Anyone else feed an all RAW diet?

Thanks for all of your replies! Yes, I do think knowing where my dog's food comes from is better then not, and I know I would hate to eat what seems like dry fortified cereal at every meal.

I found some Nature's Variety Frozen Raw at our co-op yesterday and gave it to them this morning. They all loved it of course, right now they are running around checking each other's bowls. :rolleyes: I gave a small bit to Seine (our cat)- and she liked it a lot but she never eats much food at a time so I gave the rest of hers to the dogs. I'm assuming they need to eat it all in one sitting so it doesnt gather bacteria?

Where do you find fresh bones that are big enough so they won't splinter and eat them?

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Originally Posted by Pembroke_Corgi

Where do you find fresh bones that are big enough so they won't splinter and eat them?

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There are a few butchers near me and I stop by occasionally and ask for large bones. I've had the best luck at my local Asian grocery store though...better prices and better selection.

Nature's Variety is very good quality ;) I find it insanely expensive, though! ZOMG. It's good to start off on, though, until you get the hang of raw portions. Steve's is very cheap at my Whole Foods Market, less than $2.50/lb, and he doesn't eat much of it because he gets RMB's and kibble also.

It is fine for RMB's to be left in the grass or buried for a short while, with a cooked bone that wouldn't be good however. Gonzo likes to eat his bones in the grass and he sometimes leaves them there for an hour and goes back out later.

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Originally Posted by Pembroke_Corgi

Where do you find fresh bones that are big enough so they won't splinter and eat them?

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Cow femur bones at a local Asian market/butcher. You're bound to find one ;) Ask them to cut it into fourths or fifths depending on the size of the bone.

This is probably a stupid question but I was just wondering, when you feed raw (not the premade stuff) do you have to feed outside?? That's what I've been told by numerous people and was worried since I do not put my dogs outside in the winter just to eat...lol.

I don't put Visa outside. :) She doesn't make a mess, but she does like to put some of her food on the floor, so I make sure she eats in the kitchen (the other day, she kept bringing a whole fish onto my livingroom carpet -- I finally had to lock her out of the livingroom :rolleyes: ).

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Originally Posted by Orangutango

This is probably a stupid question but I was just wondering, when you feed raw (not the premade stuff) do you have to feed outside?? That's what I've been told by numerous people and was worried since I do not put my dogs outside in the winter just to eat...lol.

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What would be the reasoning for putting them outside?? No, Pearl eats inside with everyone else.

Bailey had half a duck today - he LOVED it! I got a 3 pound duck for $6.00! Duck is really inexpensive here. I am going to be switching him to RAW next payday. I calculated how much it would cost and it is much cheaper than dry kibble. The benefits of a raw diet are amazing! I talked to DH tonight and explained to him the benefits and the price difference. We are going to talk to our local butcher tomorrow to see what deals we can get.

I want to buy him quail, duck, chicken, turkey, beef and pork to start. Then I can give him some fish and lamb depending on how pricey it is. I am going to make his weekly feeding chart so I am more organized - then I can put his daily meals into a freezer bag and write the day he is going to get that particular meal.

I did ALOT of research and I am now finally prepared to go ahead and feed him a raw diet. :D

Woo hoo, that is great news! Bailey is gonna be one happy pup! :D :D

I feed outside, just because it's easier for me and my mom worries about bacteria in the house. If it's raining they take turns eating in the crate downstairs, then I clean it with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution.

I have a couple questions...

Can Bailey have raw tongue and pork hocks?

Do I need to add any supplements? Oils?

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Originally Posted by Orangutango

This is probably a stupid question but I was just wondering, when you feed raw (not the premade stuff) do you have to feed outside?? That's what I've been told by numerous people and was worried since I do not put my dogs outside in the winter just to eat...lol.

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It's not a stupid question at all. I put Finn outside on the patio to eat. When I first got him, I put him in his crate to eat, and, did that for probably the first six months or so. But, it's just easier to put him outside. :) it's completely up to you, though.

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Originally Posted by Crazy-Cat-Lover

I have a couple questions...

Can Bailey have raw tongue and pork hocks?

Do I need to add any supplements? Oils?

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I wouldn't think those would be an issue. Tongue may be really rich, though, and, without bone, his stool may be runny...maybe make sure he gets chicken bone that day sometime, too, to counteract? That's probably what I'd do. Pork hocks is something I'd feed. I haven't supplemented in a long time, but, once I move back to Texas, I'll probably start giving him a vitamin my vet there always recommends.

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Originally Posted by Crazy-Cat-Lover

I have a couple questions...

Can Bailey have raw tongue and pork hocks?

Do I need to add any supplements? Oils?

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If Bailey is not a gulper then pork hocks should be fine. I feed them to my crew. Here's Buck and Luka enjoying one ...
http://www.southernmutt.com/photos/raw/IMG_0096.jpg http://www.southernmutt.com/photos/raw/IMG_0104.jpg

Tongue is also fine. I haven't fed it yet, but probably will soon. I've heard it's really tough to cut - which is the main reason why I haven't bought it, the cow tongue's come whole here - and it's also tough and chewy for the dogs to eat (but I've heard that they love the taste).

Supplements aren't really needed unless if you're trying to target a specific problem. I supplement fish oil & vitamin E for Mandy and Nova because they have joint issues. The other two don't need anything. All the nutrients your dog needs is in his food, so there's really no reason to supplement unless if he's sick or something. :)

Oh by the way everyone - I found a raw feeding message board yesterday. Raw-Forums.com, you should all join! My username is Wiggle Butt :p

Thanks! Pork hocks are really cheap here and they are HUGE! His main meat will be chicken backs and necks, since I can get a package of two for $2.00.

Chicken backs and necks are kind of boney, so just watch for constipation. I'm off to go to the seafood market and then Publix - and I'm shopping for the dogs of course! :D