RAW FED DOGS

By Monday, September 11, 2017 14 No tags Permalink

Raw fed dogs? RAW FED DOGS?

Well I’ve never…

That was ME when Harley was in his tween years. His first two years he dined on kibble. When I began my search for an alternative to kibble, I consulted our vet who suggested I switch him to a raw fed diet.

I giggled as I mimicked her stance and repeated her statement, all while thinking –

get the doodle out of here.

The thought of raw flesh sitting in his bowl made me shiver. The vision of him tearing apart raw meat with his teeth made me gag.

She tried (unsuccessfully) to engage me in dialog at each vet visit. We finally agreed to a truce and that’s what led me to The Honest Kitchen’s human grade dehydrated food.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE –

We all know the rest of that sentence!

For five years The Honest Kitchen has been Harley’s breakfast and dinner. Jaxson knows nothing else. They’ve both flourished and lived active healthy lives. I’ve had a blast augmenting each meal with fresh fruits and veggies, and some of you might remember my monthly cooking videos. #toofunny

While it might not be “broke” – for us it may need fixin’

ALLERGIES GONE WILD –

There are more than a half dozen blog posts written about Harley’s environmental allergy issues. I’ve researched this region so much  – it interrupts my REM sleep…

RAW FED DOGS

My nightmares are about grass, dust, pollen and such. #calgontakemeaway 

His licking, nibbling and rolling around the carpet just won’t stop.

Jaxson’s ear gunk is like the television series “The Walking Dead” – every time I turn around its back!  Ear cleaning has become as common as teeth brushing. He shakes his head so much, I think I can hear his brain rattle.

Holistic remedies, natural blockers, cadi injections, Benadryl, bee pollen, essential oils, dino-vite, kale, kelp, goats milk, the list could go on until tomorrow.

ENOUGH! –

No matter how many times I hop on this hamster wheel – I keep jumping off when my focus is on their diet.

NO – NO – NO – I am not blaming The Honest Kitchen.

FEEDING PETS THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE FED –

The more you know the more you grow

Remember that commercial from the 70’s?

Well, after countless hours reading, talking and most of all listening, I have come to the realization that –

Despite our (humans) desire to create certain physical characteristics in dogs and cats both dogs and cats’ genotype or their genetic makeup remains essentially the same as their wild ancestors, which should tell you something about the foods that they should still be consuming and eating. Video: Dr.Karen Becker

When I think about the benefits –

  • Improved Nutrition
  • Healthy / Regular Digestion
  • Cleaner Teeth
  • Shinier Coat
  • Relief from Food Allergies / Sensitivities

And my only negative –

  • Me

THE FINAL DECISION? –

The Boys are going raw!…

RAW FED DOGS

Much of what I’ve learned makes all the sense in the world to me, yet I still tremble at the thought of switching them to a raw food diet. #keepingitreal

My incredible vet Dr. John (aka Doodle Doc), other Charleston pet parents who’ve made the raw fed switch due to allergens and Kimberly Morris Gauthier of Keep the Tail Wagging, are my human sources of inspiration. They are my “go-to” people with the patience of Job when it comes to my relentless questions.

Our due diligence is almost complete, and in the weeks ahead I will share with you my –

  • chosen menu and method
  • strategy
  • preparation plans
  • along with the book I can’t seem to put down!

A book written for people like me, spoken in a language that I can comprehend and comforting every time the devil tries to frighten me from staying the course.

FOLLOW ALONG –

I will do ANYTHING (to include having an intimate relationship with raw meat) if it will enhance their health and well being.

Right now I believe a grain-free, gluten-free raw protein diet with the right balance of veggies and fruits will help NOT harm them…

RAW FED DOGS

So species appropriate diet here we come. Follow along – learn with us – share what you know that could help us.

In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take ❤️

 

 

14 Comments
  • Debbie
    September 11, 2017

    I too am contemplating.. painful decision

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 11, 2017

      Girl I know how you feel – but I’m at my wits end, I’ve got to do something.

