Feeding Raw

[tonidaly]

i didn't want to start a new raw thread cause there are so many on raw. i've been reading all the various threads on raw diet. I am not debating the fact that a raw diet is more natural and nutrious for a dog. I have a couple concerns and it would be great if anyone was interested in addressing it:

1. A dog in the wild would eat raw food. But, the meat we purchase has been processed. Who knows what all has been done to it. The animals have probably been pumped with steroids and chemicals. i don't know that i trust it to be safe for my dogs. (probably isn't that good for me, but i guess i feel better since i cook it).

2. Of course i would feed them outside, but i have concerns about bacteria and germs being spread wherever they eat and contaminating my home.

Does anyone else have (or had) these concerns? Any input would be appreciated.

oh, and i live in a fairly small city in florida, so we don't really have "butcher shops." i buy my meat in the grocery store.

[binka_nugget]

1. A dog in the wild would eat raw food. But, the meat we purchase has been processed. Who knows what all has been done to it. The animals have probably been pumped with steroids and chemicals. i don't know that i trust it to be safe for my dogs. (probably isn't that good for me, but i guess i feel better since i cook it).

I worry about this myself.. but then again, I don't think most kibbles use non-medicated meats. It's still a big step up. You can also just buy the non-medicated meats at your local store.. though I'd imagine it'd get really expensive after a while.

2. Of course i would feed them outside, but i have concerns about bacteria and germs being spread wherever they eat and contaminating my home.

I used to worry too! But now I realize that as long as you use common sense, there will be very little risk of cross contamination. My dogs are fed inside. Kai eats in his crate, Kaedyn eats on the kitchen floor. I'm about to pick up a couple dollar store carpet pieces for Kaedyn to eat on because he seems to prefer carpet, and I won't have to keep mopping the floor after he eats. I just make sure to always wash my hands after handling raw meat, and I don't allow puppy kisses after meals anymore.