I’m doing it, switching to raw diet

[Cscallan]

So this has been a long time coming, we have what seems to be severe skin issues, possible allergies. It’s all a head ache. My husband is difficult about the dog and always threatening to re home her, so going to the vet for a third time for skin is just not going to happen right now. I keep doing research and I know I’ve asked here and read here many times that’s raw is the way to go, for a lot of reasons and other issues. Soooo. With my last trip to the pet store. I picked up a sample bag of premade raw as well as another limited ingredient kibble. She won’t touch her kibble now. Which I’m totally ok with.

I’m going to start her (... and my husband) on premade raw. I know I have a lot of research ahead of me but I’m a little overwhelmed. I personally have my own health issues I’m dealing with at the moment and it’s been stressful to get everyone back on the right track. As far as premade raw, what do I need to look for, steer clear of, suggested brands, added supplements?

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I was originally using Darwin’s raw but it became too expensive, over $1000mo.
with shipping costs.
Miami Raw Feeding is a good one as well.
I would suggest researching all the raw food groups to learn how to feed raw. Some say 80-10-10 while others say to increase organ meat to 25%.
I know @strykerdobe can help with suggestions as well as @Rits and @AresMyDobie and @Antman408.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Just a side note, I supplement with probiotics, vitamins, Taurine and L-Carnitine.
My choice for powdered/granular supplements is Nature’s Farmacy. I use the Dogzymes 3 in 1 (vitamins, Omegas, probiotics, phytoplankton). I also add the Cornucopia that has all the fruits, vegetables in a powdered form. It makes preparing the raw diet a bit easier to just add Cornucopia instead of cleaning, cutting and grinding fruits and vegetables for each meal.

 

[LifeofRubie]

What a great decision! I used to feed raw but am not currently... maybe someday.

Please know that it is not without its risks but with premade, I don't think there is generally whole bone being fed so you have less to worry about as far as making sure she chews everything properly.

I've never fed premade but this site lists Nom Nom Now and they look at lot of things when picking top dog foods. Dog Food Advisor is a good resource to get an idea of brands and where they fall. The do-it-yourself method can feel a little overwhelming at first and works best if you have a ton of freezer space but can be more cost effective.

There have been a lot of recalls for raw food lately but that's because pathogens are going to be inherent in raw meat so make sure you always treat it like raw meat and clean everything it touches thoroughly with hot soapy water.

 

[Cscallan]

Just a side note, I supplement with probiotics, vitamins, Taurine and L-Carnitine.
My choice for powdered/granular supplements is Nature’s Farmacy. I use the Dogzymes 3 in 1 (vitamins, Omegas, probiotics, phytoplankton). I also add the Cornucopia that has all the fruits, vegetables in a powdered form. It makes preparing the raw diet a bit easier to just add Cornucopia instead of cleaning, cutting and grinding fruits and vegetables for each meal.

So the two supplements cover all of that right? Sorry I have an abscess tooth so pain is making it hard to think straight and process everything as quickly. I’m thinking as soon as I get my stuff squared away, I’ll be able to research more into it. I’ve read some after raw feeding being suggested multiple times, not only to me but to other users as well. I just feel like if I’m going to do this, I have to get it right the first go round. Not just for the benefits for Eliana but for the husband to be on board and see that it’s what’s best for the doggo.

 

[Cscallan]

What a great decision! I used to feed raw but am not currently... maybe someday.

Please know that it is not without its risks but with premade, I don't think there is generally whole bone being fed so you have less to worry about as far as making sure she chews everything properly.

I've never fed premade but this site lists Nom Nom Now and they look at lot of things when picking top dog foods. Dog Food Advisor is a good resource to get an idea of brands and where they fall. The do-it-yourself method can feel a little overwhelming at first and works best if you have a ton of freezer space but can be more cost effective.

There have been a lot of recalls for raw food lately but that's because pathogens are going to be inherent in raw meat so make sure you always treat it like raw meat and clean everything it touches thoroughly with hot soapy water.

Freezer space is definitely not what I have now but I think after I introduce the premade stuff, know what I’m doing and what she needs, I’ll be able to talk the husband into it being more affordable to Invest in a freezer dedicated to her food. I’ve been on dog food advisor A LOT. It can be overwhelming on there sometimes for me and I get confused and usually will try a food I’ve seen recommended on her a lot. I did see the recalls and why I’m turning here for advice. I just feel it’s the starches that are causing her the yeast and flaking skin. So I’m ready to just take that out of her diet completely. I can’t tell you how many times the husband has blamed the dog’s dander for ridiculous things. Like last weekend when my blood pressure dropped and my body spiked in response. I almost fainted at the store. . . He blamed the dog. I’m definitely going to check out that other site! Thank y’all so much!

 

[Antman408]

They’re are plenty of premades. However I’ve found they doing it myself saves me about 75 a month. I purchased a stand up freezer and scale and etc. I recommend purchasing a meal plan rather than doing the guess work yourself since you’re new to this. I do 80/10/10. Muscle meat. Bone and organ. However there’s also supplements you need to feed such as vitamin E and D as well as antioxidants. And pre and probiotics.

I recommend purchasing a meal plan from

https://www.karmavorenutrition.com/shop

She’ll make you a meal plan with all the ratios, supplements and what not. Keep in mind you’ll have about a 400 dollar start up cost depending on what freezer you buy and what not. However I spend about 150 to feed my dog a month of raw.

