I have several books on natural feeding for dogs including ones by Dr. Billinghurst and Kymythy Schultz. A few years ago I dog sat for a friend whose dog was 13 yrs old at the time. The dog was lethargic, acting generally unhealthy and they were afraid they were going to have to have him put to sleep soon.

I decided to put him on a raw diet and used Kymythy's Schultz's book for the recipes (at the time that's the only book I had). I took care of Marshmallow (yes, that was his name) for two weeks. At the end of that time, he was a different dog. My friends asked what I'd done and I told them about the diet. They then kept him on a homemade diet. They didn't actually feed raw but even the cooked diet they fed him was better than the diet of commercial food they'd formerly fed.

BTW Marshmallow lived several more years, finally passing over to the next world at 18 years of age. Needless to say, when I finally get my long-awaited puppy s/he'll be on a raw diet.

I know what you mean, Toni. Right now, while I study up on RAW, I am feeding my puppy 50% kibble (innova puppy food until it runs out then EVO) and 50% frozen RAW (I know....that website said don't feed that either) and supplementing with a little nu-pet granular greens and salmon oil and plain yogurt. She's 9 weeks old, and had pudding poop for 4 days which immediately changed to logs when I added the frozen RAW...that's enough proof for me to say raw is better.

After reading up, I think I would be ok in replacing some of her frozen raw with a chicken wing, but I'm not sure how much of her food to replace it with. Would it be ounce for ounce? Feedback on that, anyone?

I REALLY want to go all RAW but need to do more research and buy a freezer. The frozen raw isn't "too" expensive right now, but she's only 7 lbs, and it will get expensive. Too expensive to do 100%.

Even though that website was against supplements and veggi's and some other things, I feel it is WAY more on target than the other website that endorses a high carb diet...What the ????

Hi,
I am in the UK and after a lot of research switched my GSD's to a raw diet 'cold turkey'.

It took a little while for them to adjust..mince was OK chicken wigs and back took a little while.

Compared to kibble it takes a little extra planning but you quickly get into the routine of thawing the next meal....a freezer is a must to keep costs down.

I use the local buthcher ( you need to find one who prepairs their own chicken) for free chicken wings/backs and http://www.landywoods.co.uk for minces /green tripe etc.....

Health benifits show up quickly...mainly my stiff shepherd is far more youthfull and energetic.....wish I had switched to raw years ago......only downside is my 13 year old daughter thinks it is gross........but admits it is better for them.

PM me if you need any advice.

john

PS don't over analyze the change to raw...I did and it is needless...if they look thin feed more ..if they look fat cut back...my two now look ripped...like a human body builders is the best way I can describe it. Very healthy looking

Very good advice here!

I just want to add that my dogs both had a hard time with turkey, but did fine with pork/beef/and chicken. I'm not sure if the turkey has less smell to it or something? One of them still won't eat turkey unless I cut it open a little.