I switched my dog to a raw diet last week. I have noticed that her breath does not smell, that she isn't itching as much, and that she enjoys her mealtimes. I suppose it's not for everyone, but I think I'm doing my doggie a favor by feeding her this way. It is supposed to be very beneficial for health. http://www.rawlearning.com http://www.rawlearning.com/rawfaq.html http://www.rawmeatybones.com
Veggies aren't necessary, actually. Dogs and cats are strict carnivores - they only need the meat(include organs and muscles and innards, etc.) and bone (raw chicken/pork/turkey/rabbit bones - but NEVER cooked bones) I just give Eris a chicken thigh or breast with the bones still in it, and let her eat it all. Also, fish (but be careful with salmon), beef, venison, pork, turkey, rabbit. Whole if you can get them that way. Keeps teeth clean, keeps jaws strong. The websites I posted have more info in much more detail...
I believe this to be wrong. Dogs are carnivores. I may be wrong. But I see no point in feeding my dogs grain products. Sorry for the mistake. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Canidae.html
This is true, althought their diet is mainly meat based, dogs stll require vegetable matter for digestion, as is evident in their innate habit of grass eating.
Heh well omnivores in the fact that they also eat everything! Cat's intestinal tracts are shorter (like true carnivores) If you have a cat and a dog...guard your cat's litterbox...that's all I have to say. I am sure dogs can thrive on both raw and grain diets. My dog is veggie (and very healthy)
I found this link: http://www.b-naturals.com/Spr1999.php but I'm sure there are tons of link stating the dog is an omnivore, and tons of links stating that the dog is a carnivore. So, I guess, just believe what you will. I think one of the main reasons people suggest a "raw meaty bone" diet is for the dental health. The act of chewing and scraping works the tartar off the teeth and keeps them relatively healthy. If you take your dog in for regular vet checkups and ask for them to check the teeth for tartar/plaque, and clean it off if it's there, I suppose there isn't a problem. I just finished reading "Raw Meaty Bones" by Tom Lonsdale. I think it's a worthy book to read. About the subject of canine diets and health.
well wouldnt lots of rawhides take care of the tarter problem? i suppose rawhides are not veggie but they do make veggie rawhides. my dogs eat strictly soft food so they have rawhides everyday for their teeth. im a vegan and as of now i order organic free range food from the net for my dog or if i run out before my next order then i go to petsmart and buy NutroMax. I think I would have a hard time buying chicken carcasses and all that. but someone mentioned chicken feet and heads and arent those considered the "byproducts" that are supposed to be so unhealthy for dogs? i've read that dogs actually *could* have a life span of 30+ years but because of the shit most people feed their dogs they are getting sick and dying faster.
Regarding dental health- It is important for cats and dogs to have their teeth brushed also (no matter what they chew). They make special toothpaste (don't use regular!). I use a child's toothbrush for my kids. My mom is a dental worker and has done my dog's teeth for me.
My mom grooms dogs and they have these special dental wipes that not only clean dog teeth but whitens them a bit. Very cool.
I don't completely agree with that. Wolves eat the contents of the herbivores stomachs when they kill, so they DO eat veg and grain, only it's already pre-digested. We feed veg, but only in a pureed or grated form, aditionally to the meat. But I do agree with you that the raw diet is great. Our dog loves her food and looks really healthy, she poos less than before and she doesn't get bad winds anymore.
Dog's aren't strict carnivores ask a vet. That's what my vet said and I should hope he would know. Cats are strict carnivores, because all they eat in the wild is meat. But yes they do get some pre-digested grains and berries from the animals that they eats stomach. Ferrets are the same way. If you look at the ingredients on a good cat food that resembles a natural diet you will see some grains and berries. Of course the number one ingredient should be meat same as a with a dog.
Ok, again, Omnivorism does NOT mean strict herbivorism. It means that one needs both MEAT and VEGGIES to be healthy...not just one or the other. You vegan-pet advocates need to learn the meanings of the terms you toss around. Using "dogs are omnivores" to defend your forceful veganism on them DOES NOT help your case.
