Connie: could you remind us again of the dangers of all muscle meats and no bones? what are some of the things that can happen to our dogs? I know this seems obvious, but it is always good to be reminded and especially for those who are just beginning to feed raw diet.
Thanks Sharon

 Quote: michelle berdusco

I respect him in so many areas. He has two horses in training with my husband. Last year he talked me OUT of not vaccinating, just titering. This year I will not be swayed. (I am not good at conflict).

No more vaccinations or kibble for my crew.

I respect my vet, too. I really do. But when he was in vet school, he had two years of classes and two years of internships when he had to learn everything he could about the systems, illnesses, medications, surgeries...not just on dogs, but on MULTIPLE SPECIES. He was given 2 WEEKS on canine nutrition in a class that was sponsored by Science Diet and Purina (by his own admission).

I, on the other hand, have much more time to devote to learning about the canine diet and I actively research it almost daily since there is so much to learn. And, I'd be willing to bet I've read about and spoken to WAY more case studies on the subject. I wouldn't say I'm an expert on the raw diet, but I certainly know more about it than my vet.

So while I do respect my vet...in the area of nutrition, I respect ME more!

What it really comes down to, for me, is that I wouldn't be feeding it if I hadn't done my homework. So I'm a little offended by anyone who hasn't done the same amount of research telling me I don't know what I'm doing. And that's why I'm willing to argue with a vet if I have to. Yes, of course they have superior knowledge about animal medicine. But they don't know about nutrition. An honest vet will admit that. It's a sign of their lack of continuing education that many vets haven't even heard of the AAFCO certified patties that are selling like meat hotcakes at the pet store a block away from their practice!

I respect a vet who, instead of just saying, "NO!!!" to my feeding the raw diet, will at least say, "Why?"

Even if he doesn't agree with me in the end, I appreciate the respect given to me as an intelligent person who cares deeply about her dogs by at least listening to what I have to say. I've always had a good relationship with my vet and he has always taken the time to explain the whys of what he does and says and he encourages me do the same. And again, I know I'm lucky...I know not all vets are like that.

And if other people don't want to deal with crap from their vets about it, I do understand that. Some vets won't ever get it, and some people just don't want to spend that long in a vet's office, debating!

But some vets are starting to come around because some people DO tell them. And I didn't know that there were vets actually selling the raw diet. I think that's wonderful and I can't wait until it spreads to my little town.

I have heard conflicting answers on this, but since you've done a lot of research. What do you think about kids and the raw diet (not feeding it to the kids feeding to dogs around kids.)

My dogs inevitably lick my son, often in the face or mouth, and I want to go raw, but I'm worried about salmonella and other germs. I'm also pregnant and worry that there would be germs everywhere.

 Quote: Vanessa Dibernar

What do you think about kids and the raw diet (not feeding it to the kids feeding to dogs around kids.)

My dogs inevitably lick my son, often in the face or mouth, and I want to go raw, but I'm worried about salmonella and other germs. I'm also pregnant and worry that there would be germs everywhere.

I wouldn't worry about Salmonella or other germs. It's no different feeding your dog raw then it is preparing chicken for your own dinner. Clean your surfaces accordingly. If you feed your dogs in the crate, it's pretty easy to clean the surface they were eating on.

The dogs licking your children isn't going to spread Salmonella any more then them holding an egg will. Probably not even that much. Believe me, dogs get into a lot worse than fresh raw food!

Germs are a fact of life, sure. But following basic hygiene protcols will be more than enough to keep you and your family safe. And the benefits will be wonderful!

Maybe you could use one of those Chlorhexidine rinses or pads after eating.

Amber is right, germs are everywhere. I would bet you and your family are in much more danger from the handle of a shopping cart at Wal Mart or a movie theater seat than from dog kiss regardless of their diet.

My family unknowingly lived with Salmonella for about a month. My pup was NOT raw-fed at the time. We all got tons of slobbery puppy kisses and not one of us got sick...not even my BF, who has cancer and has a less-than-optimal immune system. :wink:

Wash your hands, spray down surfaces that come into contact with raw meat and you should be fine.

 Quote: Sarah Morris

My family unknowingly lived with Salmonella for about a month. My pup was NOT raw-fed at the time. We all got tons of slobbery puppy kisses and not one of us got sick...not even my BF, who has cancer and has a less-than-optimal immune system. :wink:

Wash your hands, spray down surfaces that come into contact with raw meat and you should be fine.

I would add to this the fact that dogs lick their own and other dogs' butts (and many eat poop). The kind of food they get is not my overriding thought when deciding whether or not to french-kiss the dogs.

I'm with Cindy that I am a lot more concerned about microbes that are foreign to my household (the shopping cart is a good example) than the ones that everyone in the house has been living with and built up immunity to.

 Quote: Sharon Empson

Does anyone here use distilled water or boil their water for their dogs? It never accured to me until I read Sue's post. There are so many contaminates in our water. I use a water filter, but is that enough? WOuld be interested to hear from people who boil their water for their dogs. How important is it?
Should I be doing that?

God bless
Sharon

I don't boil the tap water but I do give bottled water instead, because I am concerned about the fluoride, chlorine and chemical pollutants in the tap water.

I am on well water here so I do not do anything and I take several gallons with me when I travel or give bottled.