[GSP Lover]

My GSP Bo was diagnosed with food allergies recently. One of the things our vet suggested was a raw diet.

I have already learned a lot and been on bulletin boards where the raw diet is very big.

I don't know, I just keep getting freaked out at the idea. I mean, its not like the sight of raw meat freaks me out, but feeding a dog raw.... Sigh

I have an appointment with a Holistic Vet tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing what he says.

[Lassie]

I guess it is different for everyone, however I wouldn't worry too much. I think genetically dogs are much more adapted to eating raw than we may think. Our dogs prefer rabbit and game birds to their manufactured meal. I know this as their bowl is always kept full of the meal to give them the choice but they are more often seen to be enjoying raw meat.

[ScottyDoggy]

raw diet is great for dogs, especially those with allergies I have had my dogs on it since I adopted them and have nothing but good things to say about it! also, the eating of the bones helps keeps your dogs teeth a bit more plaque free so there are added benefits!

Just remember to never ever ever feed your dogs cooked bones. they become brittle, splinter and cut up their gums, throats, stomachs, etc etc and is a very big choking hazard if the cutting was not bad enough

[GSP Lover]

Thanks for the advice. Still thinking about this.

[sevendogs]

Dogs live with people for thousands of years. Manufactured dog foods were invented only recently. They are made for you convenience, not for enhancing your dog health. Raw meat and fish have been the best dog food avialble for dogs of all ages and all breeds. Of course, you may soil you hands feeding raw, but the dog will be very happy. I feed raw and my dogs never need vets and they live until age of 14-17 years. They run free and hunt a lot.
I feed chicken parts, beef and lean pork on bone, organs (liver, kidney, etc.), whatever I can buy or get free; venison during hunting season is a great treat, if available. Feed it outside, on the grass. Your dog will tell you better, what he likes most.

[for_dogs_sake]

[quote=GSP Lover;15835]My GSP Bo was diagnosed with food allergies recently. One of the things our vet suggested was a raw diet.QUOTE]

Well done to your vet!! A lot of vets do not know a great deal about nutrition unless they specialise in it, what little they do know is often sponsored by the commerical dog food companys, so there are a lot of vets out there who would disagree.

Raw feeding is by far the best thing that you can do for your dogs. Our two LOVE it!! Ralphie is a boxer and was prone to a sensitive stomach, in all the time we had him, he NEVER had a firm bowel movement and he was forever farting noxious substances!!:shock:
Now he poops pebbles instead of milkshake and we hardly hear him farting (never smell it now!) and that is a great deal considering Boxers are no 4 on the most flatulent dogs list!!
They both have clean teeth, fresh breath, lots of vitality and no more dandruff.

Raw is perfect for dogs with allergies aswell because, belive it or not, most allergies are caused by the commercial dog food in the first place.
There are many types, google 'prey model' 'BARF' and 'RAW feeding' and choose what is best for you. I don't really think it matters which one as they are all better than what he is eating now. We feed BARF but are thinking about switching to the prey-model diet.

As for the icky factor, the dogs will love it. And you will be surprised at yourself too, it is amazing what you do for the ones you love, i spent all day yesterday skinning rabbits for my babies!!

Good luck and let us know how you get on!!

Megan, Hannibal and RAlphie

P.s There is a rawfeeding group in yahoo, full of FAQ's well worth visiting!!