[atldoglover]

I'm just wondering what, if any, are the cons to having a strictly raw diet. Are you supposed to mix up the diet? Is this diet better suited for larger breed dogs or dogs vs. puppies? Thanks in advance,

[luv4gsds]

This is a good read about the pro's and con's of feeding a raw diet.
http://www.gracegift.info/articles/raw_adv.html

[all4thedogs]

Time- its time consuming to pack the meals up for the week/month

Cost- depending on your area, access to meat, and sales, it can be costly (as much as a very high quality kibble, or maybe more (again depending on area).

Space- raw takes up a good amount of space in the freezer, especially if you buy in bulk, which makes it cheaper

RAW is an amazing diet if done right. Its not as simple as throwing your dog a chicken leg. Variety is key to a balanced diet.

To get the full benifits of RAW it should be fed soley, but can be fed with a high quality kibble. If you do decide to do both, be sure the meals are at least 6hrs apart. Raw and kibble digest at different speeds, and should not be fed in together in the same meal.

[Wimble Woof]

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

RAW is an amazing diet if done right. Its not as simple as throwing your dog a chicken leg. Variety is key to a balanced diet.

It can be, http://www.rawfeddogs.net/Recipes
but you do still have to keep the formula in mind. %of bone,%of meat,%of offal ect...
Depending on what raw model you feed, cost and time can be one of the biggest cons.

I find for me the hardest part of raw feeding is the montly weigh in s for everyone. ( raw diet amont goes by dogs weight) and for me its atleast a half hour into the vet for weigh ins.

[atldoglover]

Originally Posted by Wimble Woof

It can be, http://www.rawfeddogs.net/Recipes
but you do still have to keep the formula in mind. %of bone,%of meat,%of offal ect...
Depending on what raw model you feed, cost and time can be one of the biggest cons.

I find for me the hardest part of raw feeding is the montly weigh in s for everyone. ( raw diet amont goes by dogs weight) and for me its atleast a half hour into the vet for weigh ins.

I have two relatively small dogs, (12lbs when full grown and 20 lbs when full grown). Would you say that raw foods are better for a larger breed?

[all4thedogs]

Raw is wonderful for all sizes and breeds of dogs. It has the same benefits. I know a well known Chihuahua breeder swears by RAW, and well as Great Dane breeders!

[Wimble Woof]

I started my little cocker spaniel on raw. ( was a foster, but I failed and kept him ) Raw feeding goes by body weight, not better for one size or the other. Bones may be a bit harder to find that are just right for a smaller dog, but Bailey has been getting alot of chicken frames and necks to chew on. Thats the beauty of a raw diet, you can tailor it to your dogs needs!