Hi Fiona

I feed raw - I started a blog sometime back that will give you plenty to think about: //www.curezone.org/blogs/f.asp?f=731

I only feed organic raw meats - chicken and (rabbit is wild) some chicken liver/offal/tripe, minced veggies, sometimes he gets wild alkalskan salmon or sardines. I will offer some supplementation sometimes like powdered kelp, apple cider vinegar, minerals etc. also some extra virgin cocnut oil or olive oil.

I only have a small dog (Bedlington Terrier) weighing just under 20 lbs - so it's not really expensive. He's not greedy either and will leave food when he's full.
However, if you think longer term, it will save enormous amounts of money from vet bills.

I have a freezer full of food for him, as i buy the chicken wings, rabbit, liver etc. in bulk.

A dogs digestive system is exactly the same as a wolf or wild dog, so it makes sense to give them a similar diet. Eating raw meaty bones is great exercise for them too. And their teeth will be super clean.

What's funny is that straight after eating, Baboo will thrash one of his toys around for about 10 minutes - somehow imitating a real kill.

Dogs have very acidic digestive systems and can handle parasites when they eat raw. It's when they eat processed foods that parasites become a problem. The trainers at the dog training I took Baboo for puppy classes also feed raw, and none of their dogs have ever had parasite problems.

I feed him outside, as it can get a little messy indoors. However, when it's raining, I line the kitchen floor with a few refuse bags and that works well.

Best wishes
Maya

I feed raw, too. Also have a terrier - 23 pounds . . . so feeding is not that expensive. But raw can be more expensive than your average dog food, and of course two labs eat a whole lot more than little terriers, but I agree that you make up for it later with vet bills. And if you don't want to go all out, I believe there are benefits to feeding some raw.

The idea is that this is closer to a "natural" diet for dogs. If you are worried about chemical-laden meats, read about what goes into making commercial dog food, then decide what is better. FYI, I use Bravo brand and also buy chicken necks and rib bones.

thanks everyone for input. im certainly going to do some research into this. If it helps with the long term health of my dogs, Im all for it. I get upset just thinking my furbabies will slow down and die one day.

And I shall download that book critterkids thanks.

Fiona