Hypothyroid - Weight issue

[DrKym]

Trust me she wont accidentally do anything with her mouth! I raised Rotties for 22 yrs. If you decide to go RAW use up the kibble first they dont mix! Raw food is digested easier, so it passes quicker for one thing, and it takes at least 24 hours for all kibble to be eliminated, when I am starting any new dog on the diet I fast them for 36 hours. They of course think they are starving but they seem to always quickly forgive me when they realize they are getting the yummies the other dogs get!

As for tug toys, I don't reccommend them for owners that are unsure about their pack status, I always make sure the dog knows basic obedience, and if the dog seems to think that it is their toy, a sit and then a command of give (and yes if need be I manually extract it) a reward for give , a pat or a an enthusiatic GOOD DOG! Ends the game, you are Alpha by default. If you are that unsure of Bear, definetley contact a local obedience instructor or join a class. Rotties are smart dogs that love to learn, they do think, and they need a firm but gentle hand. In that scenario they will thrive.

Feel free to PM if I can help in any other way.

[mike001]

Dr.Goodnow----I feed my dogs raw and have for many years. It actually costs me very little. I get all the butcher's scrap for free, when they slaughter a cow or pig I get all the bones with meat on them, pigs feet,ears, beef and pork tongues etc and lots of chicken backs which is excellent for raw feeding. I buy day old vegies on sale and juice these up with liver as roughage. I have never had a problem with raw, no vet bills, no need to have teeth cleaned etc.

[DrKym]

Mike I have been Feeding Raw since 1979, I am well aware of its' benefits! lol.
I too find it better for the dogs and cheaper to feed. However the fact remains that Raw and kibble do not mix well, and dogs are prone to upset tummies if mixed as a diet.

If you choose to feed a good quality kibble then by all means do so, but if you decide to go with Raw, then finish the kibble off , fast the dogs , and introduce the new diet slowly and with the easier to digest foods first.