[Dash]

Hi,

Is it ok to feed our 17 weeks old puppy home cooked ckicken and beef as he has been on a raw food diet recomended by the breeder?

The raw food comes in frozen packs in a minced form. On the pack says feed raw and mixed with veg or rice.

Thanks you

Dash

[Lara's mom]

I have been home cooking for my dogs for 15 years. My Border Collie X will be 15 next month and has outlived all of our friends dogs who were adopted within the same year we got Bailey. They all got excellent medical care. The only difference that I can see is that Bailey always ate what I cooked for her while all the others ate commercial tinned food. Something to think about...

[CorkyMax]

I feed both raw and home cooked but even though I have done this for up to 12+ years--I still worry about if I am doing it right. It is much safer then commercial dog food but there is a lot to know and I have a hard time understanding how to figure how much and to what ratio of the supplements to give. One big thing with me is the calcium/phosphorus ratio, etc. Many more things to try and get right. If a person doesn't do their homework well and know about things--the dog may suffer. I wish there was a book out there that has all the necessary info that I know about and also the things I need to know more about. I would study on supplements if you raw feed or home cook too.-----fish oil, taurine for some breeds, vitamin E--all vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids--so much to get right. I have researched on the net and read and have many books. I have yet to see one study/book/website to know all that needs to be known----I have gleaned from all places to know what I do know but know I could still learn more! It is too big of a task to try and put all the things I do know here but will give access here to some of the threads I have done in here and some links to some sites on the web. To do more research----Check out or buy books on what you want to know. Put specific things you want to know more about ---google it/or other places. Study them all and come up with the best answer.

I feel the need to write all this as you hopefully know you can't just feed your dog meat and if you note that the vet's food is all meat evidently and that is why it says to mix with vegs or rice.---BUT that is not even good enough unless the package has other things added to it to get the correct necessary nutrients!!! What ingredients are listed on this package?

Here are some links that you might check out besides doing your own research. Read some sites on the subject(s)--Take notes so you know what else to look up about as you go along.

Calcium - Balancing Your Dog's Diet | B-Naturals.Com Newsletter

About Feeding Fruits & Vegetables

Foods that are hazardous to a dog

What is Your Dog Eating?

DogAware.com: Commercial Dog Foods

BARF for Beginners - Most Frequently Asked Questions


I use to feed raw chicken necks and many raw feeders do but I was a little worried about bone feeding so stopped and I supplement with eggshell calcium for the calcium end of it. Bones are good for more then just to get calcium and if I could afford a GOOD grinder--I would still be doing bones. So I don't necessarily agree with ALL that is said in these links---That is why you have to research a lot and come to your own conclusions!

Put dogs raw feeding in your browser.

[CorkyMax]

Dr. Pitcairn's complete guide to natural health for dogs & cats - Richard H. Pitcairn, Susan Hubble Pitcairn - Google Books

After following the directions for making egg shell calcium--I do this: Grind in appropriate batches in a coffee grinder till fine. Let it set a minute or so before taking lid off as it needs to settle so you aren't breathing in the stuff. Then I pour each time into a fine sieve that is placed over a clean dry Cool Whip container--shake lightly and use fingers to press through the sieve. I then use a funnel to pour it into a covered container--like a clean dry olive jar. Store out of the light and heat---I keep mine in the kitchen --no need to refrigerate. Just keep dry, covered with lid and out of heat and too much sunlight.

[Dash]

Thank you very much Corkymax. The information you have provided is invaluble.

I am very grateful and so is our dog Brodie.

Take Care

Dash

[sandra0606]

Raw meat is great for dogs and even they love it. And you know there are some benefits of raw meat like your dog won't suffer from anal gland issues, allergies, coccydia or giardia, intestinal upset. So feeding both raw or home made food is good for the dog.

[tiggersmum]

I'd be interested to know how you get on with raw. I tried going down this route many years ago and was just so worried I wasnt getting the balance of everything correct and of course every dog has different requirements dont they? I've since had a dog which has an allergy to red meat and red meat fats so I now feed Fish4dogs complete and have done so for years to my lot as this is the best I could find on the complete circuit without any rubbish in it and my dogs also love their natural fish skin treats, great for their teeth. Best of luck!

[Dash]

Originally Posted by tiggersmum

I'd be interested to know how you get on with raw. I tried going down this route many years ago and was just so worried I wasnt getting the balance of everything correct and of course every dog has different requirements dont they? I've since had a dog which has an allergy to red meat and red meat fats so I now feed Fish4dogs complete and have done so for years to my lot as this is the best I could find on the complete circuit without any rubbish in it and my dogs also love their natural fish skin treats, great for their teeth. Best of luck!

Hi tiggersmum,

I have been feeding our pup both raw and cooked and its been great. I have read all the articles CorkyMax has put in his reply and I have followed most of the advice.
The important thing to remember is to vary the food and just like humans having different food every day is the key. You obviously need to get the proportion of protien, calcium and carbo right.
If you have questions just put it on the forum and you will get great advice.

Enjoy
Dash

[ahaze35]

I've been feeding my dog bronx raw for two years now and he's doing great. I wasn't sure about it at first but now I wouldn't have it any other way.

[ameliefrost]

Feeding your dog raw not only makes him a happier and more energetic fella but also spears you some cooking time. But if your dog prefers the food he's eating now, then adjusting to raw food will take some time.

[ameliefrost]

You should care for your dog like you care for a child, meaning that cooking for him daily shouldn't be that big of an ordeal. If you think that he is "just fine" with eating any food, you will reconsider that once you will see he gets tired very fast and doesn't really have an appetite once it's chow time.