Yikes! I've had my dog on raw for two weeks and am a first time raw feeder. The first week was strictly ground chicken (ground bones and all). Now I'm introducing whole pieces of chicken fed along with ground beef and eggs with shells. Ten minutes ago I fed her the first leg with thigh attached and she seemed to swallow it whole! She crunched it a couple of times seemingly just to compact it enough to swallow. Is this normal? Should it freak me out? Is there anything I can do to encourage her to chew her food instead of just swallowing it whole?
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
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You could try giving a larger portion of intact chicken. I'll give a whole half bird and my gulper takes a few minutes longer with it. Venison necks seem to be the only thing that takes him a long time to consume.
I've watched my dog regurgitate a big piece he's inhaled. He seems to know just what to do so I pay attention but don't mess with him. I've learned to be aware but not watch too closely when he eats because it IS a bit nerve-wracking.
Thanks guys Ladybug seems absolutely fine today. I guess I'm just a nervous newbie! I've not been hovering as she eats like Sarah suggested, but not because I can't bear to watch- I didn't want to make the dog suspicious of the new food or to set up a situation where food aggression could develop.
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
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I didn't suggest you were hovering, Ingrid.
I think paying attention, especially in the beginning, is a good thing. My heart still jumps, a year later, when I see my dog wolf down what seems to me an impossibly large chunk of food.
Oh dear... Sorry for my poor wording, Sarah. The meaning I was attempting to get across was that you gave good advice and that I'm doing things the way you said were good.
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I think I've got a gulper!
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Re: I think I've got a gulper!
Ladybug seems absolutely fine today. I guess I'm just a nervous newbie! I've not been hovering as she eats like Sarah suggested, but not because I can't bear to watch- I didn't want to make the dog suspicious of the new food or to set up a situation where food aggression could develop.
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