How to Begin Your Dog on a Raw Diet
Many people cringe at the idea of feeding raw meat and vegetables to their dogs. A raw diet is actually very healthy for dogs and many dog owners who have switched to raw feeding report a healthier coat, reduced allergies, increased energy, and cleaner teeth and breath. Others report better digestion for dogs that have digestive problems since raw meat has all the good bacteria and enzymes, which the cooking process normally destroys. Most dogs take very well to a raw diet.
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Instructions
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Start the raw diet gradually. If your dog has only eaten processed food his entire life, a raw diet should be introduced gradually to lesson the chance of tummy upset. You should begin with 75 percent of the current food you are feeding your dog and 25 percent raw for three days. Increase it to 50 percent old food and 50 percent raw for the next three days, and finally 75 percent raw to 25 percent old food for three additional days and then on the 10th day, you should be feeding 100 percent raw.
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Purchase raw meat from your grocery store or there are companies that make it in a roll, like a sausage and grind up the bones in fine pieces so you do not have to worry about the possibility of choking. Most of these type of raw rolls are also mixed with vegetables so that also saves a step. If you decide on the fresh meat route, you will also need vegetables as dogs do need some to remain healthy.
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Purchase fresh vegetables. Your dog can have peas, green beans, carrots, cabbage, squash, and broccoli. Cut vegetables in small edible pieces, you can serve them steamed as most dogs prefer this over fresh and it does not lose the vitamins or minerals.
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Feed your dog raw food based on a general rule, which is 2 to 4 percent of his weight daily. Split her food portion in two meals per day, feed in the morning and then in the late afternoon to early evening for sustained energy.
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Tips & Warnings
When transitioning to the raw food, if you notice any loose stools, back off the raw a bit and use more of the old food, you can transition slower if needed.
When feeding your dog bones always make sure you are present with her while she is eating, while bones that cause dogs problems are cooked bones, raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter, but still it is a good idea to be present when he is eating.
Stay away from onions and garlic since large amount can actually be poisonous to dogs.
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