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Raw food diet

16K views 31 replies 14 participants last post by  dobebug 
#1 ·
Hello everyone I want to know what you do and recommend for raw food diets? I want to start feeding my four month male puppy raw food; how much do I give him now and when he's older to be in shape? What types of meat and vegetables and other things you add for nutritions? How do I switch him over from dog food to raw? I have began reading a few books but wanted to know what people are doing and what works for them or has not.
Thank you for your time and help all is needed. 🙏🏽
 
#2 ·
I took the easy way out and feed Darwin's Raw Natural Selections. I had wanted to feed raw for awhile, and my Doberman is super picky. At the time I lived in a very small loft with an apartment sized freezer and no room for a chest freezer. Darwin's is super convenient and Juneau loves it. I like that they have five meat varieties, use organic vegetables, hormone free meats, and list the nutritional details of the food on their site. The packaging is clean and convenient. Also, I'm kind of squeamish about feeding whole bones, and hadn't wanted to feed raw until I could get a commercial grinder. Darwin's grinds lol. Who knows, maybe someday I'll make my own raw. In the meantime this is a great option.


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#3 ·
You're reading and that is great. Understanding the 'whys' with raw is very important. Many people depend on companies and staff to educate them and I truly believe it is a necessity to understand raw. What is considered meat what is offal.
Always go by weight and body condition. We recommend starting with 2-3% of adult weight but you have to watch body condition. If puppy gets chubby you need to decrease your percentages and if puppy is losing weight you need to increase.
There is no one percentage that works for every dog. I have one dog at 1.5%, one at 2% and one at 4.5% to maintain a healthy body weight. With the exception of my 17 year old dog I am almost constantly adjusting weights to maintain a body condition I am content with on my dogs.

At his age you may very well be able to get away with switching cold turkey to raw. With puppies I don't often recommend a fast before switching.
Utilizing premade during the switch is for most a good idea as bone percentages are already calculated. This is a good thing as there is no guess work with bone/muscle meat ratios.

Read up, look for local raw feeding co-ops or Fb groups. You may be able to find a mentor to help you through the hump of the first few weeks
 
#4 · (Edited)
Hello! For feeding raw you'll want to invest in a freezer (to freeze all the meat you'll be acquiring) and you'll need to find a local butcher or vendor of some sort that can help you get different types of meat, organs, etc. It can be a tricky process. I myself was interested in RAW feeding our Dobe but you have to be committed to providing a lot of variety to get them a well-balanced, nutritional diet and preferably don't travel much.

Since we like to travel, it's just too much of a hassle to feed him RAW, as well as the time factor. You have to be dedicated to spend some time every week preparing, freezing meals and providing all the necessary nutrients they need. To me and many others on the forum, it is easy to obsess over this and many find it just easier to feed a high quality grade kibble. We feed Zuko Taste of the Wild and he does just fine, though I'lll feed him the occasional raw egg, chicken, etc.

While feeding RAW is great for dogs and has many health benefits, you want to be realistic with yourself and your dog. And the beauty of feeding RAW is, there is no one way to do it. But you generally spend quite a bit of time preparing and finding good quality meats. Are you willing to spend the next 12 years looking for different meats and veggies, freezing the meat, thawing them on a daily basis, and then providing additional supplements like vitamins (fish oil tabs, etc.) every day? Do you travel, or are you more home-bound? Do you have children, do you work full-time, etc? Things like this could severely impact your ability to feed RAW, as it will take time away from other things. What happens when you go on vacation? Are you willing to freeze and have someone feed your dog RAW when you are gone?

This forum has lots of helpful threads about RAW feeding, you can learn so much by searching the threads.
 
#5 ·
Im sorry but if you don't feed raw, why are you spouting such things? While an extra freezer helps it is Not quintessential. with a well rounded diet one doesn't have to offer a multitude of supplements. I feed raw, I have children, I compete and travel and yet the approximate 4 hours (or less) I spend prepping meats or treats impacts my life not one whit. It is something I do gladly to ensure I am feeding the absolute best diet to my dogs I can.
 
