Anyone else feed their dog REAL food?

[Wendi]

I guess this is going to turn into another one of those threads where a few folks that are convinced their way is the only way are going to forget about "freedom" and "choice" for everyone else. Who needs it, anyway

 

[amyk]

I have had dogs in my house all my life and until I got my Golden I used to buy my food from Walmart, it may be just a coincident but I had problems with their health, teeth and shedding. When I got my Golden I did a lot of research and I now buy my food from the vet clinic, he has a beautiful coat, his teeth are white and healthy and he is the picture of health. Don't get me wrong about food though because I have ALWAYS given my dogs human food too, eggs, yogurt, meat and veggies. But I like all of you love my dogs like they are my kids, my kids say I love them more I thank all of you who talked about the dangers of cooked bones!! I knew about chicken bones and have never allowed the dogs to have them but I have always given them our cooked beef and pork bones, I will have to pay more attention. Thanks and it is great to know that there are others out there like me who care as deeply for their "babies" as I do! And this subject is like talking to parents about raising kids, we all know what is best for ours and rarely do people agree on everything. But it is great to hear new ideas and thoughts to consider.

 

[Jochebed]

MsDoodahs your post is a first for me in dealing with raw fooders. It is extremely refreshing to see someone who has done research and utilizes a food that has some numbers attached to it. Like I said earlier, feeding your dog with no knowledge of the animal's nutritional needs or the food's nutritional content can be very dangerous. I'm glad to know that there are raw food options with AAFCO style labels to allow owners and veterinarians tailor a diet that meets their needs.

Wendi, I'm not trying to say "my way or the highway" or to ignore choice. Petowners need to do their research and a lot of it before they take their pet's health literally into their own hands. You are what you eat, right? If you want a healthy pet I would imagine owners would want to know what they're feeding, not just that it's "natural". Think of it this way - I have the freedom and choice to go out and blindly vote for either McBama or O'Cain based on "change" or "charisma" or "I'm a Republicrat!"....I COULD do that. Or - I could go out, do my research and make a truly informed decision, which is the best for all involved.

 

[berrybunches]

I have had dogs in my house all my life and until I got my Golden I used to buy my food from Walmart, it may be just a coincident but I had problems with their health, teeth and shedding. When I got my Golden I did a lot of research and I now buy my food from the vet clinic, he has a beautiful coat, his teeth are white and healthy and he is the picture of health. Don't get me wrong about food though because I have ALWAYS given my dogs human food too, eggs, yogurt, meat and veggies. But I like all of you love my dogs like they are my kids, my kids say I love them more I thank all of you who talked about the dangers of cooked bones!! I knew about chicken bones and have never allowed the dogs to have them but I have always given them our cooked beef and pork bones, I will have to pay more attention. Thanks and it is great to know that there are others out there like me who care as deeply for their "babies" as I do! And this subject is like talking to parents about raising kids, we all know what is best for ours and rarely do people agree on everything. But it is great to hear new ideas and thoughts to consider.

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Misinformation abut bones is plentiful. Actually chicken bones are fine, just not cooked one. Whereas those hard steak bones that you think are good can actually chip teeth wither they are cooked or not! lol It gets confusing. But if you have been feeding cooked bones for years and years and nothing has happened your dog obviously knows how to eat them without chocking.
Always feed bones to big to swallow. Dogs can not chew, they only crush their food then swallow.

 

[steve005]

Benefits of having a dog:

1. She eats all the gross parts of the chicken that I won't eat: organs, skin, fat, gristle, etc. (But I always cook them for her.)

2. She's an excellent pre-wash for the dishes prior to going into the dishwasher. And no, I don't think that's gross, think of all the water I save not rinsing!

3. Have some lunch meat or leftovers that you're sick of and won't eat before they go bad? My dog just can't get sick of that stuff--at least it won't go to waste.

4. Get a little out of control during the stir-fry and there's moo goo all over the floor? Senorita puppykins is glad to help with the clean-up.

bump

 

[muh_roads]

There is a reason why cats only live for 3-4 years on a farm. Because they are fed scraps of human food and other junk.

I'd imagine the same would apply to dogs...

 

[UnReconstructed]

I think you made that up to be argumentative. Do you have a source for cats only living 3 to 4 years on a farm? Are you PETA?

 

[BeFranklin]

Our cat (ok so a cat isn't a dog) has recently been put on natural food after being sick for a year. - Allergies from store bought food.

Our food supply seems to be poisoned, and a lot of it is being imported from places that don't necessarily like us.

I'm concerned about the human supply as well - also what about canning up supplies when the canned stuff might not be great either?