Raw Feeding Dogs

I've started my dogs on raw feeding recently. A method of feeding I did about 10 years ago with a dog I had, and I had a lot of success with. I switched back to kibble for the convenience and price, as I live in a small town, I thought it would be too hard to find meat for cheap. Recently, after we rescued Patrol Unit (who has allergies) I decided it's time to go back. Both dogs have been switched to raw, and both LOVE it and are doing great!

Why Switch To a Raw Diet?

It just makes sense. For years I've known the Pet Food Industry to be corrupt and evil. While things are getting better, and there are more and more foods available with real, whole ingredients, most of the big name brands, the ones you see at dog shows and events, are still filled with garbage. They use the dead, dying, diseased animals in their foods. The left overs. Everything not fit for human consumption.

But Isn't Pet Food Monitored?

It is, by themselves. AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials) allows so much garbage to go into our pets food. As long as they meet specific requirements (a set amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, etc.) they don't care HOW those requirements are met. Technically, you can make dog food out of leather, sawdust and canola oil and it will PASS regulations. This is how in 2007 melamine was used in pet food (as well as baby formulas!) to fake protein percentages.

For More Information on Pet Food

One of the most well-written, well-maintained and fully educated websites on the subject I have ever found is The Dog Food Project.

Before getting into the specifics, I would like to outline what the often-mentioned Association of American Feed Control Officials is. This group regulates the pet food industry, and while the board consists of state and federal representatives, it is not a government body and also includes people directly involved in the industry. According to the definition on their website, the AAFCO "provides a mechanism for developing and implementing uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards and enforcement policies for regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of animal feeds", but if this process includes business insiders, they are likely to protect their own interests first before anything else.
Their decisions are also the reason why pet food manufacturers (even if they wanted to) still can't use a more honest, descriptive labeling system, with less opportunity to make a product look better than it actually is, thus effectively protecting those companies that sell poor quality food. Manufacturers who use quality ingredients don't have anything to hide - they will proudly display e.g. chicken meal, whole grains and fresh vegetables. Those who are using ingredients like chicken byproduct meal, brewer's rice and corn gluten meal would have a hard time justifying the price of their foods.

- The Dog Food Project

 Isn't Raw Meat and Bones Harmful?

 Of course anything CAN be harmful, but if done properly a raw fed diet can be as safe as feeding your dog kibble (in fact, safer!). Dogs are meant to eat and digest raw meat and bones. Their short digestive tract is designed for it. They also have more digestive enzymes than we do, to help break down raw meat and bones and defend the body against bacteria.

Never Feed Your Dog Cooked Bones!

Cooked bones can splinter and puncture your dogs insides, break teeth and cut mouths. They can also cause a blockage which would require immediate veterinary care!

 

 More Information About Feeding Raw

There are several websites out there about how to feed your dog a raw food diet. There are also plenty of reputable books too! Be careful; this subject can be quite a sensitive one and you will find a lot of conflicting information. Do what you feel is best for your dog!

Below are some sites I've found incredibly helpful!

Websites:

Prey Model Raw
Information about how to feed your dog a strictly carnivore diet

Raw Meaty Bones
 Author of the same titled book and renowned raw feeder and veterinarian Dr Tom Lonsdale's website

Dogs Naturally Magazine
While this is a magazine, the website has TONS of great information. I highly recommend subscribing to their e-mail list as you get lots of great free e-books as well!

Myths About Raw Feeding
Some very well-written articles debunking myths surrounding raw feeding.

PDF Articles:

Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function by Kenneth C. Bovée, DVM, MMedSc

E-Books:

Leerburg - Q&A on Raw Feeding by Cindy Rhodes
Raw Fed Cats ($9.99) by Linda Zurich

Blogs:

Carnivore Carry Out
A very informative and well-written blog about feeding a carnivore diet

Tinker Wolf
Love the "1,000 Raw Fed Dogs" project, plus lots of great info!

Coconut Oil
Dog Blog Post

Facebook Groups:

Prey Model Raw on Facebook
Lots of great photos of raw fed dogs! A nice community, quick to respond and full of helpful tips and information.

The Benefits of Raw Feeding

Seborrhea Oleosa 
About Patrol Unit and how I plan to use food to help treat her skin problems

Raw Feeding Q&A on Dog Gone Good Training
Ask questions and I will try to answer and help you learn about raw feeding!



I will be adding more to this list as I come across them, so make sure to check back!