#6 ·
I also like knowing that I am feeding the best food that I can, and have not been put out by supplement management or anything else. I know that pre-made is an easy way out, but it does address SO many of the issues brought up, if one finds them to be issues. I travel all the time—at least every other month, and recently spent two weeks abroad—and none of my dog sitters have found it difficult or aversive to thaw and feed the pre packaged food. I think that if the OP decides that raw will be best then they can find a way to make it work with their lifestyle.


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#8 ·
You keep mentioning time...
I spend approximately 4 hours a month prepping food. Some months I spend zero time prepping.

I find it offensive when people who have zero experience feeding raw start counselling people on what they 'have' to do and just how much time is involved.
Feeding raw isn't difficult it's not always time consuming. It truly depends on how one does it. I know many many people who work compete and travel they have families and lives outside of dogs and yet they have no issues spending whatever time is needed to sort themselves out.
 
#9 ·
Just because I don't feed raw doesn't mean I am disqualified to respond to this thread. I offered my own insight and explained the reasons why I don't feed raw. I would need more space. I would need to find a supplier or butcher. I would need to spend four hours a month prepping, like you said.

Yes, I keep mentioning time. For me I just don't want to spend that much time prepping, whether it is four hours or twenty hours, it's just not for me. I have enough going on working, trying to stay in shape, planning my own family's meals, cooking said meals, taking care of my other animals, let alone Zuko. At least at the moment. I am still considering switching in the future, but at the moment just not in the cards. I accept that people have their own opinions when it comes to feeding raw, but at the end of the day whether feeding raw or kibble we just love our dogs. That's why we're all here on this forum.

I'm hoping some other raw feeders can comment on this and add their own experiences, how long it takes them each month to prep, where they get heir meat supply, and what variety they feed. Maybe someone could provide a 'here's what I feed my dog every week' kind of plan, that could help the OP out a lot.
 
#10 ·
Just because I don't feed raw doesn't mean I am disqualified to respond to this thread.

Maybe someone could provide a 'here's what I feed my dog every week' kind of plan, that could help the OP out a lot.
Actually it does. You don't feed raw you have zero real world knowledge on what goes into feeding raw, so your opinion is an uneducated 'I won't do it because I don't want to commit the time to my dog' Opinion.


The reality of it is, the OP needs education. The op needs to do the foot work and figure out if raw a feasible for where they live and their finances. Fwiw I spend less time prepping raw than my best friend does going to the store to purchasing dog food each month...

I can tell the op exactly what I feed and when, but that won't help them, if they don't understand the why's or if they don't have those particular proteins available to them.
 
#11 ·
At first raw was a little daunting and overwhelming for me. I hadn't done my homework and stopped after a month. I took a month to really figure it out and I've never looked back. We are coming up to 7 years in April.

It takes me no more time to feed Coco raw than it did kibble now that I've got the hang of it. I love knowing exactly what she's eating. She did horribly on all kinds of kibble but had no trouble at all going to raw. I just started feeding her raw one day. No transition necessary.

I have extra freezer space which is good to have to stock on deals. I only feed human grade raw so it's really just raw meat that I would serve to my family although we don't eat as varied of proteins as she does! Coco can eat anything such as goat, beef, chicken, turkey, Beaver, emu, oxtail, bison and pheasant. She does not like pork or fish raw but sometimes I lightly sautee them for her because she also enjoys when I cook for her. She's got me well trained! She also eats lots of raw bones, various organs, hearts and chicken feet regularly.

Read up and decide if it's something you want to pursue. If you start and decide it's not for you, go back to kibble. Good luck.
 
#14 · (Edited)
So if I’m not an alcoholic, I can’t comment on the issue of drinking too much?

OF COURSE, I’m not comparing RAW feeding to an awful disease, but, to make a point....everyone has the right to post on our forum, even if something is only their opinion, provided they don’t break the forum rules.

We need input from both sides to present to the OP--if we give information (including opinions about an issue) reasonably presented with our reasons for feeling as we do, OP can make a decision about what works for them.
 
#18 ·
I see your point melbrod but I also see SieYa and vivienne's as actual raw feeders with first hand experience.

