations - None


Kaynya - 2.5 year old Chinese Crested, very active about 50% of the time
AM - 4 ounces RMBs
PM - 4 ounces MM & .5 ounce OM
RMBs - chicken leg quarters/backs/necks cut into manageable pieces, tilapia, canned mackerel
MM - beef and pork heart, ground turkey/beef
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs, oatmeal (if I forget to defrost something)
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s)
Limitations - None


Mauser - 9 month old GSD, very active about 50% of the time
AM - 16 ounces RMBs
PM - 16 ounces MM & 1.5 ounce OM
RMBs - chicken leg quarters/backs/necks, canned mackerel, turkey necks
MM - beef and pork heart, ground turkey/beef
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs, oatmeal (if I forget to defrost something)
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s)
Limitations - None


I'll get current weights on everyone today or tomorrow.

 

Update

Mauser - 9 month old GSD, very active about 50% of the time
AM - 16 ounces RMBs
PM - 16 ounces MM & 1.5 ounce OM
RMBs - chicken leg quarters/backs/necks, canned mackerel, turkey necks
MM - beef and pork heart, ground turkey/beef
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs, oatmeal (if I forget to defrost something)
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s)
Limitations - None

I know this is an old post, but this is extremely helpful!

 

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The Gang
Mauser - 9 month old GSD, very active about 50% of the time
AM - 16 ounces RMBs
PM - 16 ounces MM & 1.5 ounce OM
RMBs - chicken leg quarters/backs/necks, canned mackerel, turkey necks
MM - beef and pork heart, ground turkey/beef
OM - Bison mixture (liver, kidney and some MM)
Misc - green tripe, eggs, oatmeal (if I forget to defrost something)
Supplements - Salmon oil (Omega 3s)
Limitations - None

Awesome. Thank you for posting this.

 

I still consider myself very new to this. Here is what we do

RMB: Chicken Leg Quarters, Turkey wings, Pork Neck Bones, Duck Necks

MM: Chicken Gizzards, Pork Butt, Ground beef

OM: Chicken Liver

Supplement: Salmon Oil

Treats: Natrual Balance dog food rolls

After looking over this thread, I realize its probably time to add a little variety in there.

 

Mine are on a 50/50 diet:

Anna: 10 mo. GSD, average-high Activity
A.M: 1 C Blue buff fish/sweet potato kibble mixed with either egg, yogurt, tripe or raw ground turkey (if not in p.m.)

P.M: Chicken quarter w/1-.5 oz beef liver, ground turkey

Duncan: 9-10 yo, Shep/Mix, average-slow activity
A.M: .5 C kibble mixed with either egg, tripe or ground turkey (if not in p.m.)

P.M: chicken quarter w/ 1-.5 oz beef liver, ground turkey

Sometimes they get a pork neck bone and a chicken wing instead of the chicken quarter.

 

I<span style='font-size: 11pt'> want to learn more about raw diet. Are there any concerned with uncooked meats and bacteria? I buy marrow bones for my dogs but feel compelled to cook before giving to my dogs in case of bacteria.

How do you prepare the meat? And, is the transition from dry to raw gradual? Recently, my GSD ate a baby bird (not intended) with no digestive consequences.</span>

 

Cooking bones makes then more brittle and thus unsafe for dogs to eat. They can splinter and cause MAJOR internal damage.

As far as bacteria, dogs digestive track is MUCH different from humans. Dogs are from the same species as wolves and coyotes, which eat meat in the wild and have survived for 1,000's of years on such a diet.

 

Originally Posted By: AmaruqCooking bones makes then more brittle and thus unsafe for dogs to eat. They can splinter and cause MAJOR internal damage.

As far as bacteria, dogs digestive track is MUCH different from humans. Dogs are from the same species as wolves and coyotes, which eat meat in the wild and have survived for 1,000's of years on such a diet.

<span style='font-size: 11pt'>Thanks for the reply. The beef marrow bones don't splinter. I buy Merricks canned dog food as a supplement to the dry. It's human grade and one recipe has 2 cooked chicken wings in the can. The wings are cooked so well, they are very soft - no splinters.

So am I to understand raw chicken wings, backs, etc are given to dogs and it's ok? I will try offering my dogs the raw marrow bones next time I buy it.

Is a raw diet more cost effective?</span>

 

Originally Posted By: 3dogs
So am I to understand raw chicken wings, backs, etc are given to dogs and it's ok? I will try offering my dogs the raw marrow bones next time I buy it.

Yes. My guys have eaten all of the above AND pork necks,feet, ribs; venison rib, necks, backs and some legs, turkey necks, legs, wings; ducks.....

