Comments on: Question About Feeding Dogs Raw Meat!!!?

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:38:43 +0000

Well done.
How old is he and how active is he. Start with about 2.5% and see how he goes. If he has not had raw before then you should change over gradually anyway as the ph balance is different and adjusting back to what they naturally should have can take a week or so. You might also notice silly things like a smelly coat for a few weeks where the body detoxes. Sounds silly I know, but it happens. Then you will notice a lovely shiny coat and really good muscle tone and structure. Their bodies actually change shape.
Don’t worry too much about the “how much”. It would be different with each dog, but the 2.5 to 3 % is a good rule. I would say start with 1 1/2 lb and see how his body is.
My rotties get 1 1/2 lb per day and they vary in size, age and metabolism, and the smallest, liveliest one eats as much as the biggest oldest one.
Best of luck.
Cooke — below is the reason that you SHOULDN’T give raw with kibble. The ph balance needed for each is completely different and it does not do well to mix it.
A raw fed dog will usually have a pH of 2 rising to near 3 some hours after they have eaten where as with Dry fed dogs the pH is contradictory to proper canine digestion(more alkaline pH of 5 -7)

By: Curtis M

Curtis M — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:38:43 +0000

Correct. I feed a prey modeled diet. 70% muscle meat, 20% organ, and 10% edible bone. Most people feed an 80/10/10 ratio though. I feed a 70/20/10 ratio because I’ve noticed that in the wild, in pack canids, the top pair eat more organ than the rest of the pack, especially more liver, therefore I assume there is some benefit to this! Assuming isn’t always so great but, I’ve been feeding this way for over 10 years with no problems so far! Make half of the total amount of organ you feed liver and don’t get too scale crazy aka don’t worry so much over ingredients in a particular meal, you’ll go mad. Just make sure that over time you feed a balanced diet.

By: allycmw

allycmw — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:38:43 +0000

1-3% of the dog’s body weight is correct. Here are some sites that will help you:http://www.rawlearning.com/http://www.rawfeddogs.net/http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/rawfe…http://www.daybreakaussies.com/raw_feedi…http://mj-pg.com/SDraw/

By: LYNN W

LYNN W — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:38:43 +0000

It would be about 3 percent but it is just an estimate. If the dog gains weight or loses weight and it is not needed just adjust accordingly.

By: cookedpu

cookedpu — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:38:43 +0000

Don’t give your dogs pure raw meat. Give them dog food too! Feed them a bowl or two a day of mixed food.

By: Rayven ~ Life's a B

Rayven ~ Life's a B — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:38:42 +0000

Yep 3% of your dog’s weight to maintian his current weight would work out to
1.95 pounds (31.2 ounces) per day total
0.975 pounds (15.5 ounces) for one meal – split into two meals a day.
Mind you your dog may need less or more based on HIS personal needs but 2-3% is a good starting point.
Here are some sites to help you outhttp://www.rawfeddogs.net/http://www.rawmeatybones.com/http://www.rawfed.com/myths/index.htmlhttp://www.mypetcarnivore.com/rawfeeding…http://rawdiettruth.blogspot.com/http://www.topdog.ie/index.php?pageid=ra…http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/RawCh…http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Rawfe…