I tend not to comment in the threads about what is the best kibble to feed my dog because I do not have any good experience with feeding kibble to Coco to share with others. The same goes for staying out of all the threads asking for help with posting cropped ears because I have a natural eared girl and have zero experience with this.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions on here but when someone asks for actual information about their question, I think it is important to get answers from those who may be more in the know. Just my 2 cents.
 
#15 ·
I quit feeding raw, mainly for the reasons jeitzen mentioned, the need for finding the food in the first place, of freezer space for storing it, and time spent prepping. And I only fed partly raw.
 
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#16 ·
I feed kibble in the morning and raw at night. I don't find the raw to be overly difficult to prepare. I buy in bulk from my local raw coop, I have an extra freezer in my garage, and I thaw a couple days worth of food at a time in my regular fridge. I portion out the food once its thawed, that probably takes 30 minutes to do, and I do that about two times a week. I usually buy premade mixes, although I do also buy organ mix so that I can mix it other meat. I try to rotate proteins, we do chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef, venison, and alpaca. I give sardines once a week or so. I also like to add Green JuJu to their meals.

I keep kibble in the mix because my dad watches my dogs at his house fairly regularly and he's not setup to feed raw. Also, I have a Great Dane and a Doberman, so space wise I would find it difficult to thaw everything without having a dedicated fridge.
 
#17 ·
This actually sounds like a really cool way to incorporate both kibble and raw together! Looks like a great variety. I don't know if I could switch to all raw but doing half and half could potentially work out really well. Especially if we are away and have to bring him to daycare. Thanks for sharing.
 
#19 ·
I'm new to this raw thing... as for now I'm feeding pre packaged raw but it is becoming very pricey as my blue doberman already eats 4 patties a day, twice a day. The bag comes at $35.99 plus tax and it only lasts about a week or so. I would love to get into preparing my own as he enjoys raw more then kibble been really overwhelmed as to how to start or where to start.

I have noticed the top of his fur brittle and some shedding, I was told and advised from the breeder I bought him from to only feed RAW and add oils. Hes been on antibiotics twice already since I got him but his coat has yet to improve.... any help or experience with blues would be much appreciated.


Thank you in advanced...


P.S.

wanted to start my own post but not sure how to go about it as i'm new to this site....
 
#21 ·
I have noticed the top of his fur brittle and some shedding, I was told and advised from the breeder I bought him from to only feed RAW and add oils. Hes been on antibiotics twice already since I got him but his coat has yet to improve.... any help or experience with blues would be much appreciated.
Quite frankly, that's probably more related to his color than his diet. Blue and fawn Dobermans usually suffer from a condition called Color Dilution Alopecia, and will lose at least some of their coat. https://www.animaldermatology.com/newsletter/429/Derm-Digest-august-2010
 
#20 ·
I have fed raw for many years now. We are BUSY and work fulltime, have horses, cottages and anywhere from 1-3 dogs at any time. It is not more expensive for me. I do use mostly prepared mince currently. I add offal and tripe. I do not believe a healthy kibble exists so for me even if it was time consuming and expensive I would still feed raw.

Contrary to what jeitzen said (all of it really) you do not need to add fruit and veg. You can if cooked or pureed. I do for some additional fibre here and there. It is not really required and tripe does provide some greens along with all the other benefits.

To those in defence of jeitzen I think the feeling is that they are providing some misleading information. You have a bunch of 100% raw feeders saying you don't have to have a separate freezer, it won't take up all your time etc.

If time is the big concern I have to wonder why you would have Dobes. Feeding them is nothing compared to the time I invest on training and exercising them. They are not a low maintenance breed and one with many health issues so for me 1 big factor that I do have control over is providing them the best diet I can in the hopes that it buys me more healthy years with them.

If you truly believe kibble is that then go ahead but for me I know it isn't.
 
