I have two dogs that I am considering feeding a natural/fresh food diet rather than store bought dog food but have no idea how to start. I want them to get all the appropriate nutrients and need to know appropriate serving sizes. One of the boys is a 105lb. Chocolate Lab. The other is a 52lb. Lab/Saluki mix. I would really appreciate answers from vetrinarians or other dog care professional who are familiar with the nutritional needs of these breeds.
Dogs - 6 Answers
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1 :
I use Doctor Harvey's and Bravo Raw patties. The information is on the websites.
2 :
Good choice! RAW or BARF diets are extremely healthy, excellent alternates to store brand foods. I myself can't afford a daily regimen of raw feedings, so I alternate between RAW and Canidae ALS [I have seven dogs plus 12+ fosters, daily RAW isn't fathomable!]. I'll link you to the natural source website so you can do a bit of research for yourself. :) http://www.rawdietfordogs.net/
3 :
i'm not an expert but i know that by you feeding them "table food" their going to have to be a lot more active and their poop is going to really be funky......i'd prefer eukanuba indoor formula. sorry to discourage you.
4 :
The ultimate food would be a whole carcass but a 'frankenprey' diet of meat, meaty bones and organs is nearly as good. I have been raw feeding for several years and my animals eat a variety of foods; beef, lamb, chicken, fish (fresh and tinned), goat, pork, kangaroo etc. If you aim to feed about 2/3 muscle/meat (including heart) and the rest a combination of meaty bones and organs like brains, liver and kidney over the course of a week or two then your dogs (ALL BREEDS) will get all the nutrients they need. The only supplement you need to use is fish body oil if you can't get pasture raised meats. The general guide is to either feed 15-25% of the dog's body weight a week or 2-3% a day. I would start your lab on about 2.5 lbs and the mix on about 1.25 (this is about 2.5%) adjust these amounts up or down based on the appearance of your dogs. "Dogs are Carnivores" An article clearly explaining the physiological reasons behind this classification and the effects of feeding inappropriate foods http://www.thewholedog.org/artcarnivores… A feeding guide published by Dr Tom Lonsdale, a vet who advocates raw feeding and has been widely published http://www.rawmeatybones.com/diet/exp-di… A website debunking some of the many myths regarding raw feeding and bones. http://rawfed.com/myths
5 :
The word 'natural' means absolutely nothing. And regulations for the word 'organic' is being loosened. It's great to hear from someone concerned about their dogs' nutrition!
6 :
This is a really good one I like...for dog food. Check out the video below: http://dailyvideorecipes.com/1749/natural-dog-food-recipes
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