Hi all raw feeding experts. Our GSD bitch Kimba is now in heat, and we plan to breed her. She recently came home from her trainer after getting her SchH1. She was on Bill Jack there - we switched her to raw + supplements recommended/purchased here on October 8. (no problems with the switch other than having to cut up the chicken pieces for the first few days)

We just got home from a 5 day trip where we fed Honest Kitchen re-hydrated to all of our dogs (combo of Force and Embark). They all did well.

While THK is more expensive per meal than our regular raw diet, I am quite sure it achieves a better balance than we do, especially with the variety of veggie/fruit content. (I'm guilty of getting into the Chicken + Carrots + supplements rut).

Also, Kimba will be staying with the owner of the male for the actual breeding. They are not raw feeders yet - although I'm working on that! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> So I think THK would be a more convenient and complete alternative to ensure a good diet for the week or so she is staying elsewhere.

Both in the short term, and also through the hopeful pregnancy, whelping and nursing phase, we want to make sure Kimba's diet is as healthy and well balanced as humanly (or dogly) possible. We are willing to invest in THK (whichever formula would be most optimal under these circumstances) and also make sure we are supplementing properly for a pregnant bitch.

With RMB's (no THK) we normally include chicken liver and chicken gizzards several times a week, Grizzly Salmon Oil, Vit E, Kelp and Alfalfa (sold here), the joint formula (sold here) and Olewo rehydrated carrots. We feed fish once a week (usually canned mackerel).

When we fed THK only (no RMB's) on the road, we supplemented with Grizzly Salmon Oil and Vit E.

Here are my questions:

1) Does THK sound like a good idea for the time that Kimba is with the stud owner? Which Formula might be best, and what supplements in addition to Salmon Oil and Vit E should we consider when feeding THK?

2) Once Kimba is hopefully, successfully bred and home, would it be wise to stay with THK and maybe some RMB through her pregnancy/whelping/nursing for the better balance? I also read here that shortly before expected whelp date, we should stop feeding bones.

3) What additional supplements are recommended for pregnant bitches? (I read here Folic Acid, but am not sure about the correct source)

Any input from those who are experienced with raw, and also are familiar with THK and how all of this might tie into breeding would be greatly appreciated!!

(and of course I have the "raw feeding puppies" section book marked - don't want to jinx anything by asking a zillion questions about that just yet!)

Many thanks as always,

Beth

Beth,
THK website suggests embark for pregnancy. Other then that I will leave the rest to the gurus. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Steve. I suspected that the Embark formula might be best for these circumstances. Thanks for the additional confirmation!

I need to place an order, but am hoping I can place one - for more Embark & Grizzly oil, plus whatever additional supplements are recommended.

I will admit I had major butterflies in my stomach today when I saw *blood.* (this is not the first heat cycle I have dealt with - just the first time with a goal of breeding) How funny it happened on Halloween. I won't forget when THIS heat cycle got underway any time soon!

I didn't mention this in my initial post, but in case it's important.... Kimba is an open Pyo survivor (both her life and her uterus). I've tried to do my homework, and to the best I can tell after speaking with a number of breeders (various breeds) and breeder friendly vets, this is not (at least now) considered a genetic issue. I HAVE been told by many that for my dog's health (assuming we hope to keep her uterus, which we do) that she really should be successfully bred this time around.

I'm not sure that additional info about the Pyo has much to do with the healthiest feeding program for her, but just in case...

Thanks,
Beth

Hi Beth,

we feed our pregnant females here pretty much the same as the rest of the dogs with the addition of extra RMB's (very meaty pieces like leg 1/4s). I read somewhere that many people mistakenly increase the rations of the bitch AFTER breeding, when you should increase them a bit before breeding. The body is most apt to conceive when "times are good". (i.e. a little extra body weight on the breeding female) I have tried to follow this because it makes perfect sense and has worked so far. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I start increasing the number of meals per day, in about the 7th week. I feed 2 smaller meals AM and PM, instead of one large meal. once the female gets really big, I feed 3 or 4 small meals per day.

about 4 or 5 days before whelping, I cut the bones way back. I feed more meat, eggs and liver if the bitch wants them.
some of the girls absolutely start refusing food they normally love, and will eat things they refused before pregnancy. I let them eat what they want to, within reason. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I do make sure the girls get some Embark or Force everyday, and add extra Salmon oil. Some people use raspberry leaves for pregnant and nursing dogs, but I haven't a lot of experience with that. It is said to make whelping easier and help with milk production.

Beth, NOW you have the word from the breeder-AND-raw-feeder guru! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Cindy, thank you so much. I wish I would have asked sooner as we tend to keep our dogs on the leaner side - I should have increased her food a few weeks ago. I hope it's not too late.

A couple more questions when feeding Embark + some RMB's:

Would you still add (any or none of) the kelp, alfalfa, joint complex, Vit E, and a raw egg every other day? (we will continue the Salmon Oil)

ETA: Do you make any adjustments to the training of your dogs early in the pregnancy - or just later when they are bigger and less comfortable? Right now we are "teaching me" to handle her - so we do light tracking, drive based obedience work (just two toy play with sits, downs, heeling etc. worked in - no retrieves over meter wall/A frame yet for me & her) and some grip work on a soft sleeve.

Many thanks!

Beth

Hi there - I'm welcoming all feedback on feeding and other activities as (hopeful!) breeding occured last week. The best tie was exactly 1 week ago.

We are feeding Embark + one or two RMB parts depending on size. (i.e. a leg and a thigh or fish). We also include 3 squirts of Grizzly Salmon Oil, and a 400IU (I think I got that right, but I may need to check if that sounds off) Vit E capsule. Does that sound right / decent? (side note: while we are home, the other dogs are not getting the Embark component - they get RMB's + a veggie mix which includes carrots (I need to include more variety) and the kelp and alfalfa and Grizzly oil and joint complex sold here, and a Vit E tablet). All of them get a raw egg with shell every other day.

MAN now that Kimba is back home, I think I'm starting to understand what Dave means when he says he likes a REALLY pushy dog. She doesn't push for "pet me" type attention - petting satisfies her for less than 30 seconds. She pushes to DO STUFF!! And when out of her crate she does NOT let up. So..we're back to vigorous rounds of 2-toy with OB worked mixed in every day, and I think she'll be back to lite bite work next training day. I'm really proud of my show line girl!

All feedback welcome...

Beth

Good luck!

Beth,
That is awesome that your female got her SChutz 1!
Sorry I have no input on the pregnancy diet, but I had to congrats on your title!