Hello all! I'm looking to switch my two yorkies to a raw diet asap. I'm getting fairly familiar with the ratios and the amount needed but since they are rather small, (7 lbs) I'm not quite sure what to start with and how to proceed. I've read it's best to start with chicken wings, backs, or necks--or do I just buy a whole chicken and try to mix pieces of bony meat with the chicken breast part, etc? Then I read a few articles saying not to give the small breeds the wings or backs or necks..so now i'm confused. Most of the info out there really does seems to be for large breeds. So SMALL BREED OWNERS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE HELP!
Also, They are both older dogs-9ish years old ( I don't know what took me so long). Both have teeth issues and I'm hoping a raw diet would help this. One of them went from having a very thick coat to it being incredibly dull and recently she has shed a lot. The vet says there's no sign of thyroid issues, SO I'm hoping a healthier diet will help her! She is also the one that has more periodontal issues and has had a number of her teeth extracted--mostly the small teeth in the front (incisors) and some premolars. She still has the canines and molars. But since the extraction she has resorted to vacuuming up her food (no more chewing). You would think that would minimize the tartar buildup, but it HASN't.
Anyways, tips for getting dogs that don't chew their food to chew would be very helpful. Also which cute to start with to make sure they get nutrients needed but to minimize the risk of choking, blockage, etc.
Also, They are both older dogs-9ish years old ( I don't know what took me so long). Both have teeth issues and I'm hoping a raw diet would help this. One of them went from having a very thick coat to it being incredibly dull and recently she has shed a lot. The vet says there's no sign of thyroid issues, SO I'm hoping a healthier diet will help her! She is also the one that has more periodontal issues and has had a number of her teeth extracted--mostly the small teeth in the front (incisors) and some premolars. She still has the canines and molars. But since the extraction she has resorted to vacuuming up her food (no more chewing). You would think that would minimize the tartar buildup, but it HASN't.
Anyways, tips for getting dogs that don't chew their food to chew would be very helpful. Also which cute to start with to make sure they get nutrients needed but to minimize the risk of choking, blockage, etc.