Took puppy for introduction to vet. Healthy and fine - all was good then I asked the dreaded question, what do you think about feeding raw? The vet was actually neutral, said he didn't think it was bad but warned against high bacteria - salmonella in the feces and that coming in contact with it could be dangerous. He also said to consider puppy formula food to be sure he gets the right balance of phosphorous and nitrates so he grows properly. That of course made me think was I doing the right thing feeding raw. Vet didn't discourage and did give me an article about feeding raw but I just want to hear reassurance from those that do.

recent thread that covers this: http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/123964/page/4#Post123964

And this:

http://leerburg.com/feedingarawdiet.htm

And if you "search" using the term "raw" over, say, the last month, you'll come up with (minimum) six different threads answering exactly what you're asking.

The one John linked you to is almost word-for-word your post, but there are hundreds of encouraging threads about raw feeding here.

Good for you, by the way!

P.S. Doesn't anyone else find it ironic that the concern about the feces is based on feeding food sold in supermarkets for humans? Still, I agree with the vet: we should not eat dog poop. In fact, we should probably pick it up and dispose of it, no matter what we feed them.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

P.S. Doesn't anyone else find it ironic that the concern about the feces is based on feeding food sold in supermarkets for humans?

That's easily solved by cooking the poop thoroughly before eating it.

It only has to be cooked if you have children.

 Quote: AnitaGard

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

P.S. Doesn't anyone else find it ironic that the concern about the feces is based on feeding food sold in supermarkets for humans?

That's easily solved by cooking the poop thoroughly before eating it.

Now that is hilarious!

I would add that I was pleasantly surprised when I took my two cats in for a check up last week. No discouraging comments on the fact they were getting raw (pre-made), no problems when I told them I wanted to go to a minimal vacs scheldule (in fact, one of the office staff mentioned the fact that I could get titers done), and lots of comments on how well they looked.

I'll see what they say when the dogs go in next month!

 Quote: KatherineDurst

Took puppy for introduction to vet. Healthy and fine - all was good then I asked the dreaded question, what do you think about feeding raw? The vet was actually neutral, said he didn't think it was bad but warned against high bacteria - salmonella in the feces and that coming in contact with it could be dangerous. He also said to consider puppy formula food to be sure he gets the right balance of phosphorous and nitrates so he grows properly. That of course made me think was I doing the right thing feeding raw. Vet didn't discourage and did give me an article about feeding raw but I just want to hear reassurance from those that do.

Katherine,

I think you may have found a decent vet here. The fact that they didn't put you off feeding raw, AND expressed concern about ratios indicates to me that this vet may know what they are about! The concerns the vet has with regards the ratios of phosphorous and nitrates are SPOT ON IMO (although I always thought it was mainly Calcium and phosphorus that were the important balance but hey), as a poorly formed raw diet is worse than kibble.

Other concerns re bacteria and Salmonela etc are subjective and you can have these problems without a dog if your not careful.

I think that for normal people who clean up after themselves this is not a major problem, of course it can still happen even to the most careful but it would be rare in that case I think.

I posted a link the other day with some very nice info that might help you out!
http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/124891/page/2#Post124891

What I enjoyed about feeding raw was not only knowing that this is a better option than feeding kibble or compnay dog food (IMO) but also seeing how much my dog enjoyed eating his meals! This for me was the clincher for raw.

Do your homework and you'll be fine!

HTH

John

Thanks everyone! I have actually read all those sites before - I think its more that "expert" in front of me being more influential than ALL the other info I have read on my own. Silly I know! We actually switched Ranger over while we were travelling home and he was outstanding.....cast iron stomach and boy did he go after those chicken wings the day after we got back. It was a beautiful (and hilarious) sight.

My vet is really reasonable - he's relatively young and was telling me is finishing up his Penn hip certification. He has offered to find and give me articles on raw feeding and health related issues for GSD. He loves the breed and just thought Ranger was adorable. He's also supportive about my concerns with vaccinations.

I appreciate everyones support!