Reading a lot about checking poop, worrying about worms and what and how much to feed, and where to feed. Makes it sould complicated and a hassle to do. Does one always have to check the poop, or just in the begining? Is it easier after have done it for a while, the feeding, one then knows how much and what % of meat and bone to feed? Or does one just say give a whole chicken and let him eat as much as he wants?

Did you read the links to the articles about raw feeding?

http://leerburg.com/feedingdogs.htm

Where you read about worms in connection with raw feeding ... can you link us to that and we can point out the non-connection?

It seemed overwhelming to me too at first. You will find your own system and will be a pro at it in no time. I used to over analyze it and stress about doing it right. I checked the poop pretty often at first just to make sure they were looking normal, but after a while of normals, you wont have to check so often, unless you are walking and have to pick it up anyway. I used the menu leerburg posted as a guide after the chicken phase until I got the hang of it.

I'm not a nutrition expert and look to this website frequently for help. I feel that it might be helpful for you to hear the thought process of someone else who was once in your shoes.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

Does one always have to check the poop, or just in the begining?

I have always been interested in my dogs' poop after starting raw because it is very easy to recognize when something is not right but I do not check it on a routine basis.

I just brought a new puppy home on Wednesday. The puppy was previously eating kibble. So when I started her on raw I was looking for poops to guide me on how she was handling it and what to do next (credit to Connie Sutherland). It took her a while before her first poop but they were nice hard logs which is good. Had she had watery diarrhea I would have known (well I would have had to ask here) that I needed to make some adjustments.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

worrying about worms

I have no experience with worms so will not comment.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

what and how much to feed

Based on my experience, this can be intimidating to a first timer based on what types of food are available to you and based on your own personality.

I'm lucky I am able to choose from a large variety of foods and to order once a month in large quantities. There are great sample menus on this website that you can use as a guide and then when you feel comfortable you can start trying new things.

I'm anal so I still weigh food. Many people just know how to keep it balanced based on a whole prey animal(but not me).

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

where to feed

Since you'll be dealing with raw meat you'll definitely want to figure out ahead of time where you can safely feed. Also, if you have multiple dogs you'll probably want multiple places.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

Makes it sould complicated and a hassle to do

It does sound complicated and at first it sort of is. But just know that it won't be complicated for long. Once you figure out all of the above and implement, it will become a routine. It's definitely more complicated than throwing a bunch of kibble in a bowl but the benefits are remarkable. You won't regret it.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

Is it easier after have done it for a while, the feeding, one then knows how much and what % of meat and bone to feed? Or does one just say give a whole chicken and let him eat as much as he wants?

It is 100% easier after you have done it for a while.

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

Reading a lot about checking poop, worrying about worms and what and how much to feed, and where to feed. Makes it sould complicated and a hassle to do. Does one always have to check the poop, or just in the begining? Is it easier after have done it for a while, the feeding, one then knows how much and what % of meat and bone to feed? Or does one just say give a whole chicken and let him eat as much as he wants?

Don't worry about worms. Get the meat from reputable sources and freeze the wild stuff.

Worry when you see evidence of worms. Just as you would with a kibble fed dog. Even then, don't worry about them and simply treat them.:smile:

Feed the dog's where it is easiest for you. I prefer outside because that is easiest for me. Crates are easier for others. Nothing to think too much about, just whichever is easier.

I pay attention to poop, just because it is a good indicator of things I can't see. I don't obsess over it. I would pay more attention on a new raw fed dog, simply to learn the dog and how it does best being fed.

It does get easier and less worrisome once you get more comfortable with it. Anything is easier when you learn more about it.

im anxious to start raw feeding, do I really have to read first before starting, or can I start feeding and learn as I go along? thanks

From watching on this forum, I feel comfortable saying that those that research extensively prior to switching have less problems switching their dogs. And when a problem does arise they have the know how to correct it.

This is barring any of the sensitive switches we have had on here that no amount of knowledge would have made it any easier.....or dogs that were being fed mass quantities of treats behind the feeder's back

Thanks for the tip. What about raw dehydrated dog jerky? Can those be fed as a snack at the same time as kibble?

Ditto. Research prior to starting raw comes in handy when one encounters too-hard/loose stools and things of that nature. On the flip side, I most definitely took the learn-as-you-go route ... still am

Personally I think it's a good idea for owners new to raw feeding to use the 2-3% of ideal adult body weight formula to figure out the correct feeding amounts, and to use a scale to get a feel for what those amounts look like. Once I got used to how much each of my dogs needed to sustain ideal weight I did away with my scale. (actually, it broke and I decided I didn't need to replace it)

I've also recently started feeding The Honest Kitchen ... Awesome, Awesome, Awesome I can't speak highly enough of the stuff! It's made feeding *so* much easier for me. When I started a brand new career in banking (switch from dog training) I put my dogs back on a high quality kibble while I got my head into the game, within a month I ended up with one scratching dog, one dog with diarrhea issues, and one scratching dog with ear ucky ears and diarrhea issues ... everyone started developing plaque. It was ridiculous.

I couldn't do just the meat like I had the last few years, I don't have time anymore and can't guarantee enough variety, so I bought some THK to add to the chk neck and back base food to make sure they get everything they need. I can use beef/pork/fish/organs etc a couple times a week or whenever I can make it happen. Everyone's back to normal and I can feed my pack food that keeps them healthy without worrying or time issues.

I simply feed mine out on our deck, usually out of bowls, though there are nights I leave out the THK and just hand toss each dog larger portions meat/bone a couple of bite at a time (it's all about balance overall, not per meal)... this "hand feeding" is enjoyable in its own way

I agree with you, Kacie, about The Honest Kitchen.

I do all raw most of the time, but I wouldn't be without THK in the house both for emergencies and for travel or dog-sitters.

I also make it kind of thin once in a while and pour it over RMBs for a "gravy" that adds a load of variety to the bowl.

It's spendy, yes, but it really can't be beat for folks who want to go raw but aren't quite confident yet, to use as a "bridge." The package gives instructions for adding meat (and of course, the meat would be RMBs for this use).

http://leerburg.com/honestkitchen.htm

The stuff is great.

I use both Force and Embark (no grains; chicken and turkey).