So Important to Remind. Raw is Best

The Ultimate Diet (RAW-based) Primary References

"Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Diet"

By Kymythy R. Schultze, CCN, AHI

Dr Tom Lonsdale Veterinary Surgeon - Diet Guide

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.

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.

Day 446

My Dream Sport
Kennedy Bowering, Grade 8, Broxton Park School, Spruce Grove

I step onto the ice, shaking
Time has stopped
This is it
This is the moment I have trained for
This is my life
When the music starts my anxieties disappear
I hear cheering from the stands
I twirl and jump and soar with glee
This is who I am

Poetry on the Edmonton Transit System

Day 439 - Winter Coat

Day 438 - Winter breaks.

Day 432 0.6 degrees Celsius; light snow, overcast

Location Bearspaw, Edmonton/Alberta. Bearspaw, a residential neighbourhood located in south west Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is named after the Stony Indian Chief Masgwaahisd (Bearspaw).  The Big Bear Park, a large hill/cliff, provides access to the woods on the banks of Blackmud Creek Ravine, and is casually called 'the Ravine' by the residents.
http://zerogpuddle.blogspot.com/2012/01/progression.html











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Day 419 - Trekn' through Mill Creek Ravine Park (-2 degrees Celsius)

Mill Creek Ravine Park provides Puddle an opportunity to meet other dogs in an off leash environment; the park providing 100s of acres of hiking along the creek side, valley floor. Mill Creek is one of many off leash dog parks dotted around the city. Here the city provide park benches, tables, bridge walk ways, poop bins.



View Zero G's - Puddle Jumper in a larger map






The Mill Creek Trestle Bridge is a bridge that Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd uses during his winter jaunts. The bridge is one of the last physical reminders of the existence of the Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific Railway line, which was the first rail connection between the towns of Strathcona and Edmonton. Completed in 1902, the railway followed the Mill Creek Ravine alignment and crossed the North Saskatchewan River over the Low Level Bridge, providing reliable, convenient passenger and freight transportation services between the two towns as an alternative to John Walter’s ferry further west. Passenger service was provided until 1928, but the railway continued to provide a vital link until the 1950’s between the river valley industries and Edmonton’s south side commercial centre, which offered rail connections to the remainder of the province.

Day 418 - Winter Trek

Walking creek side, covered in newly fallen snow (-4 degrees Celsius, overcast day) - Blackmud Creek, Edmonton Alberta.  
- February 19, 2012


Edmonton provides ample opportunity for extended jaunts and hikes..  For example, Edmonton's North Saskatchewan river valley park linked with its feeder creek extensions make it the largest urban city park system in North America.  


View Puddle G in a larger map

Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd

Puddle approximately 35 pounds here; pictured here in August 2011.... 

Puddle the Edmonton Shepherd is a medium-sized (as at February 2012, he is approximating 50 pounds), robust, well-balanced, weather resistant, rustic male dog. 


His ears are set high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip.   When the dog is at full attention the ears break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. 


His coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat. The quantity of the undercoat varies with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, outside of the ears, front of the forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of his forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full.  He has a natural or docked bobtail and is straight. 


His body is slightly longer than his height at the withers. The chest is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. The front legs are straight, perpendicular to the ground, while his feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. The front dewclaws are not removed, but the back dewclaws have been removed. 


The overall size of the Shepherd's head is in proportion to his body, with the muzzle being equal or slightly shorter than the back skull. The stop is moderate to well-defined. The teeth form scissors and have level bite. His eyes are oval in shape and medium in size, and are mainly brown.


The coat is medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. There is feathering on the back of the legs, the mane and frill around the neck. 

Puddle to the Left!

The one to the left reminds me of the Edmonton Shepherd - Puddle

My Mom (Ember) -

The World Championship is the culmination of each year’s Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series – the largest disc dog series in the world. The Hyperflite World Championship is the premier event in canine sports and features top competitive teams from around the world. Competitors at the World Championship earn invitations by finishing in the top spots at a Hyperflite Skyhoundz Qualifier. Competing in the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship is a unique and rewarding experience, the memories of which will last a lifetime. At the World’s, the best canine disc teams on the planet go head-to-head and paw-to-paw in spirited competition as they vie for World Titles in four World Championship Divisions – Sport Division, Micro Dog Division, Pairs Freestyle and the Open Division.

