Home-made raw diets?

[STPFAN]

Just wondering if any of you guys feed raw and what your typical menu looks like?

YIS

[whiteyransom]

i got a good friend who does the raw thing. he goes by natures way,,,,the way dogs feed in the wild. one week the "innards" he usually feeds oats, veggies,sawdust,a lil fruit and stuff, the second week the organs,,maybe a heart a day a kidney the next (might skip a day in here somewhere.) the next week the meat,,the next week the gristle and bone. every now and again he'll throw in some extra meat(to immetate a possible rabbit or somethin.) and some extra bones every one and awhile. maybe this'll help a lil. pm me if ya need any ore info. i've been tryin to get my hands on some meat and innards,,they're hard to come by after the mad cow scare.

[cheekymunkee]

I am no expert on dog nutrition or RAW but I have been feeding my dogs a raw diet for almost 3 years now. I have had wonderful results with my allergy dog and the other two have never looked better. It's VERY easy to feed a raw diet and IME very inexpensive as well.

I look for bargains on meat. I never pay over 1.00 a pound and many times not any where near that. I find turkey legs for .69 a pound, pork neck for .69 a pound, chicken quarters for any where from .29 to .59 a pound. I buy liver ( chicken or beef) , heart, kidneys, pig feet, you name it, if it's cheap they get it. I find the best deals at ethnic grocers but if you have a butcher you may be able to work a deal with him for meaty bones & cuts that don't sell well.

I feed about 1 1/2 to 2% of their body weight. Munkee is 60 pounds & gets a pound or so. Justice is 55 but it very active so she gets 1 pound & a half. Ollie is a little one & gets around 1/2 pound. I feed straight meat, rarely do I feed veggies. They also get an egg every other day, a can of mackeral once a week, liver or kidney about once a week. Some people feed vegetables ( broccoli, carrots, green beans, what ever you want), just make sure to puree it since they cannot digest vegetables unless they have been frozen. I supplement with kelp, garlic, apple cider vinegar & olive oil.

It's really easy & there is no work involved ( for me at least), I buy their food when I shop for mine & keep it in the freezer until it is ready to use. If I find a deal on ground meat or turkey I stock up & we share it. I find out of date meat on sale & buy all of it up & stick it the freezer. It won't hurt them if is starting to go bad.

I went from spending $40 a week to about $40 a month. Munkee's allergies are all but gone & my dogs coats sparkle. I will never go back to kibble
_________________

and here is a website woth some recipes that I follow as well.

http://www.rawfeddogs.net/Recipes

[Sid Finster]

I live in a country where there are lots of random people from random collective farms selling random meats.

Sometimes you can find good bargains on random mystery meats, sheep intestines at $.10 per pound, beef lungs, rabbit innards, turkey entrails, goose heads, duck hearts, calves' brains, bones of all sorts, fish parts, you name it. Except I've had no luck in getting goat, and I do not feed my dog pork. Not because he is a Muslim, but for fear of worms.

I also add fruit and veggies, fruit and veggie juice, yogurt, and animal blood. Basically, I try to imagine what my dog would be eating if he were in the wild.

Sometimes you can get the mystery meat for free if you take the dog. Collective farmers seem to like Redhead.

[cheekymunkee]

Damn Sid!! I'd like to be your neighbor.

Trich is practically nill in the States due to better meat processing & feeding of livestock. Most cases are caused by game meat. It isn't even studied in the canine as far as I can tell. I have never been able to find anything on it.

[STPFAN]

Been reading a couple of BARF sites and was wondering if you guys that feed veggies cook your veggies or steam them! Always was told that dogs cannot digest raw veggies and that they must be cooked to be digestible.
Breaking the food down with a food processor or a blender is not the same as cooking from what I was told, and that the heat in the cooking process breaks down the walls of the veggies allowing them to be digestible.

YIS

[Rocky H. Balboa]

What the...?

Funny that you mention steaming. I was telling someone about that this morning.

Yes, slight steaming is much better than feeding cooked or raw.

