I just finished reading the book Raw Meaty Bones by Tom Lonsdale and at one point he makes this statement "there is no need to spend time in a kitchen preparing exotic mixes for your pets. Raw meaty bones adn a few table scraps provide an acceptable alternative to first quality raw carcasses."

Does anyone have an opionion on this statement? I am preparing for a new puppy and planing my veggie glop and a wondering if I need to go to the extra effort.

Also, is it possible to feed your dog his raw meaty bones in a bowl?

I try to look at the diet at face value and all the factors involved. While I agree a homemade diet is sooo much better than dry dog food, to get the optimum results, research, read and experiment!

If given the opportunity to feed freshly slaughtered meat to my dog, than I probably wouldn't supplement. But like many, I buy bulk meats and freeze them. The freezing process leaches many vitamins, especially B vitamins, from the meat. Also only feed eggs a couple of times a week. Too many eggs robs the dog of Biotin. If you find your dog scratching, (fed a raw diet and with no visible signs) it may be an allergy to certain foods or a B deficiency.

As far as the veggies go, it depends on your dog. Some people like veggies, some don't. I've fed w/ veggies and without. I did note that there were certain veggies that made my dog scratch (ie: carrots) and some that gave her gas (Phew!) and as far as I'm concerned, anything that gives the potential for gas (read=bloat) is out of my book! I do like the comment in Kymythy Schultze's book about 'building the prey animal'. That just makes sense.

I'm still experimenting and assume that, just like people, a diet needs to be tailored to your dog's needs. So yes, I do supplement, but I don't consider it exotic.

Also, my dogs always eat out of bowls. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Ian Billinghurst has 3 really good books on feeding RAW. The one that is called grow your pup with bones is really good. I would also read that one & good luck with your feeding program. Just remember if you also use kibble on occasion -no kibble right after feeding bones--not a good mix.

Denise Puglisi
http://www.nb.net/~kensma