i've been feeding alex a home prepped diet since dec 2000. it is not cheaper for him, but the health improvemnets have been worth it. it is a time commiment. i started raw, but switched to canned jack mackrel as his(and peanuts) main protein source. they do get occasional subsitutions of cottage cheese, eggs , yogurt and raw chicken necks (chopped into small pieces). the book bones and raw foods, and natural health for dogs and cats are a good starting point as well as a web search. there are many groups on yahoo of raw feeders who can give advice. hope this helps