[purplepig]

I have never fed raw, but the way you all are talking, I might want to try it. Do the dogs need vegitables? By having non cooked veggies, does this not absorb the junk(fiber) in their system for disposal? I am no nutritionalist, so I am asking. Are you saying that I can go and get a bag of chicken leg quarters and feed a pound or so to the dog, without cooking at all, and that will be better for the dog than kibble? Please educate me.

[lunadogge]

Here are some informative links for people looking for information on raw food diets. Inregards to vegetables I don't feed any, they aren't needed unless you want a filler. I have been feeding raw for the last 4yrs and my dogs do great on it. It costs less or the same price as a quality kibble.
I hope these sites can answer some questions you may have.

http://www.rawfed.com/myths/index.html
http://www.rawlearning.com
http://www.rawfeddogs.net/Links

[cheekymunkee]

Dogs don't need veggies. ;)



BUT, if you decide you want to feed them ( some do, some don't. I have doen both & only add them now occasionally) it is best to steam them or pureee them. No, it is not the same ( cooking & puree'd) but the cell walls are broken down upon pureeing.

The sites that Luna posted are very good & contain a lof of info. I recommend them quite often.

[Michele]

what if I wanted to give my dog a bone...how does it have to be prepared; do I cook the bone first? And what kind of bones do I get from my butcher that will be ok for my dog to chew on?

[cheekymunkee]

what if I wanted to give my dog a bone...how does it have to be prepared; do I cook the bone first? And what kind of bones do I get from my butcher that will be ok for my dog to chew on?
Just hand it to him right out of the package. For a little one like yours any kind of bone would be good. I think a knuckle bone would be too big but you could pick him up soup bones or marrow bones. Sliced shank bones would be good for him too. ANY thing he can't swallow whole in other words.

[Chef-Kergin]

my dogs get whatever raw bones dennis (the butcher shop owner) has left over when he delivers our proteins at work.

I've read that feeding cooked bones can cause splintering and do more harm to their belly. Think.....if a wild cat catches and kills it's prey in the wild, do you think they set up a rotisserie and clow cook it? heh...sorry, that's a funny mental picture.

anyways. the dogs get chicken carcasses (the backs with the quarters still attached), fish without the pin bones removed, beef rib bones, pork rib bones, etc. they eat em raw, and i've never noticed any negative side effect, whether it was gas, discolored stools, whatever.

i'm planning on starting the gradual switch to a raw diet for the dogs late this summer/early fall.

lunadogge - thanks for the links!

[Michele]

Just hand it to him right out of the package. For a little one like yours any kind of bone would be good. I think a knuckle bone would be too big but you could pick him up soup bones or marrow bones. Sliced shank bones would be good for him too. ANY thing he can't swallow whole in other words.
so, raw bones...and they won't splinter?.....very cool....

[cheekymunkee]

so, raw bones...and they won't splinter?.....very cool....Nope, a strong bone will last him a while & give him a good workout, AND clean his teeth.

[Michele]

Nope, a strong bone will last him a while & give him a good workout, AND clean his teeth.
thanks....

[Texasbulldogs]

Well I wouldn’t recommend anyone to feed a BARF diet! They’re way to time consuming, food needs to be weighed, and most do way more harm than good. At least before adventuring into such you’re thoroughly investigating it. The average RAW diet is on par with a subpar kibble. Well can’t really say that as Ole Roy tends to be more balanced. But if someone is going to feed a RAW diet following a “whole prey” model is the best…though seldom gets done. The typical RAW diet seems to be “throw whatever in a bowl” type of mentality and harmful. Most RAW diets are way too high in meat to bone ratio! Unsure why most tend to gravitate to chicken in their RAW diets? It’s too high in Omega 6 and deficient in Omega 3 fatty acid. Odd if feeding kibble and going for the “cheap” feed it's frowned up, but if feeding a RAW diet “cheap” is looked at in a positive light.
Despite having an unbalanced RAW diet many dogs will still show improvements-thanks to the kibble. People can feed what they want, but should strive to feed a balanced diet. Trouble with those feeding or switching to the RAW diet, despite most being unbalanced, they’ll still typically see some improvements (amazing what fats do) and then the rave reviews follow. Having them all the more ranting about its benefits, how shinny their coats are, yet completely blinded to the fact most kibbles are hugely over supplemented, creating a nice reserve in their dogs that now are being used. <O:p</O:p

