Raw Food
Raw Dog Food Websites
http://www.rawlearning.com/rawfaq.html
http://rawfed.com/myths/feedraw.html
http://preymodelraw.com/how-to-get-started/
RAW DOG FOOD
WHO EATS IT?
Every breed of dog at any age is eligible to start a raw food diet. Whether you have a Great Dane puppy or a 12 year old Chihuahua, it is never too early (or late!) to begin feeding raw.
WHAT IS IT?
A raw dog food diet is based on feeding your dog whole, real, fresh food. A raw diet mimics what your dog would eat in the wild; whole prey is hunted and consumed including meat, organs and bone.
Tailwagrrrs raw food follows the whole prey model - meaning the entire animal is used, and raw meaty bones play an important part in the diet.
It is important to feed the appropriate amount and proportions of meat, organs and bones to your dog. Tailwagrrrs raw food diet is designed to have the proper amounts of each so your dog gains optimal nutrition, without necessarily having to add suppliments or fruits and vegetables in their diet.
THE BENEFITS OF RAW FOOD
Raw food is real food. Owners that feed their dog raw food notice changes in not only their dog's body, but also in their dog's behaviour.
The benefits of raw food include:
- Healthier skin and coat: no 'flaky' skin, reduction in hot spots, less shedding, shinier and thicker coat.
- Stronger nails that are no longer brittle.
- Fresher breath: raw bones help clean teeth, raw food aids in reducing tartar build up, gums are healthier.
- Reduction or dissolution of allergies such as ear infections and red, itchy paws. Some owners find tear staining and the need for anal gland expression are also lessened on a raw food diet.
- Fewer trips to the vet for infections, allergies, etc.
- Less stool is produced (less yard clean up!)
- Increase in energy.
- Better weight control and management.
- Eye cataracts are reduced or cleared.
- Can add years to your dog's life!
THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC and GRASS FED ANIMALS USED IN RAW FOOD
Consider this - animals raised in a commercial facility are fed grain and are injected with growth horomones and antibiotics. These chemicals go into the meat - which then goes into your dog's body. - Grass-fed and free range meats offer a more humane upbringing of the animals used in the raw food diet. This is why we choose to use these meats for your animals.
- Two to four times richer in heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids and essential amino acids.
- Higher in "good" unsaturated fats and lower in "bad" saturated fats.
- Three to five times higher in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) content.
- Loaded with over 400% more of vitamin A (as beta carotene) and E.
- Virtually devoid of risk of Mad Cow Disease.
Please visit the links listed for more information on why you should feed your pet a grass fed or free range diet.
http://www.eatwild.com/healthbenefits.htm
http://healthypets.mercola.com
COMMON CONCERNS WITH RAW DOG FOOD
The following are areas of concern and common questions owners have when it comes to raw dog food.
Will raw dog food make my dog aggressive?
Raw food for your pet is a species appropriate diet and your dog or cat will thrive instead of just survive. Your pets require live , enzyme filled diets to keep them healthy both mentally and physically.
Can my dog eat raw bones? Will they splinter, break, or pose as a choking hazard?
All meals should be supervised. There is always a chance that your dog may choke on their food, whether it is a piece of kibble (processed, bagged dog food), or a chunk of raw meat or bone. Raw bones are porous and soft enough so that your dog can chew through them and digest them properly. It is important to supervise your dog or cat while they eat their nutritionally rich raw diet or a recreational treat you have provided them.
Should I only feed my dog one type of raw meat?
Variety is the key. Each protein provides different nutritional benefits. If your dog does not have any allergies or intolerances, feel free to feed everything and anything from farm animals to wild game! Would you want to eat just one protein source for your whole life? Add chicken, turkey, moose, quail, duck, bison and any other protein to your dog's meal for a complete and tasty diet!
Are fruits, vegetables and grain okay for my dog?
We have discovered that species specific feeding requires your dogs (a scavenging carnivore) and cats (obligate carnivores) to consume animal protein and fat to be healthy. The addition of carbohydrates is not required.
My dog usually gets 4 cups of food per day. Based on your recommendation, I am feeding much less on a raw diet. Is my dog getting enough food?
Raw food is REAL food and is species specific. The best way to know if you are on the right feeding amount is to monitor your dog or cat's weight. Run your fingers along your animals rib cage and you should feel the ribs but NOT see them. Many brands of commercial dog food contain corn, wheat , soy and not digestible ingredients which provide no nutritional value. Yes, the amount of raw food you feed your dog will be less, but it is biologically appropriate and nutrient rich.
HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR PET FROM A KIBBLE DIET TO A RAW FOOD DIET
There are many schools of thought as to how to transition your dog from a kibble based diet to a raw food diet. Just like people, every dog is different! One method may work for one owner, and a completely different method may work for another. The following are some guidelines on how to make the change, and things to expect while doing the switch.