Ember is making her mark on the world. 
Here is just a short list of her most recent appearances and accomplishments.

2009 September
1st place Puppy Rollers Division - Skyhoundz regional tournament

2010 September 1
Dodge World WPCA Chuckwagon Championship - Disc Dog Demo team

2010 September 3
Dodge World WPCA Chuckwagon Championship - Disc Dog Demo team

2010 September 4
5th place Freestyle Division - Skyhoundz regional tournament

2010 September 5
1st place OPEN DIVISION, Expert Class - Skyhoundz World Championship Qualifier
**This gets Ember an invitation to compete against the worlds best disc dogs and their handlers September 25-26 in Chattanooga, TN.**

2010 September 5
1st place Pairs Freestyle Division, Expert Class - Skyhoundz World Championship Qualifier
**This also gets Ember an invitation to compete against the worlds best disc dogs and their handlers September 25-26 in Chattanooga, TN.**

August 25, 2011 update

Ember has qualified for the Skyhoundz World Championships for the second year in a row, taking 1st place in the Open Expert Division! 

Ember has qualified for the USDDN World Championships taking 3rd place in Superpro Freestyle


RAVINE ACRES EMBER
&
Handler (and best buddy), Kristen McKenna


Skyhoundz Western Canada Regional Qualifier 2010

Day 411 - 4 degrees of sunshine

Day 411 - Standing ready at 50 pounds. (Location: Bearspaw, Edmonton Alberta

- Currently responding to search and rescue hand signals (rather than having to use voice commands). 

Human Pack Leader Entry - Garmin Astro 220 Dog Tracking GPS

Discovered this the other day while browsing:


Tired of searching for your dog in tall grass or dense cover? Now you can leave the hunting entirely to him. Astro is the premier high sensitivity GPS-enabled dog tracking system for sporting dogs. This unique system pinpoints your dog's position and shows you exactly where he is, even when you can't see or hear him.
http://amzn.to/z7vycx

Note: The Edmontonian Shepherd is considered a faithful 'velcro' dog always close by....

Rest in Peace - Remembering Summer (female Australian Shepherd; kind hearted soul, age 13)

“The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief. But the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love.”

(Hilary Stanton Zunin)

A natural way- diatomaceous earth (food grade)

Food grade diatomaceous earth has many uses and excellent health benefits for humans, plants, and animals.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is the remains of microscopic one-celled plants (phytoplankton) called diatoms that lived in the oceans and lakes that once covered the western part of the US and other parts of the world. These deposits are mined from underwater beds or from ancient dried lake bottoms thousands of years old. This means, diatomaceous earth has an unlimited shelf life provided you keep it dry.

Diatomaceous earth is mined, milled, and processed into a myriad of types for a large variety of uses. Filtering and filler are two main uses but diatomaceous earth also ends up in paints, cosmetics, drugs, chemical insecticides, etc. Because the milling produces different sized and shaped particles, it is important not to use the filtering type for agricultural purposes.

Pool filter grade diatomaceous earth has been heat and chemically treated and will poison an animal or human who ingests it, so it is always of utmost importance to only obtain food grade diatomaceous earth to use in and around your household.

Diatoms (DE) are the grass of the oceans and lakes. Just as grass is the staple food of earth animals. Diatoms (algae) are the food of the ocean or fresh water grazers. Magnified 7000x, diatomaceous earth looks like spiney honeycombs.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is EPA approved to be mixed with grains to control mealworms and other pests and has been exempted from tolerance requirements as an inert, inactive ingredient in chemical pesticides. Diatomaceous earth is EPA approved against indoor and outdoor crawling insects. Diatomaceous earth is USDA approved as an anti-caking agent for animal feed. Diatomaceous earth is FDA approved for internal and external use and has a rating of Food Chemical Codex Grade.

INTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL: Food grade diatomaceous earth makes a very effective natural insecticide. The insecticidal quality of diatomaceous earth is due to the razor sharp edges of the diatom remains. When diatomaceous earth comes in contact with the insects, the sharp edges lacerate the bugs waxy exoskeleton and then the powdery diatomaceous earth absorbs the body fluids causing death from dehydration.

Food grade diatomaceous earth has been used for at least two decades as a natural wormer for livestock. Some believe diatomaceous earth scratches and dehydrates parasites. Some scientists believe that diatomaceous earth is a de-ionizer or de-energizer of worms or parasites. Regardless, people report definite control. To be most effective, food grade diatomaceous earth must be fed long enough to catch all newly hatching eggs or cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach. A minimum of 60 days is suggested by many, 90 days is advised for lungworms.

Food grade diatomaceous earth works in a purely physical/mechanical manner, not "chemical" and thus has no chemical toxicity. Best yet, parasites don’t build up a tolerance/immunity to its chemical reaction, so rotation of wormers is unnecessary.

*CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO DOGS, O.C. Collins, DVM, Midland Animal Clinic And Hospital, Midland, TX: “In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tbsp./day and under 35 lbs. 1 tsp./day of DE, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. DE controlled Ascardis (Toxacara canids), Hookworms (Anclyostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).”

*RESULTS ON FEEDING CODEX FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH TO WALKING HORSE, L. Thomas, Trainer, L. Frank Roper Stables, Winter Garden, FL: “With horses fed approximately 5 oz. of DE mixed in the feed twice daily, the following results were observed: Stopped scours even on horses that had not responded to any other medications. Noticeable fly reduction. Horses showed an increase in appetites. Weight gain due to better feed conversion. Reduction in manure odor. Elimination of any internal parasites. Healthier appearance.

Daily recommended food grade diatomaceous earth feeding rates:

Kittens - 1/2 teaspoon
Cats - 1 teaspoon
Puppies - 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Dogs under 35 lbs. - 1 teaspoon
Dogs over 35 lbs. - 1 tablespoon
Dogs over 100 lbs. - 2 tablespoons
Cattle, Dairy Cows, & Hogs - 2% of dry feed ration
Chickens - 5% in feed
Goats, Sheep, Alpacas, & Llamas - 2% in grain
Horses - 1/2 to 1 cup in daily ration
Zoo animals - 2% in daily feed
*Humans - 1 heaping tablespoon daily

Internal feeding of food grade diatomaceous earth helps eliminate most internal worms, including roundworms, pin worms, tapeworms, etc. It's also excellent when fed daily to keep down fly loads, since food grade diatomaceous earth is eliminated from the body, exactly the way it went in, it helps reduce the manure odor and kills flies that come in contact with it.

Mix in animal feed or grain and/or feed free choice. 

If fecal counts are not zero for worms and ova after feeding DE for 30 days, increase the daily dose. Feeding too small a dose of DE will not give desired results. Increasing the dose, even if greater than the above recommendations, will not harm anyone. Some horses do fine on 1/2 cup of DE daily, others need a full cup. This reminds us, that all beings are different. So again, if the worm and ova counts are not zero, increase your daily dose.

*Some recommend to dose humans by mixing food grade diatomaceous earth in a glass of water before bed or first thing in the morning, well before breakfast, to allow diatomaceous earth time to move through and absorb toxins from ones digestive tract without interfering or absorbing nutrients from foods or liquids. Some report great results consuming 1 tsp. in a glass of water prior to each meal, 3x/day.

http://www.agrogreencanada.com/store/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=4

2011 Seasonal Reflection of the Bearspaw

Spring 2011

Summer 2011

Fall 2011

Winter 2011/2012

Day 383 : -31 degrees Celsius wind chill

Day 376 - 1-yr of Reflection as a Species

Observed behavioural trait of the Edmonton Shepherd:

• The Edmonton Shepherd may get mopey if not taken on their daily 45 minute walk/run (with exercise such as running, jumping, tugging, etc.). \
• The EDMONTON SHEPHERD has paws well suited for sub-zero temperatures (Celsius scale) and will not require winter boots. 

Childrens' Xmas Kick Off