[chloesredboy]

Well I wouldn’t recommend anyone to feed a BARF diet! They’re way to time consuming, food needs to be weighed, and most do way more harm than good. At least before adventuring into such you’re thoroughly investigating it. The average RAW diet is on par with a subpar kibble. Well can’t really say that as Ole Roy tends to be more balanced. But if someone is going to feed a RAW diet following a “whole prey” model is the best…though seldom gets done. The typical RAW diet seems to be “throw whatever in a bowl” type of mentality and harmful. Most RAW diets are way too high in meat to bone ratio! Unsure why most tend to gravitate to chicken in their RAW diets? It’s too high in Omega 6 and deficient in Omega 3 fatty acid. Odd if feeding kibble and going for the “cheap” feed it's frowned up, but if feeding a RAW diet “cheap” is looked at in a positive light.
Despite having an unbalanced RAW diet many dogs will still show improvements-thanks to the kibble. People can feed what they want, but should strive to feed a balanced diet. Trouble with those feeding or switching to the RAW diet, despite most being unbalanced, they’ll still typically see some improvements (amazing what fats do) and then the rave reviews follow. Having them all the more ranting about its benefits, how shinny their coats are, yet completely blinded to the fact most kibbles are hugely over supplemented, creating a nice reserve in their dogs that now are being used. <O:p</O:pRight on ,texas!

[hrdeluxe]

I am skeptical of the raw diets. Most people feed too much meat and end up lacking in other things. If done right, supplements are needed and it is costly and time-consuming.


IMO--Domesticated dogs with vet care and a quality kibble will always be healthier than a wild animal per se. I understand people want to stay "natural" and "wild" but a Canidae, Nutro Ultra, Timberwolf, etc..will be better for the dogs in the long run.

I supplement more as a treat....steak bones, cottage cheese, veggies. These still add nutrients.

[Rocky H. Balboa]

Here is something I posted on another forum relating to this topic. Please read carefully...lol:


In regards to a RAW diet, well, it is a tricky business best left to pet bull owners and expert conditioners. The average owner of athlete dogs does not possess sufficient "know-how" to maintain long-term dietary balance. Many if not most will see "immediate" results reflected in the coat, skin, and energy level of their canine athlete. This positive result is short lived if body demands increase without proper nutritional adjustment. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that a sedative lifestyle requires less nutritional micromanagement than its active counterpart. It is my humble opinion, this is a reason most proponents of raw diets ARE pet owners.

I am a student of knowledge. I went through the process of studying, researching, and implementing a raw diet for close to a year. I documented everything including performance prior and while feeding raw diet. While many of the external properties of the canine make it seem healthier, it may in part be superficial. One comparing example of what I mean is a young glutton. At first, the glutton may appear healthy and energetic. Over time, the imbalances in their diet will manifest in the body through organ dysfunction and diminishing performance.

There are many variables in feeding a raw diet to an ATHLETIC canine. A person should study the different schools of thought on the subject specially each others criticisms. Look into legal canine sports were documentation of their canine's performance, nutrition, and overall health are closely monitored through teams of vets and lab work prior to their competitions. One sport that comes to mind is the sled dog marathon race each year. The name of that tournament escapes me. I apologize about that. lol Going back to the subject, I suggest the best/safest method is to make raw elements a supplement to a quality kibble-based diet.

Regards,


Rocky H. <!-- google_ad_section_end -->

[DryCreek]

I've toyed with the thought of raising rabbits, meat birds and rodents, and supplementing with hunted game (deer, moose, wild turkey etc...) for a raw diet menu. Also adding eggs from my laying hens, fish and supplementing with organ meats as well.

I would feed the whole carcass for the rabbit's, rodent's and bird's and cutting the hunted animals into chunks to feed. Or maybe just dropping a large chunk of carcass from the hunted game into each dogs spot for a gnawing session.

I have also heard that a day of fasting is good for them as well.

To make sure the diet is well balanced I would think giving a small serving of quality kibble as well would make sense, as I am not a nutritionist.

