Today's post is a guest post from The Raw Dog Food System. They have some great info over there about switching to a raw food diet, how to's and other great info. Make sure you check them out!
The Nitty-Gritty of the Raw Dog Food Diet
To properly transition your dog properly to the raw dog food diet, you must understand detoxification, introducing fish, and the quantitative requirements involved in raw-feeding.
On detoxification
Once or twice a week, allow your dog to fast. Give only clean drinking water. This mimics the dog’s natural environment in the wild. It hunts, gorges itself with the prey, then does not eat for a period of time. As a safety precaution, puppies, ferrets, cats, and sick or underweight dogs must never be allowed to fast or to undergo detoxification.
On introducing fish
Fresh whole fish does not seem to agree with the prey model of raw feeding, because fish is not found in the natural environment of dogs and their ancestors in the wild. That is why many raw-feeding manuals (such as the one written by Dr. Tom Lonsdale of New Zealand) recommend that raw whole fish must be fed sparingly, like once a week. Some dogs develop a taste for it. Some don’t. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, and incorporating it once in a while (depending on the dog’s appetite) is beneficial for the dog. The only exception for fish to be introduced in raw feeding is the use of Pacific salmonids. Pacific salmonids (like trout and salmon) may contain a parasitic fluke that’s only deadly for dogs. At 6 weeks of age, you may feed kittens and puppies with whole chicken carcasses, rabbit carcasses, and fish. Refer to this article, How to Introduce Fish in a Raw Dog Food Diet, to learn about giving fish to your dogs.
How much should you give?
It is recommended that you feed your carnivorous pet with one very large piece that he can rip, tear, and gnaw for a certain period of time (let’s say, half an hour or forty-five minutes of uninterrupted mealtime). This will prevent all dental problems for your pets for the rest of their lives. Also, consider the size and temperament of your pet. Pets that are very active and have big appetites require more food.
Based on raw meaty bones, a feeding recommendation of 15 – 20% of body weight in one week or 2 – 3% per day is ideal. For example, a 25-kg dog needs 5 kg of raw meaty bones or carcasses per week.
All lactating females, pregnant females, and growing pets (kittens and puppies) need more food than their counterparts with the same body weight.
Thank you so much Maggie for a great article on switching to a raw food diet and some things to watch our for.
Saving the world one stick of butter at a time.
God's many blessing,
Jenn
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