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Raw
Diet Basics
Raw Meaty Bones
Muscle Meat
Organ Meat
Veggie Mush
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The Basics of My Dog’s Raw Diet
I follow this basic regime:
60% Raw Meaty Bones (meat with bone – chicken necks, backs, etc.)
35% Muscle Meat (meat without bones)
5% Organ Meat (liver, kidney, lungs, etc.)
0% veggie mush
I used to give them veggie mush as 5% of their daily diet but after doing more research I’ve decided to stop using it. I do give them raw, green tripe once a week - when I have it on hand.
I weigh my dogs monthly and determine if their daily rations need to be increased, decreased or are ok as is. My dogs get fed 2-4.5% of their body weigh in food per day – depending on the dog. Some burn more calories and so get the higher percentage. Some are lazy <g> and get the lower percentage. If they work a lot in one week I might temporarily increase their food amounts for a day or so. When the seasons change so do their daily amounts. There’s no absolutes in the raw diet. Just like there are no absolutes in YOUR diet!
Other items I add to their diet:
Raw eggs - 2-3 times a week for the Shepherds, 1-2 times a week for the little guys
Salmon Oil - amounts are determined by individual dogs needs. I use Salmon Oil because it is animal based (unlike Flax or Hemp oils), it is high in Omega 3s (which most dog diets are low in) and it has anti-inflammatory properties as well. The amount I give depends on the dog. My basic rule is 1000 mg of oil per 30 pounds of body weight if the dog is healthy. 1000 mg of oil per 20 pounds of body weight if the dog is temporarily sick or recovering from an illness. And 1000 mg of oil per 10 pounds of body weight if the dog has chronic health issues.
Vitamin E - whenever you add oils to your dogs diet you should add Vitamin E. The dog's body uses vitamin E to process the oils. When you add Vitamin E to their diet you assure that they won't end up low on E.
Digestive Enzymes - when they get sick, have surgery or are in any other way not 100% healthy I will give them digestive enzymes to help them get the most from their food. How long I give them depends on how long the dog needs them.
Multi-vitamin - same as the digestive enzyme. I use this only when necessary or if I have a hard time getting the variety into their diet. The key to a well-balanced raw diet is variety.
Feel free to email me at info@rawdogranch.com if you have any questions!