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May 24, 2011

My dog seems to constantly be hungry. I am thinking about switching to raw, what are your thoughts on the situation?

Full Question:

Hi,

I'm sure you don't remember me, but I have been using all your DVDs, website info, toys, leashes, etc...ever since Jake, my Lab, was 8 weeks old. You are fabulous. People ask who trained him, and I say I did through you! :) I can't thank you enough.

The big question: Are dogs more satisfied on a raw diet?

Jake eats a cup of Sold Gold (Premium dry food) twice a day. He constantly licks his empty bowl. Sometimes he returns to the kitchen, I suspect to look for food. I give him raw soup marrow bones to satisfy his chewing urge, and he LOVES them. (But still acts hungry)

I know that Labs like to eat (some non-stop), but I suspect that he is really hungry; one night I gave in and fed him a good amount of freshly cooked turkey breast, and we all noticed that he was MUCH calmer that night. He was relaxed. By the way, he gets plenty of exercise, at least 1 hour of fast exercise and two other walks a day.

How the vet expects us to ignore this in order to get him to lose 4 pounds is beyond me. If he cared for Jake for one day, he would see what I am trying to tell him. I am going to switch to a raw diet like the one you feed your dogs. Do you think he will feel more satisfied and happier? Please help; what does it sound like to you?

Best wishes and Happy New Year,
Cherie

Cindy's Answer:

I truly believe ANY animal fed a species appropriate diet is more satisfied.

I'll give you this to think about.... You could have a nice meal, of whatever your favorite food is...say a steak, potato and salad. OR you could have a little cup of pellets that had been processed to death.

Kibble is processed and much of the nutrition that WAS there before it was cooked and extruded, has been destroyed. This is just one aspect of feeding. Your dog will be so much happier to chew and tear REAL food, as opposed to eating a bowl of pellets.

Many dogs slim down on a raw diet because they are no longer eating the carb laden kibble. Dogs have no nutritional need for carbs like we do.

Our horses eat hay year round, because horses are meant to eat grasses. We don't feed our horses processed pellets either, like so many vets recommend.

Species appropriate is the phrase to keep in mind.

User Response:

Hi Cindy and Ed,

Cindy, your advice was great. I started the Raw diet yesterday, and Jake loves it. He just gobbled down his breakfast - a first for us! :)

Question: I know that you are located in Wisconsin. I live in Illinois, the north suburbs of Chicago, close to Wisconsin. Do you know of any suppliers somewhat close to me that might provide a good price if I buy in bulk? I looked on the Internet, but most are way out of state and the shipping is exorbitant. I will also check the yellow pages.

Many thanks. I'm very excited about this! Yesterday I ordered your DVD, Eat, Drink, and Wag your Tail.

Best,
Cherie

Cindy's Answer:

Here is a yahoo group devoted to helping people find suppliers

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CarnivoreFeed-Supplier/

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