  • Jan K
    September 11, 2017

    Oh, wow, you’re taking the plunge! Good for you! I’ve always felt the same as you. It’s not that I don’t believe a raw diet is healthy – I do – but it’s just me….a bit paranoid about handling raw meat.
    Luke has just started showing signs of seasonal allergies this fall. Poor boy has some spots where his fur is all gone from his licking. It seemed to be getting better, but kind of fluctuates – I think with the weather.
    So I’ll be very interested in following your journey.

    Oh, I’m surprised to hear you had a vet who recommended a raw diet, I’ve always heard most of them are against it (I’ve never brought it up with mine).

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 11, 2017

      Yep – I’m going in as the saying goes! So sorry to hear about Luke. I pray his isn’t as severe as Harley’s.

      I am still trying to evaluate the manner in which I approach this new feeding routine. I plan to be cautious and careful throughout the process. I will know better later in the week how I begin. Still reading and taking extensive notes.

      I am finding out there are more companies out here to help with the transition They are more expensive but it’s another resource.

      Doodle Doc in VA feeds her clan raw and the one here in SC doesn’t promote it, but on an individual bases will support as long as the plan is balanced with nutrition.

  • The Daily Pip
    September 11, 2017

    Good for you! I have the same hesitation about going totally raw. Right now we give Ruby a mix with a raw topper. We went totally raw a few summers ago (one of the food brands not homemade) and it didn’t do much for her, but the rotational diet works pretty well for her.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 11, 2017

      I may use a base to start Pip, but I definitely will remove the grains, carbs and fruit from their diet. I will add some fruits in because they like them and they’re good for them. But I think the raw will plan with veggies is the way to go. I will however, have to warm up to the bone concept LOL Not there quite yet. Stay with us, we’ll need all the support and cheering we can get!

  • Monika & Sam
    September 11, 2017

    Good for you! It’s not an easy regimen to implement but I know you’ll excel at it and keep your boys happy and healthy. All the best as you switch over!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 11, 2017

      That’s exactly why I intend to take baby doodle steps Monika. I think phases will make it easy to transition.

  • Emma
    September 12, 2017

    Thankfully, none of us have health or allergy issues. We eat better and better, but still not ready to make that switch! As for the ears, have you tried our blue ear cleaner? I had chronic ear infections, ears loaded with wheelbarrows of gunk and wax, but since we started using that, no more and it’s been like five years. Bentley from Barking from the Bayou tried and is also hooked. Some people say it is not a good thing to use, but we swear by it, it is easy to make and lasts forever! Many breeders and groomers we know use it with huge success too! http://mygbgvlife.com/2016/02/01/prevent-ear-infections-in-dogs/ Good luck!

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    September 12, 2017

    Congratulations!!! I’m so excited for you. Another blog to follow, if you aren’t already, is K9s Over Coffee. Barbara writes about raw feeding too. Oh and My Life With Dogs PDX is another one.

    Actually, the number of bloggers who are writing about raw is growing so much that I’m working on an idea to have a blogging conference for raw food and natural rearing bloggers!!!

    Anyway, back to you – CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 12, 2017

      I do read those blogs on occasion. I’m getting more and more excited with all that I’m learning too!

    • Barbara Rivers
      September 13, 2017

      Thanks for mentioning my blog, Kimberly – and YES!!! Let’s totally do a blogging conference for raw food! That would be S.O. COOL.

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    September 13, 2017

    I hope it works for you and the boys. I really do! I’ve considered it in the past; but it just would not work for us.

  • Barbara Rivers
    September 13, 2017

    I’m super excited for you and your boys!! I remember my initial hesitation, too, and was like “What, I’m going to have to touch a raw duck neck and dish out tripe??!” I got over it super quickly though, to my own surprise, and actually enjoy putting the pups’ meals together.