Edit: didn’t read original post and only the post I was tagged in.

For premade I don’t really know I only used one brand and it’s local to me. It’s called green tripe out of gilroy California and I used the xkalibur recipe. I heard primal is ok but can’t say myself.

 

[strykerdobe]

Its great your switching to Raw. Its a great first step when medical issues appear. And also important along with a Raw diet is doing a rotational diet of other meat proteins/organs are needed.

But also I believe other things also need to be done along with a change of diet to help with medical issues.

Not over-vaccinating. Vaccines can over stimulate the Immune System. They can trigger allergies and other medical issues. I always remember what Dr. Ronald Schultz, PhD. said in a Vaccine Seminar I attended years ago. "Vaccines (Core vaccines Parvo, Distemper and Adeno) are needed as puppies. But Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be a Bad Thing"! Also Never Vaccinate a Sick Animal!

Not using Topical and Internal Flea and Tick meds. Lots of other alternatives as natural sprays and essential oils.

Give Filtered water. You can look for a counter top filter like Berkey.

There are some good Raw feeding sites on Facebook and Internet. Like The Raw Feeding Community
Also look for Raw Co-ops in your area.
Some very good books which I recommend while you are feeding a pre-made Raw.

Good Book!

 

[strykerdobe]

One thing well a few things I forgot to mention is that we always get a complete blood work (CBC, Blood Chemistry) done every year. Will tell how Kidney, Liver and other organ functions are doing. Also Urine tested and Fecal. Just to make sure everything looks good. And just to remember to have it done on your pets birthday so you don't forget.

 

[strykerdobe]

One more book by Ian Billinghurst

 

[Kaiser2016]

Primal is an excellent premade raw. I have fed that and still occasionally feed it when I get a good deal on it.

I feed Carnivora primarily because it’s made within a few hours of where I live - can’t get any more local than that! They have tons of protein variety and they have bulk boxes which keep costs low. They have options that contain fruit and veg and usually those will be called something like “full meal” or “complete” or “dinner”. The “diet” option is the one I get since we always have leftover fruits and veg that I blend and freeze into ice cubes.

This website is a great way to get started: FREE Raw Feeding Guides | Primal Pooch
It gives just enough info so you’re not overwhelmed if someone starts explaining raw diets to you.

If you find a favorite local shop, ask for a discount on cash deals. That’s what I do and it cuts down on a lot of the cost of premade (and bully sticks, bison ears, and all his toys!). I found a local co-op too, but never made the leap to fully raw. The “burger patties” work best for us! Freezers at Costco are dirt cheap, so Kaiser has his own.

You should also join the Raw Feeding group on FB. I think there is only one, but it has tons of great info there too.

 

[Cscallan]

Primal is what I got a little sample bag of and she is obsessed! So that makes me happy I went with that brand. I am leaning towards starting with patties since it would be easiet to portion.

 

[WiglWerm]

Congrats! Going raw was the best thing I ever did for my pack...2 yrs now!

 

[strykerdobe]

@Cscallan Here is another good FB page for feeding a raw diet.
Raw Feeding 101 - Learn To Feed Raw

 

[Cscallan]

@Cscallan Here is another good FB page for feeding a raw diet.
Raw Feeding 101 - Learn To Feed Raw

Thank you so much! I applied for the raw feeding community but I don’t think I’ve been approved yet. I totally forgot to check online for the books, so I’m glad I hopped back on. Today I got a word in with the hubby about how kibble is likely the problem, or at least making the fight against the yeasty skin impossible, he asked what we’re supposed to do then but unfortunately kids interrupted the conversation. Hopefully will get to talk about it soon and get him on board. Doing it regardless.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Just a question: Is chicken included in a raw diet?

 

[Kaiser2016]

Chicken is controversial for some reason I haven’t delved into too much...something about too much inflammation due to the poor living conditions of chickens, but it is used. Usually people start to raw feed with chicken, but I prefer the red meats and so does Kaiser lol. I do premade raw but the only poultry I feed there is turkey and duck. I’m not actively avoiding it though. He gets chicken leftovers from us and some of our broths that he gets to have are chicken based.

 

[Antman408]

Chicken is controversial for some reason I haven’t delved into too much...something about too much inflammation due to the poor living conditions of chickens, but it is used. Usually people start to raw feed with chicken, but I prefer the red meats and so does Kaiser lol. I do premade raw but the only poultry I feed there is turkey and duck. I’m not actively avoiding it though. He gets chicken leftovers from us and some of our broths that he gets to have are chicken based.

I don’t feed chicken and will not. Inflammation, hormones. Etc. and overall shitty quality of meat. I don’t really eat chicken myself either. Unless it’s chick fil a.

 

[WiglWerm]

I feed chicken but it s important to get chicken without added sodium. Surprisingly A LOT of meats have added sodium. 100 mg or less should be fine. The bulk of the diet should be red meats and the more variety the better.

 

[LifeofRubie]

I used to feed quite a bit of chicken and pork because that's what was readily available and cheaper. I think the group I was in on Facebook actually generally said Start with Chicken when you transition to raw and then introduce new proteins slowly.

I got lucky with kangaroo, rabbit, and venison from hunters I used to work with but that was in PA... hunters are a little further and far between in IL