I've thought a TON about raw, and I've decided against it. The risk is simply too great, there are a ton of kids in my neighboorhood whose parents are...let's say...not overprotective. If Toby defecates Salmonella one of them could get it. Or if it was on his feet or tongue.

I'm probably gonna eventually do homecooked, but I'm gonna have to do more research. There are a ton of things that have to remain balanced...Omega 3 and Omega 6...Calcium and Phosphorus...and all those vitamins! I just don't want to get the balance wrong.

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I've thought a TON about raw, and I've decided against it.....

This food is dehydrated raw......... low enough temps so it's not cooked to death for the dog, and high enough to kill pathogens. You can add meat, eggs, cottage cheese, fish, or anything else you like:
http://www.leerburg.com/honestkitchen.htm

Best thing since sliced bread. I use it for travel and for empty-freezer days........... and I am not a commercial dog food purchaser! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I know several people who use it full-time, and who love the results. I think it's great for someone who wants to feed food that's not grain-heavy, baked and extruded, or canned, but isn't quite ready for raw.

I would definately do that, if I could afford to spend $200 a month on dog food. Hopefully I'll eventually be able to. I don't even spend that much to feed myself. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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I would definately do that, if I could afford to spend $200 a month on dog food. Hopefully I'll eventually be able to. I don't even spend that much to feed myself. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Wow, I don't think it costs that much! Are you figuring on *just* the Force or Embark with no add-ins? Because adding RMBs (in your case, cooked items) lowers the product amount a lot.

I look at THK as being the balance part of balanced when I can't do my own raw. I mean, I take it it small baggies, put the RMBs from the cooler into the dish, and rehydrate the THK to pour over it. I realize THK is complete in itself, but it's designed to allow add-ins, limited only by your imagination.

BTW, if you ever decide to go the cooked food route, let me know and I'll get you some recipes. I had a dog who had a compromised immune system and whose food I home-cooked. I used homemade meats and produce with bone powder. It's not a very complicated deal; there are books detailing precise recipes and canine requirements.

It's true that fresh raw "comes" in the ratios that dogs need, which makes it pretty simple -- but it's no more difficult for the owner to follow a balanced recipe than it is for Purina, and the owner won't be filling the pot with cheap grains, by-products, and leftover restaurant frying fat.

Short of that, I believe that canned foods can be a good idea. California Naturals, Newman's Organics, Wellness, and others make good products with human-grade ingredients and no junk. (There are others, too.) Your pup might really prefer a canned food (or a mixture); I have heard and read that many dogs do.