[CorkyMax]

Just want to get this info out from a book I have (Earl Mindell's nutrition & Health for Dogs)---German Shepards are prone to a digestive enzyme defiency that causes many intestinal problems, including poor digestion and the inability to absorb the nutrients from foods. Nutrient deficiencies cause a long list of chronic problems, including skin problems, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting. A diet of fresh, raw foods would be all these German Shepards would need to properly digest and absorb their food. For severe cases, there are digestive enzyme supplements for dogs. Digestive enzymes help break down your dog's food enabling the nutrients to be absorbed. Normally, living creatures begin life w/plenty of digestive enzymes, which may be depleted if they are never given any fresh, raw food. The enzymes in raw food do not replenish your dog's reserves as much as they digest a portion of that food so that your dog's body does not use as many.(end of quotes) Of course much of this info is for the good of all dogs!! And a raw food diet is what I feed my 2 cockers. Please check out info on the Barf diet and other raw feeding sites everyone!!!

I would like to inform you that raw foods should not be given to any dog and that they are indeed bad for them as a whole. I have a german shepard and all he eats is "Premium Edge" salmon dog food. Raw foods are not good for any dog due to the harmful antibodies and bacteria they may be carrying. I am very surprised you read this from another source. And what ever you do..
don't ever feed your shepard any kind of rawhides. They too are not good for them. If you need any advice for your shepard let me know. I would be more than happy to educate you on this breed.

I read that post above then saw it on another search I did and I will say this. I dont do raw and probably wont ever (just not for me and I dont know enough about it at this point) BUT something clicked for me that they might have digestive issues etc- I am holistic so bear in mind my first instinct is to reach for the earth vs meds.

MY story on my new pup that I feel has GS in her.
rescued her from shelter- the vet clinic is right there so she got chipped-shots etc. she seemed ok
she started hanging with my one dog who loves the yard and starting eating "stuff" outside. She got sick both ends- I took her to the vet to be safe as Parvo went thru my head- anyway she was ok just ate something yucky- vet gave me some "meds" to help eas the internal upset - ok no prob looked up the meds they seemed harmless enough

Pup got well and I started her on probiotics--not much change- poo never really went back to being good. Then she got a UTI from a hooded vulva so that set her on a row of antibiotics - of course still getting her puppy shots all along (that is another story) she started to scratch bad in the morning less during the day.........nose was running clear- I thought allergies - long story short when I read the part about them having digestive issues I wanted to supplement her with immune boosting herbs/vitamins and allergies immune boosting vitamins- within a few days of using BOTH I saw remarkable improvement in her scratching and runny nose etc etc. I hope now she is on her way to feeling better. She is already a baby and is struggling to gain a good immune system and had those setbacks - I am happy she is doing better so there may be some truth about the breed there.

Originally Posted by hookooke

I would like to inform you that raw foods should not be given to any dog and that they are indeed bad for them as a whole. I have a german shepard and all he eats is "Premium Edge" salmon dog food. Raw foods are not good for any dog due to the harmful antibodies and bacteria they may be carrying. I am very surprised you read this from another source. And what ever you do..
don't ever feed your shepard any kind of rawhides. They too are not good for them. If you need any advice for your shepard let me know. I would be more than happy to educate you on this breed.

Frankly, that depends on who you listen to. There are plenty of holistic veterinarians and others who swear by feeding a raw diet to dogs. You "surprise" that the original poster got the info form "another source" shows that you need to do a little more research. I think each owner needs to read the pros and cons and make the decision for themselves. One thing is for sure--whether raw or cooked, a home-made-human-grade diet is far better than even the "best" commercial dog food. You may want to check out Whole Dog Journal for more information on the various home-prepared diets.

Personally, I don't feed raw meat to my dogs. But, I do have them on a home cooked human grade diet. It's been the best thing for their skin allergies!

