I am a humble, simple dog owner with a 15yr old beagle and a 2yr old rescued Golden. I have read almost all the information on this site and one question keeps coming to mind: Why go to a RAW over high-quality kibble?
My golden-collie mix lived for 13yrs before dying of bone cancer. My beagle, who is VERY old for a beagle's life expectancy, is deaf and has an enlarged heart but still has a ton of puppiness in him.
I have read many member's posts talking about their dogs that died of cancer at ages between 8 -14. Not sure if all of them were fed RAW but as far as the professionalism and knowledge on this board, I would think most were on RAW and/or excellent all-natural diets. (Just guessing there tho'...)
Question is...Why switch to RAW instead of good kibble if my dogs are thriving, living just as long, and dying of the same things? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Please be kind...I'm still learning!
Proud Mom of Abbey (aka "Moo") - my true soul mate...I miss you terribly and will see you at the bridge...
I went to raw because I have a dog who is completely grain intolerant. My other dog lived to 15 on nutro natural.
I challenge you to find a kibble that is grain free. Behind that fish and potato you will find barley or millet or brown rice. You will find brewers yeast and flax seed -- all of which have caused problems for us.
I raised my current puppy on raw and was pleasantly surprised by the slow steady growth, complete absence of panosteitis very nice structure, pearly whites, great coat, great musculature, and overall good health....of course that could be genetics it is complex to figure out what causes what.
It is less expensive than top quality kibble and not a real hassle. There are not really adquate statistics to support OR denounce the approach and if there are, I would love to see them.......
I am doing my research to do RAW with my pup but my 13 yr old will just stay on Kibble. I think the transition would be hard on her at this point. Though I did mix some raw beef for both of them without any issues.
There are some websites that have Premade RAW meals that would make it easy for those of us with little kitchen time on our hands.
Kibble is fundamentally limited. Heat and time destroy many nutrients. Not to mention the difference in quality of ingredients (kibble companies seem to like the "what you don't see can't hurt you" approach).
I had to feed Auster kibble due to circumstances beyond my control, but I tried to add as much real food as possible. She was doing fairly well on California Natural and cottage cheese before she bloated and I have to have her euthanized on Sunday, but I will always wonder how much better she would have done on a grain free diet.
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
Lauren -
Sorry to hear about Auster...a very heartbreaking thing to go through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Re: "Grain free"...A rep at the supply store Sat was heavily trying to push a new kibble...Nutra? Natura? I forget the name exactly but I remember the bag was white with blue and reminded me of baby formula. Anyhow, the first ingredient was Corn and when I showed her and told her my golden was as big as a cow but was not going to be fed like one, she backed off.
I do try to at least look for good ingredients and follow the kibble recommendations on this board, yet find myself leaning more towards RAW these days.
Thanks again for you feedback. I hope your heart finds peace these next few difficult days.
Proud Mom of Abbey (aka "Moo") - my true soul mate...I miss you terribly and will see you at the bridge...
Originally posted by Chad Felkel:
There are some websites that have Premade RAW meals that would make it easy for those of us with little kitchen time on our hands. Actually I work full time, am on a SAR team and have to travel frequently for work and it is really NOT that much work to feed raw - I just put the stuff together once a week for two dogs. The premade stuff is expensive and often ground and I think there is benefit in having to chew up the RMBs.........may main RMB is leg quarters from ALDI at 49 cents a lb, and I stock up on sales
RAW can be as easy or as hard as you want. I have talked to friends that only make veggie/organ/etc. mix once a month and freeze it in ice cube trays. The rest of the month is just pulling meat and ice cubes out of the freezer.
I miss Auster terribly, but I don't have any regrets so that makes it easier. I gave her the best that I could for as long as she was alive. It wasn't always the best available (esp. when I was working for the vet and hadn't learned the whole truth about vaccines), but it was always 110% and she appreciated it and was as happy as could be expected right until the end when she was euthanized and collapsed into my arms.
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
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