Going Raw Part 2

[Katelynn & Gang]

So, I read a lot of the thread "Going Raw" and I think I'd like to go raw (which I have at the mo' and no one is sick, YAY).

 

As of now, I'm very lucky I believe. I work at Mejiers (one of the "one stop shops") and am pretty good friends with everyone in the store. When the workers in the meat dep. heard I am was wanting to change my dogs (and the two little girl puppies that everyone cannot get enough of! lol) over to raw, they offered to hold meat for me at the end of the night that goes on sell, whatever my little heart desires.

 

Now, my question is! What does everyone feed? I don't care what deit you follow, I just want to know! And what you pay? And how much, esp if you work your dogs on a daily bases? I have a bitch that is about 45 pounds, two males that are each about 50 pounds and two female puppies that are growing fast, so I'd like to compare notes on how much people on here are feeding.

 

As of now, I am feed beef sirloin (the good stuff they keep behind the glass that I have NEVER eat untill now LOL) and I get it at what I believe is a really good deal. Last night I thought almost 9 pounds for under $15.00 when the org. price would have been more then $35.00. I've also been throwing in veggies and yogert, the yogert which is Meijer brand (low cost) and the veggies are things that we just have around (but I can get bowls of already cut ones at work for close to nothing when they sit in the shelf to long but are still good to eat).

 

I'd like to add some fish oils but I'm not sure what to add, so I am wondering what sort of oils you all add and what brands you use?

 

As you can tell, I want to keep everything low cost which is because I "work" my dogs and I am already going broke because of that (and how dare gas go up!!!!). I am hoping that I can save a little more cash if I go raw, esp. if I can get everything as cheap as I have been.

 

Katelynn

[laurie etc]

First -check out Tom Lonsdale's "free to download" book "Work Wonders" - at www.rawmeatybones.com . Easy to ready, and a wealth of information. Secondly, if you read through all the recent posts, there are as many ways to feed raw as there are raw feeders, and quite a few links to good information listed. Basically, I'd start with one protein source, and add new ones ONLY after a successful week on each. I don't thing veggies are all that important, in the big scheme of things, but they aren't "fatal" either. (My dogs tend to munch on sheep droppings and grass occasionally, and I think they are probably getting enough vegetation that way.) I also feed some green beef tripe weekly, which contains some ingesta.

I'm feeding 10 Border Collies (age 3 months to 13 years)and a geriatric Golden Retriever. So I'm definitely all about value! Most of the Border Collies are working at some level except the puppy and the retired 13 year old; and their requirements vary depending on metabolism and energy expediture. My two boys tend to eat almost twice as much as the older girls, who are "easy keepers". The younger girls are somewhere in between.

Rather than sirloin (unless they're giving it away), I'd be looking at cheapers beef cuts, and making sure your dogs are getting edible bone as well as meat. Especially if you can get bulk items, you should be able to stay under $1 per pound. I'd stay away from large animal's long "weight bearing" bones, they are too hard to chew up, and can break teeth. Knuckle bones are OK. Many folks feed chicken quarters, frames or whole carcasses. I also like turkey necks (especially for puppies) and you may be able to get your butcher to order chicken and turkey in bulk for you. Meaty pork necks are another good and inexpensive choice, and can be ordered in bulk. Veal necks, lamb necks, any "less desireable" meat cuts are pretty inexpensive. Rabbit is usually pricey, but if you are involved in 4-H, you might know some meat raisers who would give you a good deal. If you have access to sheep, maybe you can buy a cull ewe and have it butchered (around here, we can get a a whole sheep carcass processed; bones organs and all, for about $60). Same with venison, if you know any hunters, they might be willing to give you the parts they won't eat, or that have been in the freezer too long. Dogs don't seem to mind "freezer burned" meat like people do. I like to feed large pieces that are at least partially frozen, to slow down the chewing process and help keep the teeth in good shape. Small pieces tend to be gulped instead of chewed.

Good Luck with your switch!

Laurie