[Blacksheep]

So I was really thinking about going raw...or on a home made diet when I stumbled across this web site. I don't want to be a fool so I was wondering if anyone else has checked this out?

Increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134%

[Cheetah]

They want you to pay just to get the information? I would not trust that. You're better off buying books or going to more informative websites that don't charge you just to learn.

I recommend http://www.thedogfoodproject.com
and Welcome to the Raw Dog Ranch!

I would also consult a nutritionist. Not a vet. A certified nutritionist. They can help you go raw with a lot of advice.

[myrna]

Why raw....?? Do you eat raw food? I think you should consult your vet.

[Blacksheep]

well I dont eat raw...but I also don't eat overly processed food that doesn't appeal to me and eat that same overly processed food every day.

[all4thedogs]

I havent read the site, but why Raw? BECAUSE ITS AWESOME. It is what your dogs digestive track was meant for. Raw feed dogs are known to be healthier, live longer, see the vet less often (for sickness), look better, shed less, have small stools that crumble in a few days, and LOVE to eat

[Dulce]

Raw food for a dog is completley natural. Wolfs eat raw in the wild. It's normal for them, and like the perosn with the Dane said, it's great for their digestive tracts. It's healthier, and wholesome, full of proteins and vitamins, and is great!

[tsteele93]

Originally Posted by myrna

Why raw....?? Do you eat raw food? I think you should consult your vet.

I'm going to edit my post after doing some research and say that I would definitely do some research on raw and BARF diets before trying them. Make sure that you read some of the actual research and not just the hype sites that are promoting the diet. Then you can decide for yourself.

[tsteele93]

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

I havent read the site, but why Raw? BECAUSE ITS AWESOME. It is what your dogs digestive track was meant for. Raw feed dogs are known to be healthier, live longer, see the vet less often (for sickness), look better, shed less, have small stools that crumble in a few days, and LOVE to eat

I'd like to see sourcing on that statement! Sounds like what the people who push the raw diet SAY and it sounds GOOD but it isn't backed up with ANY research, studies or actual science that I can find...

One can certainly find arguments against raw diets though.

http://www.life.ca/nl/83/pets.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/drawmeat.html

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...7/ai_n13788104

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_feeding

http://www.answers.com/topic/raw-feeding

[Whitney]

I'm no expert, but people have had pups and older dogs die from salmonella poisoning after being fed raw chicken. I know that the health benefits from raw diets are very beneficial, but there are many cons as well -- like possible sickness and death. As a biology student in university, bacteria can be extremly dangerous if not killed... this I know, and we take special precautions to kill and prevent the spread of bacteria. If you are going to feed a raw diet, or even a cooked diet, you need to do research. Personally, I cook all of my dogs food... but often times home prepared meals require supplements, especially if the meat is cooked. I do not use supplements, because not all of my dogs meals are cooked... but definitely, consult your Vet.

Good luck!