I told my vet after a year when he finally asked, "Your dogs are really healthy and look great, what do you feed them?"

As I have told before, he is okay with it, just does not promote because so many people feed it incorrectly.

I know a gal who states, "I put dogs on raw when they come to me to clean out their system and then they go on Pro Plan......"

I am not going to argue with her about it since she is a staunch "Purina puts millions into research blah blah blah...."

I love her to death, but it is frustrating because the idea of raw is hamburger or chicken....that's it. No thought to anything else. It is sad.

If only people could see that the millions of dollars that they think is going to research is actually going to marketing......

People who feed raw do need to tell their vets about it, I totally agree with that. It is a shame that they feel they have to feed in secret for fear of getting the "dreaded talk" from their vets.

 Quote: amber morgan

I KNOW that there are many more people out there with success stories fromt the raw diet (just scan the posts here on LB), but I wish that the vets got to HEAR more of these. I know that you have to put up with a bucket of crap from the vet when you first tell them, but doesn't anyone agree with me that the more good they see, the more their eyes will be opened?

I HATE to think that the glowing coats, disappearing hot spots, increased energy, better tooth condition, etc...are all being viewed by vets as a result of the kibble they THINK their clients are feeding their dogs.

Very good post Amber. I agree that we should all be vocal about it. Completely agree. For the most part, I am vocal when someone brings up the topic but your point about it being the vet that should really know, I can't say enough how right you are.

Since my dog had allergies that couldn't be contained at the time, he sold me Hills Science Diet. I actually bought the stuff. He told me it was the best stuff out there. We finished one big bag. No improvement. I bought another bag (God, I was an idiot). I then returned the unopened 2nd bag and told my vet that instead I'd be feeding him raw.

He instantly put on his obnoxious, judgmental, Oh-please-I-know-way-more-than-you-do-about-your-dog-and-a-healthy-diet face and asked two questions:

"What exactly are you giving him?" and "What vitamins and minerals is he getting?"

When I told him what I'd be feeding him and the wealth of information I'm gaining from other raw diet dog owners he took on a very condescending tone and told me, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet." When I didn't respond to his stupid statement, he continued with all the dogs he sees that need emergency surgery due to having eaten bones.

I changed vets.

The vet I've used for about 10 yrs. knows I've been raw feeding my previous dog and the current one for about 7 yrs. He will always comment on how healthy she looks, but flat out says he won't recommend a raw diet to others. And when we were exploring causes for scratching and itching, he tried to sell me on his special kibble. His new partner seems a little more tolerant of raw, but not much.

I wouldn't expect trained doctors to convert to advocating raw feeding based on anecdotal evidence from patients or the appearance of their dogs. And we know there's literally no scientific research or studies to back up our choice. It makes sense to me that it's difficult for veterinary medicine to get behind something that's has no major commercial or scientific support and has so many variations. With "crap in a bag," all the crap is clearly identified, measured and defined - no variables there. But take 100 owners who feed raw or home cook for their dogs and how many will be feeding the same menu? Remember how confusing and overwhelming it was when you first started raw feeding? What happens if a vet tells someone they should start feeding raw? Who'll be around to hold the owner's hand through the first few weeks/months? The vet certainly won't be informed enough help out, let alone have the time to do it. So the easy way out is crap in a bag.

I'd be happy if they just mention to owners that there are alternatives to commercial diets and that the owners could do the research and make their own decision. And again, we know 98% of owners won't bother, but at least a seed would be planted that might eventually help increase an awareness and acceptance of raw feeding.

Mike

My dogs regular vet is like Carols - he thinks it's great for my dog, but doesn't actively promote it because he worries most people will get it wrong.

My veterinary oncologist feeds RAW to her own dogs and recommends it to her clients for their dogs.

 Quote: Natalya Zahn

I usually mention it early on, make it clear I've done my research, then move on to the exam at hand without giving them any indication of weakness of conviction,

Thats the key.

When I go to the vet it is usually for a problem. Not the best time to prove someone wrong about commercial diets.

All the more reason to remember those little check-ups so that they can see my dog more often in a healthy state.

 Quote: mike armstrong

...What happens if a vet tells someone they should start feeding raw? Who'll be around to hold the owner's hand through the first few weeks/months? The vet certainly won't be informed enough help out, let alone have the time to do it. So the easy way out is crap in a bag....

Right!! And as lazy as people are when it comes to their pets, its just easier to feed crap in a bag. Lol.. should be a new kibble name. "For your best friend's optimum health and a happy long life, feed crap in a bag! " LOL.

I've only had to take my dog to the vet once since she's been on raw (started May '07). Before that, even on Canidae, I had taken her in at least 3 times due to what I thought was a MCT and some hair falling out. After raw, those issues never came back. She is very healthy and everyone say's she is the softest dog they've ever petted. On the last visiit, when I told the vet she was on raw, I got an earful, but also gave an earful. I knew I was going to hear that crap so I had all my rebuttals. I was trying to be nice, but felt attacked, and when I left they tried to sell me a bag of science diet. I have been looking for a new vet ever since.

I have tried to sell the raw diet to friends and family, but it just seems too hard or they don't agree with it. I at least got them all to switch their dogs to Canidae. I introduced my brother in law to Leerburg and he's sold on Ed's training and the raw diet for his new Rottie pup. 1 down, 99 to go.

like Michael, I only go for the occasional problem or rabies vacc.
usually the problem was Lady's hot spots-She always had to get an injection because she could go from normal to a fist size, hairless bleeding raw spot in a matter of hours.
However, I havent had that problem and am proud of how great their teeth are, their coat and the TOTAL lack of doggy smell, thankyouverymuch.
I used to go to an ancient country vet who I swear couldnt see but still did a good job, he was very accepting (he probably still thought feeding horse meat was an option :winkI mean that as a compliment...
unfortunatly he passed away and the new vet is very impersonal and very judgmental about the lack of vaccination!

 Quote: mike armstrong

I wouldn't expect trained doctors to convert to advocating raw feeding based on anecdotal evidence from patients or the appearance of their dogs.

Yeah, I don't ever see a vet *advocating* a raw diet...not in the near future anyway, for all of the reasons you mentioned.

Right now, I just want more vets who are reasonable, open-minded, tolerant and not so immediately judgemental. One vet at a time, I guess! Right now I'm happy with a vet that doesn't say "NO!!" and is starting to say, "Well...maybe!"

One of the vets I use sells a raw diet right in the office, so I would say that's 'advocating'

Dr. Levy
Blaine, MN

 Quote: Cindy Easton Rhodes

One of the vets I use sells a raw diet right in the office, so I would say that's 'advocating'

Dr. Levy
Blaine, MN

That's fantastic! Wish I was that lucky. What raw diet does he sell, just out of curiosity. As the patties and premade diets are becoming more and more popular, I'm wondering which one a pro-raw vet prefers. Or does he make his own to sell?