We have been raw feeding our dogs for about 5 years now.  We have had great success feeding raw and would like to offer encouragement to anyone wishing to do so.

We would also encourage those of you who are new to raw feeding to do your research.  What we do works for us and our dogs.  This does not mean it will work for your dogs, even if they are the same breed.

Normally, we do not include grain as a part of their daily diet, although they do get "cookies" and other grain based treats. 

There are several books on the subject, including : Grow Your Pups With Bones, The BARF Diet, Give Your Dog a Bone, Raw Meaty Bones and Raw Dog Food: Make it Easy for Yourself and Your Dog

FAQ - Is it expensive?  - Yes and no.  We have found with multiple dogs, it is not much more than feeding a premium kibble.  Plus, we have saved by not needing to visit the vet as often, needing fewer dentals, etc.

Won't my dog get salmonella? - Again, yes and no.  A healthy dog with a good immune system should do fine.  Some dogs DO get sick.  We have never had a case of salmonella, though we know someone whose dog has.  We have had dogs who were unable to tolerate the fat from the chicken skin.  Monitor your dog during any change in diet.  Raw works for us.  Only you know your dogs.

Where do you get the food? - Here's where you can get creative.  Find a local butcher.  He should be able to get you cases of chicken necks for around $0.47 per lb. or so depending on where you live.  Try ethnic markets.  We found whole rabbits for under $2.00 per lb.  We can sometimes find goat.  We also buy from a raw dog food company that sells green tripe, ground rabbit, ground duck and other meats in two pound chubs which are really convenient.  Because we buy in bulk we spend an average of less than $200.00 per year per dog.  Considering we have not had to take any of our dogs in for annual dentals (more than $140.00), that's not too shabby.

Isn't it messy? - Our dogs eat in their crates.  It avoids chicken being dragged about the house.  Recreational bones are also enjoyed in crates to avoid fighting.

Raw chicken BONES?!?!? I thought dogs weren't supposed to eat chicken bones! - The raw bones are quite soft.  It's the cooked splintery ones you need to worry about. 

Green Tripe?  Everything you've heard about the smell is true,  It is foul.  But the dogs LOVE it.  There are several sources on the internet.  This is NOT what you find in the grocery store.  It is unwashed, unbleached and still has the partially digested vegetable matter in it.  It also contains a lot of natural probiotics.  And did I mention it smells awful?

All they get is meat?  While there are some people who feed exclusively meat, we find our dogs do well with some fruits and vegetables in their diet as well as dairy (usually yogurt or cottage cheese).

Please feel free to email us is you want to "talk raw".