So I have a headache reading all the online stuff and have run the printer out of ink trying to save my eyes and neck.

So, for a total beginner what would you recommend as MUST READS?


I am interested in any research info you recommend. Figured I won't be wasting my time as much that way.

Would you try certain proteins first?

Anyone have experience with raw feeding a dog prone to pancreatitis?

Do you recommend freezing all meats prior to using....I ask this since my vet had one negative thing to say about raw and that was with some parasite (that I wasn't paying attention re the name of and may call Monday) that infected the dogs and the soil of someone. Thinking freezing might have done that one in. But wondering about negatives too.

TIA
Sonya

These two:

http://leerburg.com/935.htm
http://leerburg.com/970.htm

Any article on this website, too.

http://leerburg.com/articles.htm#feed

Chicken is easiest to go with first. It has edible bones and is very lean. Not that there is anything wrong with fat, it is just easier for you to get the feel of how to feed and what is tolerated well in the beginning with a leaner meat.

You can freeze everything if you like. Grocery store meats I don't worry about. Some worry about parasites in wild game meats and choose to follow a freezing protocol to kill parasites.

More than likely, everything will end up frozen for storage anyway. I say just freeze it and don't worry about it after that.

 Quote: sonya gilmore

... Anyone have experience with raw feeding a dog prone to pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis, or acute? Is this a dog who has had "holiday pancreatitis" from getting into the post-Thanksgiving trash with loads of cooked fats (turkey, gravy, etc.), or a dog with ongoing pancreas issues?




PS
Either way, a raw diet is, IMO, far easier to modify for the individual dog's needs while still providing top-quality protein and variety than commercial foods can ever be.

I have both books Mike linked to. They helped convince my husband about raw for our future pup. Our plan is to feed the pup in its crate to minimize any contamination. I plan to have two crates so we have a clean one in reserve.

My husband is still not too keen on feeding raw chicken. So, I am compromising at first by buying a prepackaged raw product (something like Bravo). Eventually we'll get to the real stuff.

There is this book, too, which I really like.

http://www.ukrmb.co.uk/images/ww.pdf

Also comes in a paperback version if you are like me and want to have a copy in your hand.

http://www.rawmeatybones.com/book-ww.php

I think the structure and detail of the first two books I linked to really help out in the beginning. 'Work Wonders' is really laid back, but may be lacking in instruction for some.

All 3 books are worth having, IMO.

Thank you! I am ordering books and will also get ink to print the e books/ articles as I find reading the computer monitor extremely pita. I generally only buy books that I will refer back to and this seems likely.

Connie: the pancreatitis was acute...after birthing a two week old dead puppy mummy with her litter. She almost died but after months on the crap kibble prescribed that was corn based...and she was itchy and nasty from, she is back to the regular higher grade crap kibble that we feed everyone(diamond lamb and rice). She still cannot have fatty stuff. Though she is also a garbage can dog and will scrounge for anything. It is for her and for the allergic to the world Rhodie that I am considering this predominantly.

We have two freezers, an upright for human food and a 'down wrong' (chest) for reptile food. (rodents) It somehow came about to also have a chameleon, a savannah monitor and a cat in it. All died in the winter and haven't been buried yet.

Also we feed our ferrets whole prey.(rodents) In their old age they seem less interested in it. Which is a shame since it is now that they could benefit most from it.

The sugar gliders get frozen pinkie mice too.

The Rhodesian is known for stealing the ferrets mice.....just not really what I picture feeding him. Though whole prey is easier to balance the diet. hmmmm