One
of of the most common questions we are asked is how we got started
feeding the raw diet. Over the years, both Mike and I
have tried just about every imaginable processed food on the market,
often adding additional supplements to make up for what was lost
during the processing of the kibble. In addition, we started
researching exactly what was in processed dog food and what we
learned was horrifying. Each of us switched our dogs to a raw
diet. Mike switched cold-turkey, and I fed my dogs 1/2 kibble,
1/2 raw for a few years. Neither of us had problems
making the switch in our own way.
We
would suggest that before changing your dog's diet, you do two things. The
first is to research carefully to determine how and what you will
feed. There are many versions of the raw diet out there,
including several good cooked diets, and of late, prepackaged raw and
cooked meals. There is an incredible variety of supplements
available these days, in fact, you'll likely find the choices
somewhat overwhelming. Next, we would suggest a
trip to your veterinarian to ensure that the dog you are
considering changing to the new diet is as healthy as they can
be. In the case that you are investigating a switch
because your dog is struggling to remain healthy, please do so with
the guidance of your veterinarian and consider one of the special
needs diets that we have provided a link to at the left.
You
will find that initially, your dog may not want to eat raw meat, or
you will see changes that are worrisome ie. vomiting, loose stools,
change in coat condition etc. This is because your dog is going
through a normal detoxification in which his/her body is ridding
itself of the bad things and getting used to the new. Let
your common sense guide you as to what type of change is acceptable,
but please do know that after this detoxification period, things will
return to normal. In the case that your dog is unsure
about eating, you may want to consider searing the meat for a few
seconds in garlic or oil. In general, they learn quickly how to
eat their new diet and really love it!
