Raw questions about liver and kelp

[ArtfulCharm]

I have two questions for those of you that feed raw. The first is about liver. How much liver do they actually need if you are feeding other organ meat? Im asking because I ran out of liver and it has been over a week since Chloe has had any liver, but she has had lots of heart, some tripe and the kidneys that are attached to the chicken backs in that time. Is that too long to go without any liver? Just how important is liver specifically, compared to the other organs? I am planning on getting more, I just haven't been able to make it to the store that I buy my meat from this week.

My second question is about feeding kelp. I can't find anything anywhere that says how much you should give a dog. I have been giving Chloe a tsp. every morning, but am not sure if she needs more, or if giving her more than that can be harmful. Does anyone know the appropriate amount of kelp for a Newf?

 

[R Taft]

I give a teaspoon of kelp.....Now I would not worry to much about a period without liver. It is natural not to have everything all the time, so chill out. Everything will be fine

 

[2Paws]

For the normal dog 1 tsp of kelp a day should be fine. My Glory gets more because she has low thyroid levels. She also has medication for it.

Feeding raw is a matter of balance over time so if they are not getting liver for a week or two....it's not a real big deal.

 

[nowhavethreebears]

If you are doing totally raw, the organs should comprise about 10% of the total intake....up to half of that should be liver.
That doesn't mean you have to feed that amount each day, week, whatever as others have stated above... As long as it averages out over time, you are fine. I usually look at the situation on a monthly basis and adjust accordingly. A week without some liver is fine. Esp. if she is getting some tripe and kidney...


P.S. Hearts are considered "meaty meat" not organs......

 

[ArtfulCharm]

Thanks everyone! Its probably been more like 10 days since Ive fed liver. I know she'll be fine, I just wasnt sure with the concept of "balance over time" what "time" really is. I didnt know if it was okay to go without for a while frequently or not. Thanks again.

 

[SarahZ]

Hi! I have a question...
What is the kelp like that you feed? Is it dried and granulated?
I have a bag of Essex Cottage Farms kelp, and every so often I sprinkle a tiny pinch on Moe's food.
Are there different forms of kelp for dogs?
Thanks

 

[Newfs Forever]

Heart is a muscle meat, so that shouldn't figure into the equation of organ meats.

I haven't fed Sammie any liver for at least 4 weeks. I ran out and haven't gotten any more since.

I do feed liver, however, some folks think that liver carries too many toxins to be fed on a regular basis, or not to be fed at all.