How many of you feed your dogs this raw meat diet that consists of raw meats, raw vegetables and dairy such as cottage cheese?

Is this beneficial for the dog? Is this healthier than dry kibble than commercially prepared dog food? It also seems like it can get expensive, but that would be the least of my worries.

Also, for those of you who own cats, I'm not interested in what you feed those animals. I do, however, know that they enjoy fried chicken.

[rayter]

My dog is on a raw diet now. It's working perfectly well for him. Atfirst he's adjusting to the raw diet. So I make sure the I give him the right amount of food for his weight, and in the right proportion of organ meat, muscle meat and bone.

Personally I won't feed my dogs raw meat. I know all of the arguments for it, but I've seen too many dogs suffering from salmonella or campylobacter infection to take the risk. I also know that there are parasites that contaminate meats, and I don't want to risk those, either. I've gone through one bought of giardia and one of coccidiosis with my dogs, and don't intend to do it again.

I did give it a try a while back. Didn't last long. Oli developed a severe case of pancreatitis from it. Of course not every dog will have this problem, but one should be aware that it's possible. Now, because Oli must have either fish or venison as his protein source, there's no way I'll ever attempt raw.

Also, if you want your dog to get the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables they have to be pureed or crushed. If they aren't, they pass through in pretty much the same form they went it; as undigested pieces.

I do give my dogs fruits and vegetables, along with yogurt and an occasional egg yolk. They also get a fish based kibble and canned venison.

vetgroomer, what about table scraps such as cooked meats, and cooked vegetables? I understand that dogs do not need grains in their diets.

just like vetgroomer i don't feed my dog any raw meat... my uncle's dog died because of eating some raw meat... not sure what meat is that..

[wishbone]

Dogs in the wild eat raw food and it's just fine. Just avoid cooked chicken bones for they are sharp...

Originally Posted by wishbone

Dogs in the wild eat raw food and it's just fine. Just avoid cooked chicken bones for they are sharp...

Dogs in the wild often die an early death, too. It's just that no one notices when they get sick, because they are, after all, wild.

Dogs in the wild are usually carrying a heavy parasite load, but I don't see that as a reason to allow my dogs to have a belly full of worms, and be crawling with fleas, ticks and lice.

And really, if you want to feed your dog what dogs in the wild eat, you'd be throwing them a live chicken or rabbit and letting them kill it and eat it, guts, skin, fur, feathers, and all. Nope. Don't think I want to do that, either.

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

vetgroomer, what about table scraps such as cooked meats, and cooked vegetables? I understand that dogs do not need grains in their diets.

Table scraps? Probably not. Cooked vegetables and meat would be fine, but not stuff you scrape off your plate because you didn't eat it.

However, you must be sure a dog's diet is balanced and contains all the nutrients required, even if it's cooked, rather than raw.

Originally Posted by vetgroomer

Dogs in the wild are usually carrying a heavy parasite load, but I don't see that as a reason to allow my dogs to have a belly full of worms, and be crawling with fleas, ticks and lice.

Ugghhh...lol. That doesn't conjure up a pretty picture. Actually, the idea of giving a dog raw meat does gross me out.

Vetgroomer, thanks for the reply. I didn't really mean table scraps as in after we've finished our plates, more like just feeding them the food we eat. But, if one of my kids left a large piece of meat and wasn't sick, yes, I'd be inclined to give the dog that instead of trashing it.

Also, how do you know what nutrients they need and what amounts? Is there a good website that explains all of this?

My dogs eat a raw meat diet and I save tons of money.
I get free meat from the butchers at the two grocery stores in my town. They call them "scraps". I get a huge box full everyday.

You should ask the butchers at each of the stores in your city if they give out "meat scraps". I'm sure you'll find 2 or even 4 that would do that, then pick the one thats closer to where you live, or gives the most.

If your not comfortable with getting stuff for free, you can offer to pay them $10.00 for a box.

My dogs are really healthy on this diet, yours will be too.

I feed a combination of dry and frozen raw medallions as I simply do not have the time to grind my own. My kids thrive on it. I also give raw meaty bones once a week or so to chew on to keep their teeth sparkly white & breath fresh.

Originally Posted by youbetcha1018

If your not comfortable with getting stuff for free, you can offer to pay them $10.00 for a box.

My dogs are really healthy on this diet, yours will be too.

Oh, Honey. I am SOOOOO comfortable getting stuff for free. That would NOT be a problem, trust me.:mrgreen: Still I'm squeemish about the raw meet. I could probably do some, but I'd be more comfortable feeding them cooked meats as in some of what we're having for dinner on any particular might. Especially in light of vetgroomer's comments on the subject.

My dogs are on a food called life abundance and that food is amazing. It is dry kibble but I think so healthy for them. I tried the raw diet but it really made my dogs have the runs.

well sometimes i feed my dogs raw foods but most of them i feed them with dog foods..

I feed my pack of seven entirely raw and have for over 8 years now. I have also fed pregnant bitches raw and weaned three litters to raw. I would never go back to kibble

I have found some excellent sources and at this point dont find raw to be any more expensive than a quality kibble.

I dont have concerns about free depending on the source a few months ago a local store lost power and had two freezers full of premade raw burgers, medallions etc. he called me to ask if I wanted it.... I went with the truck and filled up two freezers with raw food that he couldn't sell but my dogs were in heaven.....

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Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

How many of you feed your dogs this raw meat diet that consists of raw meats, raw vegetables and dairy such as cottage cheese?

Is this beneficial for the dog? Is this healthier than dry kibble than commercially prepared dog food? It also seems like it can get expensive, but that would be the least of my worries.

Also, for those of you who own cats, I'm not interested in what you feed those animals. I do, however, know that they enjoy fried chicken.

I have been feeding raw for over 8 years back when it wasn't popular to feed raw. I am feeding a pack of seven retrievers, and I have weaned three litters to raw.

I personally started because I have a dog that can not eat kibble without stomach upset and bloody diarrhea....

is it beneficial .... well I think so but like with anything some dogs do well and some don't I dont think you can make blanket statements about anything

as for expense
over time I found good sources of meats and while at first it was more expensive, at this point with feeding my pack of seven I dont think it is any more expensive than feeding kibble and now as I am in a routine it is no more work as long as I remember to take meat out of the freezer.

there is no one right answer for all dogs... but this is what works the best for my pack....