This type of program would be for average maintenance of the animal. A dog that was being prepared for a show would require a more controlled dietary intake.

I have many acres that I can use to raise whatever meat is necessary for our animals and many hunting spots on it as well. But without more extensive knowledge on dietary requirements I think that adding the quality kibble would help keep them nutritionally balanced.

Obviously more investigation is needed before I start anything of the sort but if it's healthy for them and I can do it, it makes sense to me.

[STPFAN]

I feed raw (Meat & veggies) in a keep and use kibble (Canidae) as a filler.

As for meats I feed raw chicken quarters, beef chunks, chicken gizzards, raw green tripe and sardines.

When I speak of veggies I am talking about "root veggies" such as carrots, parsnips, yams and sweet potatoes. I only feed spinach for greens! I boil all veggies diced in a stock pot and also serve the water the veggies where boiled in also! The veggies must be cooked first before a dog can ever process them.

I believe a dog does need veggies if you are going to feed a natural diet as there are certain vitamins and minerals that they cannot get from meat alone and it is a source of carbs!

Raw Green Tripe is a must for a raw diet as the benefits are outstanding!

After switching to a raw feed you notice the diffence immediately.....way less stool volume, dogs naturally lean out, energy levels goes way up and they look healthy (eyes, coat and teeth).

[Sid Finster]

I forgot to mention tripe. Yes, raw, green tripe, cattle or sheep. Also things like chicken stomachs and goose and rabbit stomachs.

Dogs like.

[Texasbulldogs]

I feed raw (Meat & veggies) in a keep and use kibble (Canidae) as a filler.
So you don’t believe mixing totally screws up the balance of the kibble? Just take the meat for instance, contains lots of phosphorous and no calcium is that not disturbing the balance of the diet? Does it not lower the protein and other percentages, all the while raising others with such additions to the kibble?

I believe a dog does need veggies if you are going to feed a natural diet as there are certain vitamins and minerals that they cannot get from meat alone and it is a source of carbs!<O:p</O:p
I completely disagree that they need veggies in a RAW diet if done correctly. The keys words there are obviously “done correctly”. Dogs have no dietary requirements for carbohydrates at all. They can make all the glucose they need from its precursors, glycerol (from fats), amino acids (from proteins). Give them the protein and fat they need, and the micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, etc.

Raw Green Tripe is a must for a raw diet as the benefits are outstanding!
Why is it a must? Curious to know...should one seek paunch or honeybunch tripe? Is one better than the other, more nutrient dense, etc?

After switching to a raw feed you notice the diffence immediately.....way less stool volume, dogs naturally lean out, energy levels goes way up and they look healthy (eyes, coat and teeth).
Could it be the added fat content? Maybe less stool volume is simply because you’re feeding less and that’s 70-80% water? Would that by itself not “naturally lean out” a dog? Increased energy simply because they have less fillers in the diet, eating less, actually being worked, etc?

[STPFAN]

I feed raw (Meat & veggies) in a keep and use kibble (Canidae) as a filler.
So you don’t believe mixing totally screws up the balance of the kibble? Just take the meat for instance, contains lots of phosphorous and no calcium is that not disturbing the balance of the diet? Does it not lower the protein and other percentages, all the while raising others with such additions to the kibble?

I believe a dog does need veggies if you are going to feed a natural diet as there are certain vitamins and minerals that they cannot get from meat alone and it is a source of carbs!<O:p</O:p
I completely disagree that they need veggies in a RAW diet if done correctly. The keys words there are obviously “done correctly”. Dogs have no dietary requirements for carbohydrates at all. They can make all the glucose they need from its precursors, glycerol (from fats), amino acids (from proteins). Give them the protein and fat they need, and the micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, etc.

Raw Green Tripe is a must for a raw diet as the benefits are outstanding!
Why is it a must? Curious to know...should one seek paunch or honeybunch tripe? Is one better than the other, more nutrient dense, etc?

