RAW, BARF, what's the difference?
There are probably as many ways to define and describe the diet as there are people feeding it to their dogs. Several typical titles are RAW, Bones And Raw Foods, and Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.
How Does It Work?
Implementation of the raw diet is probably just as varied as the titles you'll hear. Some owners alternate between high quality dog food (also known as kibble), and others feed 100 percent raw meats and bones. Some believe that only muscle and bones should be fed, while others agree that organs and intestines are also important.
Why is This So Complicated?
Feeding RAW can be as simple or as complex as owners want to get. It certainly does not have to be complicated, nor should it. Just remember that dogs have ancestors, and those ancestors did not go down to the local grocery store for their food. They hunted for it! Large dogs like German Shepherds and Rottweilers are much closer to their ancestors than say, a poodle, so it stands to reason that feeding them the foods their close ancestors ate would be more beneficial than the chemical and preservative filled commercial kibble.
So How Do I Do It?
It's very easy to get started. Just give a pound of raw meat to your dog and watch what happens. You can feed chicken, beef, lamb, or anything you find on sale. Even puppies will get excited, and growl and tug at the meat! It's hilarious to watch puppies act tough as they eat the raw meat, and also interesting. They certainly don't act like that about their boring dry dog food! The more often you feed RAW, the more you will learn. It is OK to alternate between RAW and kibble, but buying high quality, grain free kibble is important to your dog's health.
What Will It Do For My Dog?
The first thing you'll probably notice is that your dog is finally enjoying what he or she is eating. Most large breeds get excited and eat really fast when fed raw meats and bones. Not to worry, this hoarding is instinctive. In the wild, dogs compete for their meal with other dogs in their pack and also other predators, so they eat fast and with vigor.
Health issues may get better or vanish. This is because commercial dog food is not the right food for dogs. It is full of chemicals, preservatives, and grains that dogs just don't need. By converting your dog to raw foods, you are providing the nutrition that their bodies need to thrive.
Your dog's coat (fur or hair) will probably start to appear healthier, with more shine and gloss. This is because your dog is getting the nutrition it needs to keep the skin and growing hair healthy.
Overweight dogs may slim, while underweight dogs may gain weight. Overweight dogs may be particularly affected by the grains in kibble while underweight dogs may be deterred by the dog food you are currently feeding. Be careful though, because too much of a good thing is also bad. An overweight dog may have developed a habit of overeating, trying to compensate for the lack of nutrition in their foods. Savvy owners will limit how much RAW is fed to an overweight dog.
Exactly How Much RAW Should I Feed My Dog?
This is the million dollar question. All dogs are different, and owners must watch their dog to determine how much food to present to each animal. Some dogs require more than others to keep them at the ideal weight. The smart owner will attend to each animal as an individual and adjust the feedings as necessary. To get started, try giving the dog the same amount of food in weight as you have been in kibble. If the dog is underweight, you can increase a little. If the dog is overweight, try sticking to the amount you've been feeding. Overweight dogs may slim down because they are no longer eating all those processed grains that was never meant for canines.
Author is Tammie Earl, webmaster of http://anotsolazranch.com/. Tammie is the mother of two children in elementary school and the proud wife of an enlisted Marine. She is currently pursuing her Master's of Arts in Education Degree at Central Michigan University and is a school volunteer and cub scout leader. She manages several other websites, including her own personal site, http://sweettspad.com/.
A Not So La-Z Ranch is owned and operated by Stephanie Ward. On her ranch, she raises her own free range turkeys and egg laying hens. She is the owner and manager of Von Ward Kennels located in Campo, California, east San Diego County. Stephanie raises German Shepherd Dogs for their loyalty, temperament, and large, intimidating size. She has several high quality dams to choose from and if she doesn't have a litter on the ground, she takes deposits and maintains waiting lists for future litters.
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