Getting Started
A Guide for New Raw Feeders :)
First up - How much to feed? For adult dogs, it's 2 to 3% of ideal bodyweight. For example, my 40kg Bernese Mountain Dog will get 1kg of food per day.
For puppies, it is either 3% of their expected adult weight (not so good for crossbreeds & mongrels!) or the following (see post)
These are just guidelines, adjust accordingly depending on your particular dog.
Your dog should be lean, you should be able to easily feel their ribs, and a very noticeable tuck when you look at them from the side, as well as a noticeable weight. This counts for puppies too!
Taking the plunge!
Some people add a little raw into their dogs food every day until they are getting 100% Raw. Unless you have a very fussy dog, then I don't recommend it. Just give your dog their last meal of dog food the day before and then go for it!
Begin with just one meat source - I like chicken, because it is bland and simple. Keep the dog on that for a minimum of a week. You can feed a mix of raw meaty chicken bones (wings, necks, legs - it's all good) and mushy minces.
If your dog has had no tummy upsets whatsoever for seven days in a row, then you can introduce your next meat. I like tripe for this because again, dogs tend to find it very easy to digest.
After this, it is seven days on the second meat, and then you can do the same and introduce a wide variety of meats - duck, turkey, pork, lamb, beef, venison, rabbit....whatever you can get hold of really!
The reason for the slow introduction process is firstly so the dog has least chances of an upset digestive system whilst they are adjusting to their new food, and number two so you can notice if your dog has an intolerance for a particular meat which can then be avoided.
Fussy dogs mostly love raw, but there are a few dogs who aren't quite as keen on the idea of this new raw diet at the start! In this case, try putting the bowl down, leaving it for 10 minutes and then picking it up again. Other ideas are to try and hand feed them - this can encourage them to try new things. Once they have tasted it they won't look back :)
After a few weeks, you should begin hopefully seeing some of the amazing advantages of feeding raw with your dog.
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