Should I switch them to a raw meat diet?

Question

I am considering switching my dogs (two GSDS, ages three and ten) to a raw meat diet. They are currently being fed a commercial food that is nowhere near good. I have been learning more about dog food recently and I want to get them off the food they are currently on. So here are my questions...

Our older dog has hip dysplasia. Has there been any research about how raw diets effect dogs with hip dysplasia? I've read that it helps lower the risk of dysplasia (which is important for our younger dog, as the older dog is her sire).

What is the best way to switch a dog to a raw meat diet? I know with kibble dog foods you switch to the new food little by little. Do you do the same thing when switching to raw meat?

My main concerns are bones and bacteria. I've always been told that chicken bones are bad for dogs--that they splinter and can hurt a dog. I've also always been told that raw meat has bacteria and whatnot. Are these not true or do dogs have their own way of dealing with this?

Also, any resources (websites, books, etc.) would be great!

I have another question. Some people say to feed vegetables and some say to not feed them. Obviously, I can't just ask which is right because people disagree on it, but what are the two opposing viewpoints on it? Those that say yes, why do you say yes? And those that say no, why do you say no?

Answer 1

Yes, you can. Try going to the BARF website. If you are planning to, make sure their meals are completly balanced.

However, I was thinking of doing the same, but tried Innova Evo, and have stuck with it. Its high quality, all meat, with no grains.

Edit: Chicken bones are the basis for a Raw Diet. The neck bones are popular. No, they don't splinter, because your dog chews them, not just swallows it. And they are digestable because their aren't cooked. And dogs have a short digestive tract, so bacteria like E-Coli can't form.

Raw is very healthy, and good for you if you switch.

Edit Again: Its best to switch cold turkey with Raw. Make your dogs fast for at least 12 hours before starting, so their systems are empty of kibble.




Veggies: Yes, you can feed it to them, but they aren't necessary. When you do though, you have to make sure to puree it finely, because if you don't, your don't won't be able to break down the Cellulose wall in their digestive tract, so no nutrients will be released.

Answer 2

"I've always been told that chicken bones are bad for dogs--that they splinter and can hurt a dog."

not true. My dogs eat chicken bones every single day. Many raw fed dogs do. Wild dogs do. If it hurt them, they would have died out, or learned to eat something different. Raw chicken bones are very soft, and easily digested. Cooked bones do splinter, as they are dried out and more brittle.

" I've also always been told that raw meat has bacteria and whatnot. Are these not true or do dogs have their own way of dealing with this?"

right, bacteria is there, but dogs can deal with this. My dogs will eat rank meat, and be fine. They have super strong stomachs, and can handle just about anything.

Answer 3

Not if you love them ---- (ask your vet about it, not feeding raw is taught in every veterinary school for a reason) and you will also be advised that no bone, whether cooked or raw, is safe. If you feel like a lot of work at getting the same info your vet will provide you with, search any major veterinary school and call them.

Answer 4

The chicken bone splinters are from cooked chickens. Raw ones don't splinter.

Answer 5

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