NaturalDietforDogs–WebResources.docVIP

Natural Diet for DogsBy Barbara Anderson Leaf (Wyatt’s mom)Updated 4-6-20003 Introduction: Wyatt has been eating raw since the age of 5 months (he turned 4 years old in March 2003). He weighs about 95 pounds and is an active bouvier. The advice given here may need to be adjusted for your individual dog’s needs. Puppies may actually eat MORE food. Older or less active dogs might need to eat less. I found I had to adjust amounts and fat content of Wyatt’s food seasonally (less of both in the summer; more of both in the winter). Feeding your dog a raw diet is generally no more expensive than feeding premium kibble. And once you get a system down, it really doesn’t take much extra time. Cost depends on where you live, as prices can vary considerably. For example, when I lived in Idaho I spent about $25-30 a month on Wyatt’s food. I live in New Orleans now, and spend about $15 a month to feed Wyatt AND my husband’s 40 pound staffordshire bull terrier. The keys to keeping costs down are: be creative – make friends with your butcher – be flexible – think ahead. Where to Get Information: Here are a few websites that I found particularly helpful. /faqs.htm (print this guide – it answers a ton of questions for people new to this diet). (Has great info, and links to a large number of discussion groups about the diet). http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/riverien/nutridglike.htm http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/riverien/nutritogether.htm Although feeding a raw diet isn’t rocket science, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Read as much as you can and talk to people who feed raw. Special Considerations: If you have a dog that gulps its food or has a health condition (thyroid, diabetes, hip displaysia, etc.), PLEASE consult with one of the raw feeding lists about any adjustments you may need to make to the standard raw diet. Dogs that gulp their food are at risk for choking – but people out there can give you advice about how to deal with this. Same goes for special diet considerations for dog