Raw Questions -

Submitted by Vern-Rory-Teresa on March 20, 2012 - 2:01pm

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I ordered a book (Carina McDonald) today that I found referenced often on this site...so I'm starting the process to learn and gather info.

Here's my immediate question - I'm down to less than a 1/3 of a bag of the Natural Balance kibble that I've been feeding Vern....normally I would be visiting the pet store and picking up another bag. I don't want to do that, but I am not ready to do the raw yet.

So, I'm looking at the pre-made raw.....Nature's Variety Instinct, specifically. Can I switch him immediately from kibble to that? And eventually, when I feel more knowledgable make a foray into homemade raw? Is that okay?

Another question is on how much to feed. N.V.'s website has a feeding calculator - Vern is almost 1.5 years and he weighs 53.3 lbs - was weighed at the vet's in January and again yesterday - exactly the same!!! The calculator on N.V.'s site says between 9.3 and 10.8 ounces per day. I saw a post from Judy that said to feed 2-3% of body weight which would be 1.0 to 1.6 lbs per day. That's a big difference!

Thanks and I know the raw topic pops up here a lot - I hope you guys don't mind repeating.

Teresa

yes you can immediately switch

Submitted by CathyandAudrey on March 20, 2012 - 2:29pm.

Audrey was throwing up every single day, so we figured we had nothing to lose and switched her cold turkey. She never threw up a meal again.

It would be a better idea to transition though-like raw for breakfast and old kibble for dinner.

The pre-made is a great starting point. As far as how much- 1.5-3% of their ideal weight is the guide, but each dog is different. Start on the very LOW end, especially if you are abruptly transitioning. Are you sure the NV calculator wasn't per meal? 9 oz a day seems really off-Audrey only weighs 38 pounds and she gets 12 oz a day! Still start with that low amount though...

Use probiotics/digestive enzymes- I used double the normal dose at first, and double it if she has really bad gas or eats food the baby drops before we find it.

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Cathy and Audrey

I just double checked the

Submitted by Vern-Rory-Teresa on March 20, 2012 - 2:46pm.

I just double checked the feeding calculator - it says "daily portions" - maybe the plural portion indicates multiple feedings? Not clear. Would it better to compare the daily calories that Vern is currently consuming in his kibble and see what amount of the raw is equivalent to that? Or is that not a good idea?

Do you have a probiotic that you recommend? I saw that Mercola sells them on their website. Also, I am currently feeding Vern coconut oil and fish oil. Would I continue these or stop - I see both as additives in the Instinct ingredients list.

Also, can you elaborate on the protein introduction and rotation? Do you recommend starting w/a particular protein first and if so, how long before you introduce a different protein. Do you feed a single protein for a period of time before introducing a different one? I guess I'm thinking this would be similar to starting an infant on solid foods.....starting w/a new one every two weeks before introducing a different one to eliminate for allergies or other things. If I'm on the right track here, I'm thinking once all protein sources are known to be okay that you can just rotate a different one daily.... Let me know if I'm way off on this logic.

Thanks again :)

I wouldn't go crazy looking for exact amounts

Submitted by CathyandAudrey on March 20, 2012 - 3:39pm.

Just start with the low end amounts - Vern's body will dictate over time if he needs more or less. It is going to take some time for his stomach pH to adjust and for the natural intestinal flora to grow on their own. Kibble is a dead food source, there are no natural enzymes left in it to aid digestion like there is in fresh food. His body will adjust! When I say take it slow I am referring to the amounts more than the variety.

I use Wholistic brand probiotics, just because that's what the pet store had. I would trust the Mercola brand too.

No to the added coconut and fish oils while transitioning and on the pre-made. They do add it in-no need to double up!

How sensitive is Vern? Audrey was having MAJOR issues when we switched, so we did one potein only for at least 6 weeks, then added one more and waited 6 weeks. Turned out it was NOT the protein she was sensitive to, it was the chemicals/preservitives/additives in the processed food. So the slow gradual adding of proteins was not necessary.

I would start by picking ONE protein variety of the NV and stick with that for at least a month. If he never has any problems, add another. If he handles that well also, add another. You will eventually get to the point where you won't have to worry about tummy upsets! If Vern is not real sensitive, you may not ever have tummy upsets.

By now Audrey switches between proteins all the time. The goal is to feed at leat 4-6 different proteins to make sure they are getting all those amino acids. We get beef and pork roasts from Costco-packs of chicken thighs, cans of salmon and sardines, she gets eggs, beef liver, beef kidney, chicken liver. We put 3 days or so in a freezer bag, and she eats from that bag til it's gone. Then we thaw a new one. She no longer has any issues with abrupt changes.

The variety does not need to be daily-or even weekly. Think LONG term.

This site has some really great information:

http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/category/diet/

and please ask questions! That is how we all learn- if it wasn't for Judy's answering of my endless questions- I would still be terrified I was going to slowly kill my dog from malnutrition! Or paying a small fortune for the frozen pre-made. It is VERY very expensive.

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Cathy and Audrey

Thank you! I really

Submitted by Vern-Rory-Teresa on March 21, 2012 - 9:43am.

Thank you! I really appreciate the info - the book will be here today and all of your knowledge is fabulous!!!

I read that book before I

Submitted by maggie6612 on March 20, 2012 - 2:44pm.

I read that book before I started raw too, it was very helpful. I also went with premade raw to start with until I gained some confidence then I started to add in fresh meat and slowly eased off the premade. I started with Primal premade chicken patties. I switched him right on to raw and never gave kibble again. He did throw up his first meal.. but no problems after that. I'm fairly new to raw too, and I had so many questions in the very beginning and I felt quite annoying posting them all but people were very friendly! So don't hesitate to ask. It can be overwhelming at first, but gets easy!

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Thanks for the reassurance!

Submitted by Vern-Rory-Teresa on March 21, 2012 - 9:45am.

Thanks for the reassurance! I really appreciate your info :)))