[CorkyMax]

I'm so glad your dog is doing better. A couple of questions--How long after she got the shots, did she begin having problems w/throwing up and having the diarrhea?--How many shots at once? I am posting a list of website addresses on this forum today---I know you say you are not interested in feeding raw but I hope you will look up some (all please!) of these (esp. w/having a GS) There is a lot of other good info. on these sites also. I am giving you this 1st website here because it brought you to mind right away!------http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/ Under this, bring your curser to the 3rd selection--Dog Vaccinations-The Facts/Puppy Buzz.com/. I am wondering if the shots were what started this problem--which would still go back to nutrition and the immune system. Are you aware that antibiotics destroys the good bacteria in the intestine? Quote frm same book I mentioned before--"If your dog is put on antibiotics, be sure to give her a heaping spoonful (I"d say a couple tablespoons for sure) of plain yogurt that contains active cultures with each meal or buy a probiotics supplement in the refrigerated section of your health food store." I use yogurt everyday and I also use PROZYME at every meal----to find out more about this product I think you can just enter the word on tube and will bring up about it. I buy mine through a pet catalog--Direct Pet Superstore presented by Valley Vet Supply---I've sent there for years--very fast delivery too w/o any fast shipping charges--course I'm located in WI and they are out of Kansas ? This place is about the cheapest esp. if your order is over $60.00 as shipping is free then. A big jar (1 lb.) costs $20.95 so I just get 3 at a time and that takes care of no shipping charge---a jar lasts a long time ---of course the more the dog weighs the more you will use. I also like to "stock up" because of the hot months when stuff shouldn't be setting out (mail delivery)--high temp destroys the enzymes!! (not sure about freezing temps--prob. not best idea either) If you would be interested in this product frm this company---www.valleyvet.com Phone: 800 360-4838. You can probably get this frm your vet but mine charges 7 to 10 dollars more per jar! With the free shipping I can get by catalog (over 60.00 order) and getting 3 jars at once I'm saving quite a bit--$21.00 to $30.00 !! Ran out of writing space here so will continue this in the following post!!!

[CorkyMax]

I do get carried away---but I love dogs and I want to help them all I can!
To finish up here: I am a very cautious person so I don't put my credit card # on the internet so I order by telephone. I don't know what kind of deals they have--free shipping and all----I would check that part out if you decide to order and on tube! May I also suggest requesting a catalog frm them if you make contact.
Do you know that giving equal parts yogurt and canned pumpkin (not pie filling--but pure pumpkin) can help for the diarrhea or also even constipation. Don't know whether it would work so well because of certain conditions. But it does all boil down to nutrition and enzymes and trying to keep a healthy immune system----and shots and the drugs (Rimadyl, Prednisone, and Proin,etc) are another "bad deal" which I plan on posting more on at another time on this forum. So I hope you will check into the things I have mentioned and now I will end this and get on to posting all those other websites!!

[CorkyMax]

I sent you 2 messages here but only the 2nd one is showing up so far so be looking for the 1st 1--had to be checked out before being put here--2nd 1 "took" right away. You'll have to see 1st message to fully understand the
2nd 1 as it is a continuation of the 1st one---I ran out of room on the 1st 1!!

"I would like to inform you that raw foods should not be given to any dog and that they are indeed bad for them as a whole. I have a german shepard and all he eats is "Premium Edge" salmon dog food. Raw foods are not good for any dog due to the harmful antibodies and bacteria they may be carrying. I am very surprised you read this from another source. And what ever you do..
don't ever feed your shepard any kind of rawhides. They too are not good for them. If you need any advice for your shepard let me know. I would be more than happy to educate you on this breed. "

Please do some research before making this statement. Most people I know raw feed and their dogs are in amazing health. Raw food it what dogs are MEANT to eat. While it is not practical for everyone to offer a raw diet it is in NOW WAY dangerous! Many of the breeders I know feed raw as well as MANY of my clients. Their dogs have the best coats, sparkling white teeth, no bad breath, hardly shed, are in great weight and muscle tone, have no ear infections, no hot spots and no dirty ears!
Sure, if you are feeding rotten raw meat you will have tons of problems but a properly done raw diet is one of the best!


