question on raw chicken

[mollysmom]

Hi, I would like to transfer my dogs from the diet they are on, nutro and canned with canned vegetables to either Canadae or Eagle with raw meats and fresh veggies and fruits. While checking through these posts, I didnt notice anyone worried about the beef giving the dogs the problems we'd worry about if we at it raw. Also, what about salminella? (sp)

I've heard of a diet called "BARF", which I know little about except that it's raw meats and poultry. These people have said they actually give their dogs chicken with the raw bones in it because the chicken bones only become brittle after cooking.

That's the other thing I'd like to know about. Can I really give my kids the bones with the wing or the leg? Thanks, Linda

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Sounds like Molly has had her fill of fresh veggies (bay leaves)(ha). But seriously, I saw a special on show dogs and it talked about a breeder of giant schnauzers who used the raw diet approach. She said that if she sold a pup to someone who fed regular kibble, then she would not guarantee the health of the pup. Sounds like she really believed in it. It does sound like an idea that's hard to get used to, though.
Lynn

 

[Jeannie]

When I talked to the lady that fed the barf diet she fed back mostly because they were cheaper to buy, but she said you can feed any part of the chicken. I tired Sam one time and she wouldn't eat it till I cut it up. Then I couldn't stomach the crunching bones and my nerves were shot because I worried about the bones ripping her insides apart. I couldn't continue....

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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

i still dont do chicken especially with the bones
Bridget
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Until We Newf Again

 

[Angela]

My 2 Newfs eat the BARF diet. I buy chicken necks with the backs attached. They have been on this 2 years along with the raw meat and juiced veggies and other good foods.
Dogs have a much shorter intestine than humans and therefore the food doesn't sit around in their gut for long enough to cause problems that would arise if people ate raw food. It's gross to watch them crunching their necks and backs, but it is very soft bone and cartilege and will not hurt them.
Angela

 

[mollysmom]

Thank you everyone, for your posts.

Since starting this post on 3/4, I have gone completely BARF with my dogs. Their main staple is chicken backs. I soak them in unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which is not only really good for their digestion but also softens the bones in the chicken. They love it. They would eat all day long if I let them.

I've ordered turkey necks and chicken giblets and will introduce them to these next week. They get lots of mushed veggies and fruits too.

I was real nervous the first couple of feedings, but when checking their first poops :O I found NO bone fragments, and all is well.

I have the time to do this diet, and I think it will definately benefit my kids. Murphy has had ear infections and hot spots all his life. It's food allergy. I think, and I'm hoping that all this will now stop.

Linda, Murphy, Cosmo, Molly and Devi......happy BARFers.

 

[Luca's Dad]

Hey Linda,
I stopped feeding Luca Chicken necks cause he said even though the dongs cant get samonilla virus it can be passed from his stool to us humans......so i would double check with your vet.....scared me to death especalli with a lot af little kids in the neighborhood running around the yard eith the puppy......

Rudy & Luca

 

[mollysmom]

Hi Luca,

I have heard that most vets are against BARF. I've been told, but do not know this to be true myself, that vets are not given lots of training on nutrition. Most of the current information they are given is from commerical food companies who want their business.

My vet (also a friend) does not yet know that I have gone BARF. I'm sure she's not going to be pleased and will have things like salminella to say to me as well. But I am now dedicated to this diet and she will have to live with it.

Please speak with your breeder. Tell him/her what your vet said. I'm sure it's not the first time she's heard this from one of her clients. She really is your best source of information on this subject. Ofcourse, make up your own mind, but at least ask the questions first. Linda

 

[Luca's Dad]

Hey linda,
iam just worried about the kids in the neighbor hood picking something up like samanilla but ill ask the breeeder...hope all is well

Rudy