WHY RAW?

 Many dog owners are moving toward the biologically appropriate diet for their four legged friends. Why? The answer is simple: if processed foods are not healthy for humans, why are they healthy for dogs? For years now, doctors have been saying that processed foods are harmful, leading to a number of health problems. The same goes for dogs. 

 Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, but they are still carnivores. Their digestive systems are built to metabolize and draw nutrients from meat and bone, not processed and cooked commercial dog foods. Raw, whole foods are the key to a long and healthy life for your dog. 

                      What are the Benefits of Raw?

• Smaller stool, with little or no odour 
• Shinier coat 
• Healthier skin
• Fresher breath 
• Reduction in plaque and tartar build up 
• Cleaner Teeth
• Less shedding 
• Fewer allergic reactions 
• Promotes heightened immune systems 
• Longer life span  
• Higher energy levels

                                 Transitioning to Raw

 Every pet is unique and there is no single right approach in transitioning to a raw diet. Be positive, patient and confident, which will reassure your pet on their new diet. There are usually two main barriers in the switch to raw; the first is the possibility of digestive/gastrointestinal upset during the switch – especially the first few feedings and secondly your dog’s unwillingness to accept the change in diet. Consider what you are feeding your dog prior to the switch. Home foods both cooked and raw will usually mean an easier transition while a strict kibble diet means a much more dramatic effect on the dog’s digestive system. Limit treats during the transition; this will increase your dog’s appetite for their meals. An option to consider no matter what the previous diet was is fasting. A one day fast will help prepare the digestive system for the change; it will provide a small detoxification period and create hunger – very helpful in change for fussy dogs. Ensure your dog is well hydrated during any type of fast.

                                            Quick Tips

• Pumpkin is a very unique vegetable as it helps with both constipation and loose stools 
• Place a smaller bowl or rock in the food bowl to help spread out their meal in order to help pets that are prone to vomiting after a meal
• Dairy items made of goat’s milk are usually tolerated better than other dairy sources
• Dogs are predators as such they need to stalk, chase, grab, shake, dissect and eat
• Never feed cooked bones!!!
• Mixing Kibble and raw is not recommended as they digest at very different rates

                                 Suggested Feeding Guide

Approximate daily feeding should be 2 – 3% of dog’s body weight depending on age, health and activity level of each dog. Puppies require a higher daily intake of protein. Adjustments to feeding amounts must be closely monitored to suit each individual dog’s needs. The following suggested feeding guide is based on feeding your dog 2 – 3% of its body weight per day. 

 Weight Range (lbs)                        Low                          High

5-10                                                   0.2 lbs                       0.3 lbs
11-20                                                 0.4 lbs                       0.6 lbs
21-30                                                 0.6 lbs                       0.9 lbs
31-40                                                 0.8 lbs                       1.2 lbs
41-50                                                 1.2 lbs                       1.5 lbs
51-60                                                 1.5 lbs                       1.8 lbs
61-70                                                 1.8 lbs                       2.1 lbs
71 – 80                                               2.1 lbs                      2.4 lbs  
81-100                                                2.6 lbs                      3.0 lbs