Is There A Chart/guide For Feeding Raw?

[my_sibe_owns_me]

I have read a lot about feeding Raw but im not sure what they need or how much of it they need. So is there a chart of some kind? Or guide lines that im just missing?

Greatly appreciate and advice

[Baby Dragon]

This is a book you might find useful. Real food for dogs and cats http://www.fremantlepress.com.au/books/house_garden/1060

[Ravyk]

I'd suggest getting your hands on a copy of "Give your dog a bone" by Dr Billinghurst.

Also have a wander into the Raw and Natural Chitchat thread: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=172826 They'll be able to help you too.

[my_sibe_owns_me]

Thanks!

I'll be sure to look around that thread.

[luvsdogs]

There's also www.rawmeatybones.com I think there are lists of what to feed.

[gundoglover]

For a moderately active adult dog, approximately 2% of bodyweight in meaty bones, for slothful types about 1.5% of bodyweight, for very active about 3% of bodyweight. If they look skinny, feed them more, if they look fat feed them less.

Growing puppies may need up to 10% of their bodyweight in meaty bones (and softer, younger animal bones, eg, lamb & chicken). By 4 months old, a puppy will be eating the same as an adult of the same breed, and will need a bit more than an adult from 6 to 12 months - If they look skinny, feed them more, if they look fat feed them less.

As for veges, some people weigh these and make sure that a certain amount is provided daily. I just give left over veges & don't fuss too much about the quantities. It is good to give fish (sardines or mackerel) about once a week, chopped liver or other offal about once a week, and you can add a raw egg or one coddled so the white is set (some dogs have problems with raw egg white, others are ok).

If you feed the bones with the meat, no extra calcium is needed - bones have the correct balance of calcium & phosphorus. For mineral supplement, livamol is good, or alternatively small amounts (1 teaspoon is ample for a large dog) of cod liver oil & kelp powder (but some dogs have trouble with the iodine). However, some say that the fish, offal, egg, & veges provide sufficient vitamins & minerals. If the dog's coat is shiny & eyes bright, and gums an oyster pink, then the dog's diet is probably about right. Growing puppies still need milk until about 3-4 months old - some breeds do best with the lactose-free milk. I don't feed grains - it's hard to imagine how a dog would have consumed these prior to the human agricultural revolution, but if there is a piece of left-over bread, the dogs can have it with their veges.