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A Quick Introduction to Raw Feeding
  • WHY AND HOW
Coastal GSR has lots of foster homes that raw feed. Of course, it's your choice how you feed your dogs, but you might want to consider raw feeding. People have different opinions, but those who raw feed see such exhuberant good health in their dogs, they wouldn't have it any other way.*
  • BENEFITS OF RAW FEEDING
  • Healthier, happier dogs.
  • Little or no “doggy odor”.
  • Natural tooth cleaning, no need for brushing or expensive (and potentially dangerous) dentals at the vet.
  • Prevents periodontal disease, which can lead to serious health issues.
  • Poop! Less volume, less smell.
  • Did we mention the poop?
  • DOGS ARE CARNIVORES!
Look at their teeth. No flat grinding molars like we have. Dogs have sharp, pointed teeth. Their jaws don't move sideways like omnivores, they only work like scissors. Perfectly designed for ripping, tearing, crunching raw meaty bones. Dogs have strong stomach acids, they can digest bones and their natural stomach acids are designed to deal with bacteria that would be potentially harmful to humans. They have short, smooth digestive tracts. They are DESIGNED to eat raw food!
  • HOW TO RAW FEED
The optimum goal is to approximate whole prey. Doesn't have to be all in one day, just a balance over time. Start with 2-3% of the animals ideal weight. this too can be balanced over time. Every day doesn't have to be exactly the same amount, balance over time! Try to achieve: 10-15% edible bone, 10% organs, the rest meat. Look for bones covered in so much meat that you can't see or easily feel the bone.

Raw feeding is not expensive. Get a freezer. Look for sales and stock up on specials. Check into www.socalbarf.com. Some suggestions for items to feed:
  • Lamb-necks, ribs, whole legs, shanks.
  • Pork-anything and everything.
  • Chicken-whole, half, leg quarters.
  • Beef-avoid the weight bearing bones, heart is good and cheap.
  • Rabbit-if you can find whole rabbit, a great “whole prey” item!
  • Goat-any parts, goat is good!
  • Fish-whole is better. Canned sardines, mackerel or salmon can be used in a pinch.
  • Raw eggs.
  • Know a hunter? Ask for deer meat!

  • Recommended Reading:

"Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health," by Dr. Tom Lonsdale is available through Amazon.com along with other raw feeding references. Shopping through this link will also help Coastal German Shepherd Rescue!

That's it. You don't need books that detail time consuming and unnecessary “recipes”. If you want recipes, visit www.rawfeddogs.net.

Other good sites:
www.rawlearning.com.

There's an excellent email list for new raw feeders here.

Or, you can email Marilyn for more information.

* Coastal German Shepherd Rescue does not necessarily endorse or advocate raw feeding. Raw feeding of dogs is a personal choice of the dog owner, to be made after thoroughly researching and weighing both potential risks and benefits to your pet.


 
If you are interested in any of our dogs please email us or call 714-528-4730, or you may complete an online application and one of our adoption counselors will contact you.

Donations can also be mailed to
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue
P.O. Box 50726, Irvine, California 92619-0726.
And you can help by shopping through any of the sponsor links on our pages. Thank you for your support.

Copyright 2005, Coastal German Shepherd Rescue