After switching to a raw feed you notice the diffence immediately.....way less stool volume, dogs naturally lean out, energy levels goes way up and they look healthy (eyes, coat and teeth).
Could it be the added fat content? Maybe less stool volume is simply because you’re feeding less and that’s 70-80% water? Would that by itself not “naturally lean out” a dog? Increased energy simply because they have less fillers in the diet, eating less, actually being worked, etc?
LOL...never had a problem with unbalancing the kibble as I could care less, more concerned about ruining the raw feed! I don't depend on the kibble as my base for my feed.
This feed was given to me be a very well know successful dogman and it has worked for him and it has worked for me.

Concerning the veggies...as long as they are natural I don't mind giving them to my dogs and never had a problem with feeding cooked veggies at all!
I believe root veggies supply the dogs with good natural amounts of vitamins and minerals like Vit K. You say dogs have no need for carbs then why do you pay for and feed kibble?

I get my raw green tripe from the butcher.....not the grocery store one that bleached and lost its nutritional value! Do you own research and you will know its benefits.

As the results I see on my dogs when fed "RAW".....
yes it could be the added fat content given to them fresh with its feed!
And "YES" there energy does go up cause of "NO FILLERS" compared to whats in a bag of kibble. Even high end natural feed have preservatives.....ever leave stool lying around the chain spots? They state "no preservatives" on the bag, then how come it does not rot? Whats so natural about it!

To each his own on feeding your dogs.....you don't pay for my feed and I don't pay for yours!

When you put a dog through preparation do you feed straight kibble or add anything too it?

YIS

[Texasbulldogs]

LOL...never had a problem with unbalancing the kibble as I could care less, more concerned about ruining the raw feed! I don't depend on the kibble as my base for my feed.
Never said you or anyone else did, simply asking a few questions much like you did with the original post. I’d venture to say your RAW is what’s ruining the kibble? There are huge nutrient value differences between grain-feed livestock and grass/pasture/wild ungulates and it’s even greater differences if talking poultry.
<O:p</O:p
This feed was given to me be a very well know successful dogman and it has worked for him and it has worked for me.
Great that a successful dogmen gave you a keep feed. But that means what in reality given we can easily state Diamond and Purina have more wins in the game than any other diet…does that mean they’re “great kibbles or keep foods”? Does it mean anything when talking about said topic on a message board? Though curious since it sounds like you’ve got the greatest feed…why you’d be asking for recipes from others?
<O:p</O:p
You say dogs have no need for carbs then why do you pay for and feed kibble?
It’s not that “I” say it-it’s factual! What do the veggies provide that tripe doesn’t nutrient wise? I feed kibble for my own convenience-period!

I get my raw green tripe from the butcher.....not the grocery store one that bleached and lost its nutritional value! Do you own research and you will know its benefits.<O:p</O:p
I’ve done tad-bit of research on it, both the paunch and honeycomb are “green” tripes and “green” simply means the contents were removed and had a rinse. You were the one that asked questions, and then stated you’ve done research but when you get asked questions you simply say; “do your own research”? So can we assume you’re just going with what you’ve been “told” and actually have no clue why you’re doing such? After all one would think being you frequent a 100 or so message boards…you’d actually want to talk about dogs, nutrition, possibly share some of your knowledge, etc. Not like having a discussion on a thread you started is going to give everyone on the internet a “great advantage” if ever looking across from you. Even more doubtful if saying paunch or honeycomb is better…because X, Y, Z.

As the results I see on my dogs when fed "RAW".....
yes it could be the added fat content given to them fresh with its feed!
And "YES" there energy does go up cause of "NO FILLERS" compared to whats in a bag of kibble.
Pendulum effect-not RAW!
<O:p</O:p
Whats so natural about it!
Could not the same thing be said about the produce we eat, the RAW you’re feeding your dogs, etc?

When you put a dog through preparation do you feed straight kibble or add anything too it?<O:p</O:p
I adjust it to fit the dogs need and climate it will be working in as well as their style/traits. Much like a “keep” one wouldn’t/shouldn’t condition a barnstorming dog the same as a soft mouth super game dog. Doing so would be as stupid as someone starting their keep diet the same time they start their keep! But a balanced kibble will always be better than a hodgepodge of thrown together items.

