Carboydrates & BARF?

DobManiac · 03-22-2009, 06:37 PM

Ok, I'm still in the middle of my research. But I have noticed that some people include yams or potatoes once a week. I am assuming that is for the carbs. But if the idea is for the diet to be as natural as possible why are the carbohydrates needed? One of the main things I love about possibly switching to raw is getting my dogs off of grains and potatoes.

Can someone explain this for me?

Trainer · 03-22-2009, 07:02 PM

Dogs have no need for carbs. They use fat in for energy the same way we use carbs. Some people just can't get it out of their heads that dogs (carnivores) have different dietary needs than humans (omnivores) My dogs are healthy after years without carbs in their diet. So are thousands of other dogs.

Canadian Dog · 03-22-2009, 10:14 PM

There are a number of people who feed their dogs veggies and swear by them. It's a personal preference, as I don't think it does any harm, I just don't feel it's necessary. For answers regarding anything to do with raw feeding, you should join this group. They are amazing for info. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/r...ec=group&slk=1

Love's_Sophie · 03-23-2009, 11:45 PM

Mine don't really care for veggies, although I do occasionally mix in some rice, or noodles into their evening meal; it's not a 'given' for them, it's more of a treat.

Mine get premium kibble, canned, and raw on a rotating schedule. They usually get raw 3 times a week now, and they love it, and look fabulous; our terrier's attitude even seems to be changing a bit with more of the 'natural' diet; who knows, we may just switch to raw all together in the next year.

trumpetjock · 03-24-2009, 10:56 PM

Completely unnecessary. The argument that you will see people use is that in the wild the dog would eat the contents of the stomach of their prey. Most of the time, this is just not the case. If you watch a wild kill by wolves or feral dogs, if they even eat the stomach they will tear it open and strew the contents about, then just eat the organ. I have never seen or heard of a wild dog/wolf eat any digestive organ other than the ocaisional stomach. They will leave intestines and all guts to rot.

Does it hurt to feed it? Probably not. Is it necessary? nope.