Hi All,

I've told a few people about the change to raw, but am picking and choosing who to tell because I just don't want to hear it. But my husband did tell his friend who is a long-time dog owner, and avid hunter who trains his dogs to retrieve. He's a smart guy and a great trainer. We told Bob because he has a Cesky Fousek puupy the same age as Cali, and his old-school dog trainer convinced him to put her on Purina Puppy Chow. Ugh. To me, that's like poison in a bowl. We were hoping that conversation about this might open him up to, if not switching to raw, then thinking about her food a little more.

Anyway, when my husband told him, his response was, "Good luck, and be sure to tell Linda that dogs in the wild only live 4-5 years, so be prepared for that." He was obviously implying that this regimen will shorten her lifespan, if not kill her. I certainly know that's not true, but this seems to incite some emotional reaction in other dog owners.

How do you respond to people who don't understand, or are quick to tell you you're insane for feeding raw? Do you just keep quiet about it for the most part. I'm thinking that's the best approach.

Just tell 'em it's what dogs should eat, they are built for it. We should also eat better as humans and not so much processed foods and crap in a takeout bag.

Everyone should watch the movie "SuperSize Me".

I never know what to say either. The other day picking up my chicken backs, a lady buying her own meat asked me what I used them for. I said, "Oh, I'm a raw feeder. For my dogs." The look she gave me was priceless as she slowly walked to the other side of the counter. It was pretty funny, actually.

I'm prepared for some bad comments though.

Im sure that dogs in the wild (and is he refring to wolves or stray dogs????)
if, by chance, they do expire at 4 or 5 years of age, has absolutely nothing to do with their diet!!
(and i dont' even feed raw, but i will advocate for it!)
His train of thought is way off. And I wouldn't really take to heart the thought's of someone who think's Purina Dog Food is ok to feed.

 Quote: Katie Finlay

I'm prepared for some bad comments though.

I think this is all you can really do.

Some people will not be convinced. Sometimes its ignorance of the subject, and they REALLY believe you are wrong and they are right.

Others its fear. Feeding bones to a dog when your whole life you've been told it will shred their intestines is scary. It is sometimes easier to just defend your current choices. Or how so many people know that their dogs are not going to turn blood thirsty, but it is still hard to un-learn years of hearing something.

I've resigned to just letting my dog do the talking.:smile: He is still alive.

 Quote: Wendy Lefebvre

Im sure that dogs in the wild (and is he refring to wolves or stray dogs????)
if, by chance, they do expire at 4 or 5 years of age, has absolutely nothing to do with their diet!!

Absolutely!

Life in the wild is tough. No vet care. No shelter. No such thing as a steady supply of food. Other animals that want to kill you. No comparison.

So far, I haven't run into any negative comments, just surprised ones and curious ones. One day checking out at the grocery store with a cart full of pork neck bones, turkey necks and chicken leg quarters, the young check out gal's eyes got pretty big when I started unloading all the meat. I just chuckled and said "yeah, my dogs eat better than I do - what is wrong with THIS picture?" She asked some questions but said "well, it makes sense, doesn't it?"

My family and friends haven't been negative, although some probably think its a bit weird. A few act grossed out, a few impressed... pretty much a cross section - excluding negative - so far.

It wouldn't bother me a bit if someone thought I was doing the wrong thing however, not in the least.

I also get mostly curious or confused reactions. Actually, the only negative comments (beside the bio mom of my step kids, who tells them that my practices of raw feeding, crating and bite work are going to turn our dogs vicious, literally like sharks with the taste of blood, but she has ulterior motives&hellip come from people who feel that their choice of feeding kibble is being attacked. They feel the need to defend themselves, but often have no solid information to stand on. This is the main reason I advocate the honey vs. vinegar method of talking to people about raw feeding.

It really is quite foreign to most people. They have been marketed to for years about the benefits of kibble and rumors spread about chicken bones. On top of that, their vets often tell them it is dangerous and could kill their dogs. I don’t blame people at all… Hopefully with gentle and understanding explanations they will see the science and understand that what we are doing is safe and healthy. I don’t expect others to change just because of my feeding style, or even to agree. I just want them to have their eyes opened and consider that this may be a healthy alternative to kibble.

Really the worst that I've encountered is folks trying to convince me that it would be healthier if I cooked the food. Of course there are others that think I'm cruelly starving my dog by denying him grains in his diet, which they believe should be just like a human's.

My usual comment to this last is "Of COURSE they should eat just like people....that's why our teeth are exactly the same. Why, we're practicably the same species!"

Sarcasm, I know, but it works.

My answer when someone asks and then comes back with a negative comment is:

"How about I feed my dogs how I want and I will permit you to do the same. Call me in 5 years and we can compare vet bills and overall health of our dogs at that point. Are you game?"