Originally Posted By: 3dogsIs a raw diet more cost effective?

This depends on what all you would have access to and if you can buy in bulk and store, etc. For me it is WAY more cost effective to feed raw but I have over the years been able to find good suppliers and when one dissipates I have been lucky to have another become available. Most people feel they are doing great finding sources for $1/# or less. My average seems to be closer to $.75/# and that is not averaging in all of the FREE venison and other meats I get from local hunters and people cleaning out their freezers.

 

Quote: It depends on what all you would have access to and if you can buy in bulk and store, etc. For me it is WAY more cost effective to feed raw but I have over the years been able to find good suppliers and when one dissipates I have been lucky to have another become available. Most people feel they are doing great finding sources for $1/# or less. My average seems to be closer to $.75/# and that is not averaging in all of the FREE venison and other meats I get from local hunters and people cleaning out their freezers.

Are you ever concerned about the length of time meat has been in someone's freezer? As for the free venison, is this from personal connections? I live out in the country side. I know my neighbor hunts but would feel awkward asking for raw meat for my dogs. And, do you ask the butcher at the super market for meats that might otherwise get tossed? Just wondering.

And, how much to feed? Do you measure by weight of the meat. Right now, my GSD gets 4 cups of kibble each day. At what age is a raw food diet started? Are there guidelines? Sirius is 6 mos old.

Thanks for the helpful info.

 

Originally Posted By: GSD in ATLMy GSD and my Manchester Terrier eat:

Ground Turkey with veggies ground in a food processor mixed in;
Turkey necks;
Chicken Backs;
Chicken Necks;
Raw eggs mixed in on occasion;
Chicken hearts and gizzards (MT doesn't like liver!);
A bit of what I eat sometimes as a treat.

Been feeding raw for almost 10 years to my dogs. Its the best.

<span style='font-size: 11pt'>At what age did you begin the raw feeding or does it even matter? My GSD is 6 mos. I would like to introduce the diet. My guess is I would need to gradually add it in so his body adjusts to it?

Also, how much to feed? Do you feed 1x or 2x per day? </span>

 

Originally Posted By: aubieMine are on a 50/50 diet:

Anna: 10 mo. GSD, average-high Activity
A.M: 1 C Blue buff fish/sweet potato kibble mixed with either egg, yogurt, tripe or raw ground turkey (if not in p.m.)

P.M: Chicken quarter w/1-.5 oz beef liver, ground turkey

Duncan: 9-10 yo, Shep/Mix, average-slow activity
A.M: .5 C kibble mixed with either egg, tripe or ground turkey (if not in p.m.)

P.M: chicken quarter w/ 1-.5 oz beef liver, ground turkey

Sometimes they get a pork neck bone and a chicken wing instead of the chicken quarter.

<span style='font-size: 11pt'>This thread is so interesting. Right now, both dogs get the Blue Buff for large breed exclusively. I do add in a large tablespoon of plain yogurt w/ live culture to the AM feeding. I like the idea of using blue buff with raw as well.

Have you experienced any diarrhea when introducing the raw diet?</span>

 

You can start a dog at any age...many pups are weaned onto raw food. Mine started at 2 years of age. We started (pun intended) cold turkey. One day, no more kibble. I feed 2x/day. You should feed your dog approx 2-3% of his/her EXPECTED adult weight. My dogs eat approx 2.5-3% (sometimes a little more if we are having a very active day). It will depend on your dog and how active he/she is and you may have to adjust as they grow, especially with a puppy.

 

Originally Posted By: mspiker03You can start a dog at any age...many pups are weaned onto raw food. Mine started at 2 years of age. We started (pun intended) cold turkey. One day, no more kibble. I feed 2x/day. You should feed your dog approx 2-3% of his/her EXPECTED adult weight. My dogs eat approx 2.5-3% (sometimes a little more if we are having a very active day). It will depend on your dog and how active he/she is and you may have to adjust as they grow, especially with a puppy.

<span style='font-size: 11pt'>At the last vet check a couple of weeks ago, Sirius weighed in at 53.3 lbs and he's 6 mos old. I'm not sure what he'll weigh at full growth. My Lab, Moon weighs 50 lbs.

Today, I took out a couple of raw marrow bones from the freezer (it's hot here today) and gave it to both dogs. Well, they seemed pretty darn happy to get it!

So if I switch off to a complete raw diet, there will be no stomach upset? As for portion size, would you say one chicken leg quarter or .5 lb of chopped meat per meal? Do you throw in some vegs also?</span>