A week or two prior to the switch, boost your dog's digestive tract with good bacteria (flora - such as acidopholus, bifidus, etc.) which will aid in digestion and absorbtion of food. Add a TBSP or two of organic, sugar-free, flavor-free plain yogurt to your dog's meal. Most dogs love it! Feel free to use a digestive enzyme as well - sprinkle the powder on your dog's food, or add a bit of water to make a 'gravy'. This is a great addition to any dog's diet, whether you're feeding raw or kibble.
Be prepared to make - and stay committed- to the switch! Some dogs can change from kibble to raw overnight. For some dogs - it takes a bit more time. Ideally, you should switch your dog directly from kibble to raw, without mixing the two foods. The reason being is that kibble can take anywhere from 10-12 hours to digest, whereas raw is digested much more quickly, in the 4-6 hour range. If your dog has both types of food in it's stomach, it is not digested as easily, or as well. It is recommended that you allow your dog to completely digest and pass a kibble meal before starting on raw (feed kibble as dinner, feed raw the next day as breakfast/lunch/dinner after your dog has had his/her bowel movement).
Every dog is different! Some dogs are more sensitive to change than others.
It is okay for your animal to be without food for days ... if they were in the wild they may only catch their prey once a week. Do not worry if your animal does not eat for a few days they may be doing their own cleans and it is a great way introduce the raw feeding to the digestive tract. It has also been suggested that one day a week of fasting helps to cleans the system. WATER IS ESSENTIAL and must be available at all times. If your pet doesn't take to raw right away it may be due to the new smell, texture, and even the feel of the food in the mouth so be patient.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE TRANSITION IS MADE
Be aware that your animals system may cleanse itself. Upset stomach (vomitting), diarrhea, skin irritations etc. may occur with your pet. You pets system is getting rid of any build up that may have occurred while on a dehydrated, processed diet. This is natural and you should not give up on the raw feeding. A digestive enzyme may help.
Some dogs may experience constipation.
We suggest to start your pet on one type of protein, and then switch to a different type of protein a week or two later (please see our menu plan for meal ideas). Slowly introducing proteins one by one may be easier on your dog's stomach. Some dogs are able to transition from protein to protein overnight, some over a few days, and some are only able to eat certain proteins. Monitor what works for your pet!
After the first two weeks, you will most likely start to notice a change in your pet - their coat will be shinier, skin conditions will clear up, nails may become less brittle, cataracts will fade or even go away, the coat will be much softer and their will be less shedding ... it is amazing what a biologically appropriate food can do!
HOW DO I FEED MY PET RAW FOOD?
Many people have concerns regarding bacteria in the home when raw food is present. Treat raw dog food as you would your own raw hamburger, chicken or any other meat. Cleaning your dog's bowl with vinegar and warm water, or a mild all-natural soap and warm water after every meal is a good idea and will rid of any bacteria. With young children in the home, raw food can be a concern - use the same practices you would with your dog's food as you would your own food.
Some owners prefer to feed their dogs outside if weather permits (less mess indoors). Feeding on tile inside your home makes for easy clean up, too. Another option would be to feed in your dog's crate, without the crate pad ... they can lick up any left over goodies!
HOW DO I STORE RAW DOG FOOD?
Tailwagrrrs raw dog food comes conveniently packaged and can be seperated and defrosted as needed. Frozen raw dog food has the same freezer life as your own raw meats . Defrost your dog's meal in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, and serve as needed. Once defrosted, food lasts a day or two (just like your own meat would).
HOW MUCH DO I FEED MY DOG?
Tailwagrrrs recommend you monitor your pet's weight regularly and adjust the amount fed to balance the unique metabolic needs of your pet. Amount of food depends on AGE, ACTIVITY LEVEL or if your dog is PREGNANT or NURSING.
The following is a guideline only:
Feeding a healthy adult animal is based on 2% fed by pet body weight/day. We recommend you monitor your pet's weight regularly and adjust the amount fed to balance the unique metabolic needs of your pet.
Puppies , kittens and pregnant bitches require 3-5% by body weight/day.
Seniors require 1-2% by body weight/day, we do not recommend you decrease the amount of protein as your pet ages.
The quality of the protein and the digestibility of the diet is what is important for maintaining proper kidney
and organ function and to support muscle mass in an aging animal. These are GUIDELINES ONLY - the best indicator
is your dog's weight. Ideally, you should be able to FEEL but not SEE your dog's rib and hip bones and your dog
should have a defined 'waist'.
WHO SUPPLIES TAILWAGRRRS WITH THEIR MEAT?
Wild Mountain Farm http://www.wildmountain.ca/
Tailwagrrrs only uses grass-fed, hormone, antibiotic, pesticide and herbicide free meats in all of our foods and treats.
We use meats that are in season and available. Beef and lamb are available year-round, whereas chicken, turkey and pork are seasonal and available mostly during the summer and fall.
Please feel free to visit the Wild Mountain website to gather more information as to where our food comes from.