Suggestions on raw diet?

16 years ago

Capone has turned up his nose at Canidae. We tried Blue Buffalo and one or two others, as well - we think it's the dry kibble that's turned him off. I'm not a fan of canned food and have been wanting to try a raw diet for him anyway, so here I go. What I'm looking for is a 'menu' suggestion per se from someone who's been feeding raw - I'd like for his diet to be well-balanced so that he gets what he needs, and I'd prefer for him to get his nutritional needs from whole food as opposed to a pill. Also, I'm not sure how much would be necessary. I'm suspecting it would be less than I would think. Capone is a Bullmastiff at 120#, and he's pretty lean.

He's already fasting himself, so I doubt there will be a problem with that. One day should be long enough to get all that dry kibble out, yes?

Thanks in advance everyone!

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Comments (5)

cynthia_gw
16 years ago
It's good that you're doing research before making this change. Two books that will ground you in the basics and keep you out of trouble and Capone healthy are Kymythy Schultze's 'Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats' and Carina Beth McDonald's 'Raw Dog Food.'

There are no 'menus' for raw feeding. The key is variety over time to ensure your dog's nutrional needs are met. The rule of thumb is 2% to 3% of body weight per day. But you really just watch your dog and add more food or decrease the portion to manage his weight.

While you're doing your research, perhaps put cottage cheese or fresh parmesian or raw hamburger on top to make his food more palatable until you switch. Do you add warm water to his kibble? That alone can improve the aroma and make it more interesting.
foosacub
Original Author
16 years ago
I tried warm water and reduced sodium beef broth. He gave me a dirty look. We've been using yogurt, rice cooked in beef broth, and his liver treats blended up to get him to eat. I'm just out of everything b/c I've been out of town and haven't gone shopping.

I'm actually on my way out now, so I'll stop by the bookstore and see if they have one or both of those books, and pick up some more 'dressing' for his kibble when I stop by the grocery.

Thanks!
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weed30 St. Louis
16 years ago
Those books are good, but don't get hung up on the exceptional detail that Schultze goes into. It's enough to scare you off of trying raw. As mentioned, your goal is balance over time, not the perfect balance at every meal.

I recently got a full blood panel on my 13 1/2 year old girl, and the vet said everything 'looked great'. Her diet consisted of chicken necks, ground beef/veggie mix, canned Mackeral, and whatever she licked off my plate when I was done ;) That's not as much meat variety as recommended, but it worked for her.

Recently, she lost a bunch of weight. No reason that the vet could figure out, so I think maybe part of it was general stress over the past year. I split from my husband, we moved, and she lost her best friend Taco in March. Anyway, on recommendation from here, I have temporarily changed her to "Satin Balls", a recipe for dogs that won't eat or dogs that need to put on weight. The recipe is easily found via Google. She's put on 7# already. Maybe while you are learning about feeding raw, you could try that. It is a raw recipe, and very simple to prepare.

BTW, I switched my new rescue dog to raw, and she didn't miss a beat. The chicken neck part took a few days, since she didn't know what they were, but no tummy upset at all, and now she dances for her meals.

Between that, sleeping in my bed, and endless belly skritches, I'm certain she feels she's won the doggie lottery ;)
foosacub
Original Author
16 years ago
Capone's got an iron gut, so I'm hoping he'll do as well as your new rescue. He loves to snack on veggies, so I don't think that would be a problem. The chances are slim he wouldn't appreciate something new. The only thing we've found that he won't touch is tomatoes. (They put one on his plain hamburger once.... he chewed and swallowed the hamburger, got a drink of water, then spit out the offending tomato. He had tucked it in his jowls.)
cindyxeus
16 years ago
if you want to go raw or home cooked I highly recommend B-naturals. Link below
Also about your can food comment....can food is actually quite beneficial when adding to kibble, just remember the can food has to be as good quality as the kibble and balanced out to kibble type. It's best to use a can of the same kibble brand when mixing.

Here is a link that might be useful: getting started with raw diets

Suggestions on raw diet?

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cynthia_gw

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Suggestions on raw diet?

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cynthia_gw

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