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Feeding Raw

Ben Curtis

Well-Known Member
We've decided to switch Enzo to Raw food. I've ordered the book DennasMom recommended, "raw and natural nutrition for dogs". I feel like I have a decent grasp on nutrients he needs. I honestly feel like I have too much info running around in my head right now.

Any general guidelines any of you have found that work?
Any suggestions on how to determine serving size?
I'm guessing this food will leave him with much dirtier teeth than his dry food. Any suggestions on keeping the teeth cleen.

Enzo's skin issues are getting better with his yeast treatments, but his paws are still swollen. We are hoping the change in diet will help. We are almost a week in now, and he enjoys it for sure so far.

Thanks,
Ben
 

TylerDurden

Well-Known Member
Ben,

There are different versions/models of raw diets; so I guess it will depend. Generally, feeding guidelines would be by % of body weight. I‘ve read about ranges from 2-4% depending on life stage, activity level, breed etc. It will probably take some time to identify the correct ratio for Enzo.
Also, his teeth should actually be cleaner on a raw diet. I think that‘s one of the major benefits that raw feeders keep pointing out due to the dogs actually eating/chewing bones.
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
Hi Ben....sorry it's taken me so long.... I've fed my Bella on raw from day one....this is the guideline I followed.... 2 to 4% of the pups body weight per day....break it down to 3 feedings per day when their pups..... some days they want a little more....other days not so much....I always gave Bella more if she wanted it. She really wasn't a pup to over eat.... as soon as she walked away from the bowl I would pick it up. The raw diet I have choisen has no grains ... no corn, wheat....no grains what so ever..... lots of raw beef bones for her teeth.... Now she is full grown iM feeding her 2% of her body weight..... I would and still will give her our left over meat and vegetables if she is interested.
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
Ben I buy mine right from the makers K9 Kitchens.... I put in my order for enough to last 2 to 3 weeks depending how much freezer room I have.
 

Mmonk73

New Member
Hi Ben, I am new to the forum. I feed DIY BARF raw diet to my dogs. 1 EB and my 12 week old Cane Corso. I do DIY non ground raw but no chicken other than gizzards, hearts, and feet. What questions/concerns do you have?
 

Elizabeth Balcomb

Well-Known Member
Hi Ben.. the question of the teeth.. in fact they will ne cleaner than with kibbles which tend to soften and stick to teeth, unlike raw food. Hows it been going? How are his feet?
 

Ben Curtis

Well-Known Member
Gave up on the Raw diet, too much work, with no benefit that I could see. His fee and chin are better thanks to apple cider vinegar.
 

Loverboy Skyline

Well-Known Member
Gave up on the Raw diet, too much work, with no benefit that I could see. His fee and chin are better thanks to apple cider vinegar.
I know it's a lot of work. That's why I don't do it. Instead I feed high quality kibble where the meat is locally sourced, comes to the factory every day, is processed at low temperature, and everything in it is fit for human consumption. Take a look at Orijen and Acana. One thing I like is it passes all the AAFCO requirements for nutrition but has very few added vitamins and minerals because they haven't been cooked out. It's expensive, but if you compare it to prepared raw diets it's a bargain.