#22 ·
I’m not sure the answer I was looking for is on this thread or I may have missed it. I have fed prepackaged raw to my border collie dogs for 12 years. My eldest girl lived out her lifespan to 14 with no arthritis, no cataracts, no issues up until two months ago and passed last Sunday. My other border 4 yrs and my chihuahua 13 yrs all eat the same food. They are in top physical condition and have never had any issues. I feed 80% chicken, organs and crushed bones and 20% produce and grains. I also add a probiotic/ prebiotic supplement and cod liver oil. Is it a hassle YES! Is it expensive YES! Is it worth it? It depends on the individual. I do have a special freezer for it and have to be super organized as far as the thawing and prepping. It is not for everyone. I have traveled with them and I pack it in a way that works for me. Now my question is if this diet is good for a doberman? The breeder requires I feed her recommended food for a year. I signed the contract and agree to do it. However, once the term is over, is full on 80% protein good for a one year old doberman?
 
#23 ·
By the time your dog is a year old the caution about feeding puppies in the medium to large breed high protein (because it encourages fast growth which you really don't want it can cause bone deformity) it's probably not a consideration because most of their very fast growth is over and done with.

Since I don't feed raw I'll leave that to be answered by someone who has a lot more experience than I do but that's basically common sense. (And because I'm nosey--what food are you obliged to feed for that first year?)

dobebug
 
#24 ·
I pulled up the contract and it says that “the buyer agrees to feed the puppy the breeder‘s recommendations for the first year…“ then it says in another paragraph “buyer agrees not to feed grain free food” I’m guessing ever, with details of what ingredients any food shouldn’t contain and a link to a study by the FDA that links diet to the common heart desease that afflicts the breed. So it doesn’t name the food but I had to commit to it. FWTW, this breeder does have some longevity certificates so they must also know a thing or two. As for the raw diet, it helped rid my eldest of skin and stomach issues she had when I got her. Her coat was beautiful and she didn’t look her age. But I’m open to other foods. I want him to be healthy and have a beautiful coat. When I do get him, I’ll let you know what food he has to eat. If for some reason that recommended food doesn’t sit well with him, I’m sure I can make the case to the breeder and switch to another one.
 
#25 ·
It's interesting because I commented on this thread 7 years ago twice lol.

This will probably get closed due to forum rules about reviving old threads.

But it is perfectly fine to feed your dobe 100% raw if they do well on it.

My current boy was weaned onto raw by his breeder and has never had kibble. This was a dream for me as a raw feeder!!
 
#27 ·
We have raised five Doberman pups on raw food. No growth problems. Utah has a raw meat game processing plant here that offers flash frozen meat of venison, elk and sometimes buffalo with 15% ground bone and 10% innards such as kidney, liver and heart ground together in neat 1 lb pkg. Takes out the guess work, plus I have personally gone thru the plant to see the process and cleanliness. Feeding a puppy on raw makes housebreaking so much easier. Less stool because they utilize most of what they eat. Less urination as they get the moisture in the meat rather than drinking more water from the dry kibble. Just my experience.
 
#28 ·
Thank you! That has also been my experience with raw plus overall better health. I know it’s not for everyone but for those who do, they only downside is the decipline of the prepping. Not everyone has the time or the resources. But never have I heard that it in anyway hindered the dog’s health. On the contrary, it has always improved it. The less stool and urination is a bonus and, as you mentioned, less waste because the body is absorbing the nutrients. Did you start raw as puppies? I did with my bordercollie but because these have a different growth pattern, I want to make sure even if he won’t start until a year. Thank you
 
#31 ·
MLM is multi-level marketing. Things like Amway, Avon, Do-Terra essential oils, and to be dog specific, stuff like Nuvet and other supplements and foods that you purchase through the breeder, or by entering a code from the breeder when ordering it from the company. Basically the breeder gets a commission on every unit purchased as long as it's tracked. Frankly, any contract that said I had to feed a specific food or give a specific supplement, especially if not doing so voids any health guarantee, would make me consider long and hard just how badly I wanted this puppy.

And vets "push" Science Diet because they know the research and history that comes with it. One vet I worked for would even tell people to go buy it somewhere else if they thought he was just trying to sell them something. Sure they'd prefer if you bought it through their clinic, but not because they are making huge profits or get kickbacks on it.
 
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