Take a look at the following sites for information on raw feeding:

Raw Feeding FAQ

BARF Diet - Healthy & Natural Raw Food For Dogs & Cats, Pet Health Care Food & Nutrition Products Supply Online

All Natural Diet for Dogs

Just putting in my two cents here.

It may be that dogs were "meant" to eat a raw diet, although I'm not 100% in agreement with that, but I don't think dogs were meant to eat the raw meats we most often see being sold in this country (USA).

The level of contamination of meats is horrendous. Salmonella, campylobacter, e coli, to name a few. And while many people will tell you that dogs don't get salmonella food poisoning, I know for a fact that they can and do. We've treated them for it. And those dogs who do not develop an active salmonella infection can still carry and spread the bacteria to humans.

Dogs most definitely get sick from campylobacter. Campylobacter infections are often diagnosed as parvo, because the symptoms are the same, and campy will cause the most common parvo tests to come up as positive, even though the dog does not have parvo. While parvo is primarily a disease of puppies, campy can effect dogs of any age.

I'm not going to say don't feed a raw diet, nor would I recommend that anyone feed a raw diet. What I will say is be aware of the possibility for food borne illnesses, and be prepared to take the necessary action should your dog become ill.

Keep in mind that not every dog will do well on a raw diet. I did try it several years ago. My dog developed pancreatitis from it, and was extremely ill. Also keep in mind that a dog who is allergic to, lets use chicken as an example, will be allergic to chicken, no matter what form he gets it in. Raw, cooked, kibble. If the dog is allergic, you're going to get an allergic response if you feed him the offending food stuffs.

Originally Posted by 4paws-up

I read that post above then saw it on another search I did and I will say this. I dont do raw and probably wont ever (just not for me and I dont know enough about it at this point) BUT something clicked for me that they might have digestive issues etc- I am holistic so bear in mind my first instinct is to reach for the earth vs meds.

I don't think you really understand what "holistic" means. Most people don't. It has little, if anything, to do with "earth vs meds" or "natural" or "organic".

Simply put, to be holistic is to adhere to the philosophy that the whole is greater than the some of it's parts. And it applies to bodies, societies, the earth as a whole. One can be an holistic attorney, gardner, hair stylist, and yes, a doctor.

I have an holistic doctor. He has no problem with prescribing the medications I need (and I need a lot of them). What makes him holistic is his belief and practice of treating me as a whole system, not just a diseased body. His treatments include spiritual and emotional support, as well as physical treatment. We discuss how my physical illness effects my mind and emotions, as well as how my emotions effect my physical illness. He suggests a variety of modalities, (diet, exercise, meditation, biofeedback) to deal with my illness, not just "Take these pills and I'll see you in 3 months".

That's what it means to be holistic.

[CorkyMax]

Just saw a website you might be interested in checking out---to do with German Shepards--holistic--on nutrition. I haven't even read it all myself but thought of you when I found it! Raw dog food | Raw diet | Raw dog food recipes

[CorkyMax]

Just read the website I gave you----pretty good but don't like near bottom where salmon heads are listed-------Never give raw salmon esp. frm Pacific ocean area---There is some kind of parasite-fluke (whatever you call it) in it that can kill your dog!! Also think too much oatmeal is fed (best of the grains but still not a sub. for the protein that seems to be lacking in some of these recipes). And think not enough eggs mentioned------See other websites so you can get a better feel on what most say and do. A person just has to absorb and compare and come up w/the best answers!

I dont do raw but will read it- Thanks ya never know

[CorkyMax]

Thank you for looking it up and keeping an open mind--let me know what you think----I posted a bunch of more sites--not easy-I kept getting 'shot down'
so I tried after another 'failure' by just placing them 1 at a time--couple of them still got 'held up' but hope you will check them out also