LuvMyMutt, thanks so much for all your input!! I know that a raw/unprocessed diet is best for dog health, and all your info is great! Most dog food on the market is just not safe. However I also read about bad worms and parasites and stuff that dogs can get for eating raw meats. What do you think about all meats being cooked before the dog eats it? Healthier? I always cook meats before Spike gets to chow down, and so far no problems.

I will definitely have to look into this brewers yeast thing.. Avoiding chemicals I can see as a great reason to look into alternatives for flea prevention.

Well they do raw food because the belief is that the cooking of foods removes the nutrients.
Also, dogs and canines in the wild don't start a campfire before roasting their rabbits
I have never had a single health problem since starting their raw diet, either related or unrelated to their raw food.
Dog's stomachs and saliva has properties in it that kills off bacteria and salmonella so raw foods do nose pose a risk in that way.

Oh! and I forgot!
I am in a few groups on yahoo regarding raw diets, and there are ALOT of websites for it as well. if you wish, just go to google dot come and type in BARF diet and they'll give you lots of details

Also... some vets will say this is a bad horrible idea...but I learned something interesting, and had it confirmed by a vet technician friend of mine... and that is that vets while in school, attend Canine ( or any nimal) nutritional training performed by dog food companies! So they are trained that raw foods or "humanf ood" is not good for dogs... horrible isen't it?

Some dogs take some time to adjust to the differant food..Our dogs switched with no problem. But some with have loose stools, possible gas, and sometimes couch up a bit at first until they figure out they dont have to swallow it whole BUT in the long run its great, because their business becomes smaller, and for those with yards that dont have to pick up the poop, it turns white and to dust withen days! That doesnt happen with the tar poop from kibble, thats one of my favorite things!

Originally Posted by LuvMyMutt

Well they do raw food because the belief is that the cooking of foods removes the nutrients.
Also, dogs and canines in the wild don't start a campfire before roasting their rabbits
I have never had a single health problem since starting their raw diet, either related or unrelated to their raw food.
Dog's stomachs and saliva has properties in it that kills off bacteria and salmonella so raw foods do nose pose a risk in that way.

I never knew all of this I will consider this. Thanks for the info.

I've heard of the BARF diet before. But it seems so expensive. I'll keep looking into it though. I'm sure my dogs would love it. LOL

Some cities have meat packing facilities that will actually sell specifically for people feeding raw they sell chicken and beef products in bulk. try going to http:groups.yahoo.com and typing in raw (cityname) or BARF city name and you should be able to find some groups in your area and you can ask them how their dogs like it, and where they get supplies

Originally Posted by LuvMyMutt

Some cities have meat packing facilities that will actually sell specifically for people feeding raw they sell chicken and beef products in bulk. try going to http:groups.yahoo.com and typing in raw (cityname) or BARF city name and you should be able to find some groups in your area and you can ask them how their dogs like it, and where they get supplies

Do you spend alot feeding your dog like this? It does sound like it would cost alot just going by what I spend on my food for the family.

I'm not worried about if my dogs would like it or not. LOL I know they would. I'm concerned about the price. So if you could tell me an approx. price I'd appreciate it. Thanks

I think someone on this forum was posting about raw BARF diet stuff, and suggested that it costs about $30 per dog per month. Getting frozen veggies, and veggies that are in season, along with bones and organs and stuff from butchers for really cheap. I'll admit, $30 a month for stuff healthy for my dog would be cheaper than the high grade Solid Gold dog food... Not to mention, being able to buy it daily/weekly, instead of just all at once, would make it more affordable as well. Instead of having to come up with like $45 all at once.

Hey Spike,
My Maltese gets them bad. Even when I can afford Frontline, ect...where we live she still gets covered. So I tried a product via a site I like. Natural, non chemical, and fleas FLEE man! Like take off.
It will help the dog, and smells so good I spray on furniture , carpet, bedding.
Like I said, no chemicals. Tangerine peel, and Geranium oil. Just don't spray in dog's eyes and youre all set.
Check link below to try. It was less than 10 bucks. Saved my dog.
L8;

Hey Amanda, welcome to the board!! The product you're talking about for the flea stuff, is it in the first link in your sig somewhere? I tried looking, could not find it. I would love to learn more about this method of flea control, it sounds even safer than the garlic thing!

Thank you for your input, and please share with us the product you're talking about.