By Kymythy R. Schultze, CCN, AHI
What the cupboard should contain:
- Raw based feed 20% fruits/veggies/organs, 80% muscle meat and bone (beef, chicken, fish, bison, lamb)... veggies must be juiced, 1-2 tablespoons per day of above ground veggies or appropriate fruits. (Note: Since dogs are carnivores, many argue veggies and fruits are an unnecessary part of a canine's diet. Rather, it would be best to feed the canine raw animals that are herbivores rather than raw veggies/fruits.) For example:
- a daily diet of raw chicken frames, backs, and legs (whole or ground) (meal portion depends on age)
- mixed in with raw MEATY BONES (eg. beef marrow bones, beef femur or knuckle bones, etc.) for recreational chewing, psychological development, muscle growth, teeth. (bigger the bone, the better)
- green unbleached raw tripe
- beef/chicken liver, heart, or lung
- veggies/fruits (mushed or juiced) are optional
- raw or boiled eggs
- Over time, introducing small portions, one can introduce other meats.
The maybes.... [Note: many argue that supplements are NOT NECESSARY with a canine who is fed a raw based RMB (raw MEATY BONES, emphasis on meaty bones) diet based on the above noted essentials] [For example, I provide Puddle with the maybe's from time to time (ie. 1 or 2 times a week for the added boost of essential elements during his puppy years]
- cod liver oil - vit D, esp during winter months. But should be added in daily depending on weight of the animal. Do NOT Overdose on cod liver oil since there are detrimental side effects. For 20 pound puppy, approx. 1250 IU vitamin A and under is best//100IU vitamin D and under is best; 1/2 teaspoon. You can drop down the dosage and interval if you are feeding the canine raw offal such as beef liver.
- salmon oil, for omega 3/6, contributes to nice shiny oily coats
- vitamin c 1000-1500 IUs per day
- 1/4 teaspoon of kelp powder + 1/4 teaspoon of alfalfa powder for a wide range of essential vitamins (per cup of food) (a wonderful source of multi vitamins)
Optional:
Prozyme (trade mark)- by eating raw the pup is argued to get the necessary enzymes.... however, prozyme/or prozyme pro help to provide necessary digestive enzymes, regardless.... also, the older the animal the more prevalent its use for assisting with the animal's digestion (especially on dry kibble). Also, very good to use while transitioning a dog over to RAW or to be used at all times for a dog fed on kibble.
Treats include such raw items as diced nuts - pecans, almonds, sunflower/pumpkin seeds, diced fruits (no grapes), etc.
The Bone and Biscuit Company
Disclaimer: I am not a vet or a health care professional. Feeding a raw species appropriate diet can be a controversial topic, and like any feeding regimen can have health risks associated with incorrect feeding and preparation. DO NOT FEED COOKED BONES, ever! Cooking bones changes the molecular structure, they become brittle and may splinter and injure or kill your dog!! NO COOKED BONES.
Disclaimer: I am not a vet or a health care professional. Feeding a raw species appropriate diet can be a controversial topic, and like any feeding regimen can have health risks associated with incorrect feeding and preparation. DO NOT FEED COOKED BONES, ever! Cooking bones changes the molecular structure, they become brittle and may splinter and injure or kill your dog!! NO COOKED BONES.
Do your own research FIRST before diving into a new method of feeding your dog. Read as many books and articles as you can, talk to successful raw feeders and find a mentor, and use your own judgment and gut instinct. If you aren’t comfortable with it, DON’T do it. Remember there are many ways to feed your dogs, with many variations. Just because I don’t cover it here, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
The ideas and opinions in this section of the web site are my own, and come from feeding my dog.
I will be constantly evolving, tweaking and changing my ideas as my knowledge and experience increases. Take any ideas I present here at your own risk and discretion.
I hope you and your dogs enjoy many healthy years together.