[STPFAN]

Damn.....you did the CA JACK on me! LOL

Glad you noticed the boards I frequent....you must do the same.

I asked the original question to see how others were feeding there raw diets daily.....the raw and kibble is what I feed in a keep.

YIS

[Texasbulldogs]

Glad you noticed the boards I frequent....you must do the same.
No, it was simple on the Network 54 board that I used to visit you used to ask question on "which dog food" and sorts, the two I've visited the last few years you also frequent. Odds of them being your only ones...slim to none.

I asked the original question to see how others were feeding there raw diets daily.....the raw and kibble is what I feed in a keep.
So in other words wanted others to share their recipe and knowledge with you while you shared absolutely nothing? Typcial! Obviously you've done zero research, have no clue why you feed whatever you feed, or simply are a leech. As you want others to give you information all the while you give nothing. Guess no running off saying what a great diet you have on other boards for you? Damn the luck-maybe next week!

[short1]

Glad you noticed the boards I frequent....you must do the same.
No, it was simple on the Network 54 board that I used to visit you used to ask question on "which dog food" and sorts, the two I've visited the last few years you also frequent. Odds of them being your only ones...slim to none.

I asked the original question to see how others were feeding there raw diets daily.....the raw and kibble is what I feed in a keep.
So in other words wanted others to share their recipe and knowledge with you while you shared absolutely nothing? Typcial! Obviously you've done zero research, have no clue why you feed whatever you feed, or simply are a leech. As you want others to give you information all the while you give nothing. Guess no running off saying what a great diet you have on other boards for you? Damn the luck-maybe next week! not to but in but I just bought some green tripe and it still contains the intestial contents is the food in the first or second stage of digestion maybe even the third who nows IM totally confused is it fully digested ? I thought its the intestinal tract not the stomach or is it the stomach ?

[D'dizzle]

I don't mean to interrupt anything but since you all talking about raw diets I have a couple questions. I am currently feeding Diamond kibble, and every once and a while I will add a chopped up chicken breast w/o the bone (as I hear chicken bones are not good for dogs.), a little raw hamburger or an egg. Is that ok? I wanted to know if raw deer meat is ok for them also as I have plenty of that. I have a 8 month old pup that I had given a cooked pork chop bone to, it seemed like she just inhaled it I'm not sure how well she chewed it up. I wouldn't mind trying to feed a raw diet but as you see I have a whole lot to learn. Once again sorry for the interruption. Thanks in advance

[Red Cocaine]

I don't mean to interrupt anything but since you all talking about raw diets I have a couple questions. I am currently feeding Diamond kibble, and every once and a while I will add a chopped up chicken breast w/o the bone (as I hear chicken bones are not good for dogs.), a little raw hamburger or an egg. Is that ok? I wanted to know if raw deer meat is ok for them also as I have plenty of that. I have a 8 month old pup that I had given a cooked pork chop bone to, it seemed like she just inhaled it I'm not sure how well she chewed it up. I wouldn't mind trying to feed a raw diet but as you see I have a whole lot to learn. Once again sorry for the interruption. Thanks in advance

Cooked chicken bones can be bad because they could splinter in the dogs thought. but uncooked is bones are fine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Hfy4ccJu8

The chicken was dead before it was fed

[D'dizzle]

Cooked chicken bones can be bad because they could splinter in the dogs thought. but uncooked is bones are fine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Hfy4ccJu8

The chicken was dead before it was fedOk, thanks for the info. If anyone else has any info, I would appreciate it.

[cheekymunkee]

I don't mean to interrupt anything but since you all talking about raw diets I have a couple questions. I am currently feeding Diamond kibble, and every once and a while I will add a chopped up chicken breast w/o the bone (as I hear chicken bones are not good for dogs.), a little raw hamburger or an egg. Is that ok? I wanted to know if raw deer meat is ok for them also as I have plenty of that. I have a 8 month old pup that I had given a cooked pork chop bone to, it seemed like she just inhaled it I'm not sure how well she chewed it up. I wouldn't mind trying to feed a raw diet but as you see I have a whole lot to learn. Once again sorry for the interruption. Thanks in advance
That is all fine. Deer meat should be frozen for a few weeks to kill any parasites it may have. My dogs LOVE deer meat. And do NOT give ANY cooked bones of any kind. They all splinter. Raw bones ( even chicken) are fine to give however and are a part of the diet.

