Is anyone feeding a RAW diet?

[molly&maggsmom]

Just curious as to what most feed their dogs, raw, canned, dry food, what kind and does anyone give canned veggies or fresh veggies? My Maggie has such a sensitive stomach, she came to me on Puppy Pedigree but I have since changed her...just wanted to hear what others are doing too. Thanks!

[Moo]

Mine came to me eating Eaglepack, and Innova... The innova which, if dry, he spat out in a perimeter around his dog dish all over the floor, because of the triangles. Now he's on a low energy, hypo-allergenic Potato and Fish formula. First Mate, Platinum Plus. It's a locally made dog food.

Wouldn't feed my dog raw meat diet, just because I don't want raw meat on my floors and such. He's a picker, so if he doesn't like something, he pin points it and it ends up on the floor beside the bowl. He loves fresh fruits and veggies, as well as popcorn, peanut butter and cheese.

[BabyElephant]

I feed Poppy Supa Dog food dry food (not sure if it's available outside the UK) that's what she was fed by the breeder. There were some other people picking up their puppy when we got her and they were going to feed theirs on Pedigree Puppy but the breeder didn't recommend it - he said it was too rich for them.

I also give her canned veggies (no salt or sugar added) if I don't have any fresh available that I've cooked myself. She also gets raw carrot, apple, bannana and other fruit and veg as treats. We buy munchie roll chewies and peanut butter as treats for her as well (stuffed in a kong with some of her normal food) to keep her occupied.

You can also get "sensitive stomach" food for dogs that can't have "normal" food - and I'd be inclined to give her cooked/tinned veggies if she is that sensitive - she may not be able to digest the raw stuff (either meat or veggies). You just have to remember that if she is still a puppy she will need a special puppy food to give her all the nutritional requirements of a growing puppy.

[Rip's Girl]

I feed my two a raw diet. (Would feed raw to my mom's dog, but she won't have it and no amount of arguing will convince her.)

I do supplement with some Innova or Solid Gold kibble every couple of days, mostly just as a training treat. I also give Nutri Cal when they are being active, just for a little extra dose of vitamins and energy. While I prefer the 'frankenprey' idea, I'm not comfortable with giving NO supplements at all. I know the wolves lived just fine on meat and bones, but I just want to be extra careful and I can't see how that can hurt.
I've been feeding raw for about 2 months now, and I'm very happy with the results. Ripley's stool is hard and in VERY small amounts compared to how much there was when he was eating kibble. His breath smells better and he's calmer because he actually eats on this diet. (Very picky eater who turns up his nose at a dish of kibble)
I have my puppy started on raw and he is also doing very well, and seems to be generally feeling better than he was when he was eating kibble. (and he was on Innova, a very good kibble)

As for the messiness of the raw diet, my guys eat either in the back yard or in the bathtub if it's not nice enough outside. It also depends on what they are eating. if I feed them a ground meal, they just eat out of their bowls, but if I give them meaty bones, I just either throw it outside (I always monitor them, especially the puppy) or let them eat in the big bathtub. The reason I have them eat in the bathtub is that it's so easy to disinfect, and my papillon can't drag a chicken quarter out of it. (He has an obsession with eating on the furniture. Not good with a raw diet)

[lou3]

I could write you a ten thousand word essay on the evils of raw or other "homemade" diets. They are not good for dogs, they're a gimic. They can only ever be "adequate" never "optimum". A good quality dried food is the best thing you can feed your dog.

[daisysmom]

I have a new puppy and I am going to feed her the same food my daughter has fed her dog for 13 years. Her dog is just incredible. She is so healthy and her coat (lab spanial cross) is like velvet. When we visit and take her for walks to the park everyone asks if she is a puppy. It is only when they see the grey around her nose and mouth that they believe me. My daughter has been very strict about no human food or s*****. She gives her an occasional piece of cheese but other than that she uses Science Diet. So, for no other reason I have started out puppy off with the same thing. I just hope we have the same results.

[Moo]

Hm, good ideas Rip, but I keep mine inside as not to contribute to his food aggressoin. Also forgot to add my fur stain problems. His hair is so light, clear even, when wet, I can see right through to his brown skin with pink spots. Rolling in newly cut grass stains him for weeks, even with baths. Gave him a whole carrot, stained for weeks. Even the aluminium in his license tag stains his neck area grey.

[Rip's Girl]

Ah, I see your point Moo.

Daisysmom, Science Diet is not all that great, from what I see on the ingredients. Last time I checked, the first ingredient was corn, which many dogs are allergic to and is highly indigestible.

[savepitbulls]

Raw food diets are wonderful - but only if they are correctly balanced and that can be a very difficult thing to do unless you are a nutritionist. Instead, I supplement a truly good quality food with fresh meats and veggies as an occasional break from the norm. My choices for good dry foods are Flint River Ranch and Natural Balance, but there are more and more good food brands that are popping up so they are easier and more accessible now. Also raw bones are something that I like to give my dogs. Some butchers will give them away for free, but make sure its from a trusted source.

[sarnichur]

What exactly is a raw diet? what does it do for dogs? i've heard a lot of people talk about it and how good it is, but I never understood anything about it.