Many
of the rescued dogs that find their way to Illinois Cocker Rescue have
spent their entire lives fed a commercial pet food. Consequently,
many arrive with dry flaky coats, ear infections, skin allergies,
tartar-coated teeth, clogged anal sacs, flea infestation, and so forth.
Yet within a couple of months on a natural raw diet, many of these
problems are eliminated. Most skin and ear ailments
naturally disappear, their coats begin to thicken and shine, and their
energy level increases. Why? Because these foods provide the
nutrients their bodies require.
All living creatures require fresh
raw foods to stay in optimum health. Raw foods contain enzymes that
retard the aging process and contain many nutrients that are lost
when foods are cooked or processed. These nutrients strengthen the
body and enable it to ward off illness. Just as it is important
for us to eat fresh fruits and veggies, dogs need the same, but
additionally need the enzymes in raw meat and bones.
The
key to a balanced raw diet is 50% meat (phosphorus) and 50% raw meaty
bones (calcium), and to feed a wide variety of foods to your dog to ensure
that he receives the necessary nutrients to sustain a healthy and
vital life. We often add a variety of pureed veggies,
as well as raw eggs (and ground shells), yogurt or cottage cheese to
our raw meat mixture.
·
Meats. Ground beef, ground turkey,
ground chicken, ground lamb, canned mackerel or salmon, fresh fish, chunks
of beef.
·
Raw Meaty Bones. Raw chicken
wings, necks, backs, turkey necks, pork necks, chicken leg quarters.
Raw meaty bones (RMBs)
are one of the most important ingredients in your dog's diet.
RMBs not only supply calcium and provide essential nutrients, but
they naturally clean dogs’ teeth as well as fill a primal need of the
dog to chew, pull, and gnaw. Beware of feeding your
dog COOKED bones are EXTREMELY dangerous (they can splinter and cause
serious internal damage).
For
Additional Information, please read:
Feeding
Your New Dog
Dog
Feeding Info
Fresh
Food Diets for Dogs
Dr.
Marty's Feeding Advice
"The
Ultimate Diet: Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats," Kymythy Schultze.
"Switching
to Raw," Susan Johnson
"Raw
Meaty Bones," Tom Lonsdale
"K9 Kitchen Your Dogs' Diet: The Truth Behind the
Hype," Monica Segal.
"Canine Nutrition," Lowell Ackerman, D.V.M.