[D'dizzle]

I have been reading for almost 2 hours on BARF diets. I see most people say it's ok to feed thighs and quarters of a chicken. I just split a raw breast between two of my dogs, I hope that was ok? Also, does anyone know where I can buy bully sticks, as I hear that is a good bone to give as a treat?

[dunlap]

I have been reading for almost 2 hours on BARF diets. I see most people say it's ok to feed thighs and quarters of a chicken. I just split a raw breast between two of my dogs, I hope that was ok? Also, does anyone know where I can buy bully sticks, as I hear that is a good bone to give as a treat?
If your looking for a bone that will last you... Check around with some of the people in your area that has cattle. My brother lives on a ranch and when a cow dies or has to be shot for any reason, I wait until they dry up and I get the big ol' leg bones. I scrub them up with soap and water and then let em sit for a little while longer to get sun bleached. Then they can have one and it seems like they last forever...

[Red Cocaine]

I don't know where you live but when a cow dies the ppl come pick it up in that big ass truck and take it away. Same with horses. I don't know of very maney ppl that would just let a 2000lbs dead cow just sit there and rot for a month

[cheekymunkee]

petco has bully sticks but ebay is cheaper

[dunlap]

I don't know where you live but when a cow dies the ppl come pick it up in that big ass truck and take it away. Same with horses. I don't know of very maney ppl that would just let a 2000lbs dead cow just sit there and rot for a month
Well here when a cow dies it is drug out to the back of the pasture and left there for the buzzards and cayotes to eat." thats when you shoot the bastards ;) " My brother lives on 300 acres and thats where he puts em'. I guess you aint from the country...

[D'dizzle]

Red Cocaine
I don't know where you live but when a cow dies the ppl come pick it up in that big ass truck and take it away. Same with horses. I don't know of very maney ppl that would just let a 2000lbs dead cow just sit there and rot for a month

Not quite the answer I was looking for, but thanks for trying. I guess I did put myself out there.


Thanks for the info.

[Rocky H. Balboa]

I don't mean to interrupt anything but since you all talking about raw diets I have a couple questions. I am currently feeding Diamond kibble, and every once and a while I will add a chopped up chicken breast w/o the bone (as I hear chicken bones are not good for dogs.), a little raw hamburger or an egg. Is that ok? I wanted to know if raw deer meat is ok for them also as I have plenty of that. I have a 8 month old pup that I had given a cooked pork chop bone to, it seemed like she just inhaled it I'm not sure how well she chewed it up. I wouldn't mind trying to feed a raw diet but as you see I have a whole lot to learn. Once again sorry for the interruption. Thanks in advance
D'dizzle, first, change kibble feed. Much better quality kibble can be bought at the same or lower cost to you. You can search this sub-forum for all the information you will need to go out and purchase the best kibble available to you.

In regards to your supplemental feed, like others have said, a raw bone is fine unless the dog does not chew. An egg is fine and healthy for the dog. Make it fun for him. Let him crack the egg in his bowl. It is fun to watch them "think" it over for a second.

For your pup, you MUST watch to see that he chews it properly. If you feel he is swallowing big pieces, i suggest you feed frozen chicken quarters (just remove the ice from the outside).

I would suggest you take your time with going "RAW". Why let the fever catch you? Are your dogs dying from the low quality kibble? Most likely not but you can do better. Rather than seek to complicate things, simplify! Get a better kibble. You want to learn something for the here and now? Learn to read a bag of kibble.

Regards,

Rocky H.

[D'dizzle]

Thanks for the advice. Next time I give him an egg I will let him crack it to see what he does. I think I have the bone thing down now. I don't plan on feeding BARF for a long time if ever. As far as the kibble, I don't have much of an option in the country (wal-mart & Tractor Supply) but once my finances are a little better than I will try to find something better even if I have to travel, as I have been wanting to do for a long time. Once again thanks for all the info.