So without going to a completely raw diet?

[~girlsmum~]

What are some foods that I can add to our dog's food dish to help with good health. I've read some posts about the raw diet and in time I may choose to go that route, sounds expensive though, but things like maybe some plain rice and certain veggies can be really good for dogs. I give her freeze dried treats over charred biscuits. What really basic ingredients could I add to help her get more from her meals?

[greenmagick]

Actually, often a raw diet is cheaper, or at the very least equal to a quality diet. Personally I would not add veggies or rice as those are not needed by a dog. You could supplement your kibble with some raw meaty bones, just dont feed at the same time.

[~girlsmum~]

Hmm..........ok, I had heard that things like garlic was good for dogs? There used to be a mama with the username *thekimballs*? something like that and she had posted once about a site that listed the how to's about switching to a totally raw diet, thought I saw something like a shopping list from certain veggies to tripe to stuff I can't remember. I've seen old discussions from over a year ago about poop consistency of a dog on raw as opposed to kibble, interesting thread that was,lol. I had saved the site in my fav's for an old cat we were fostering that has since passed away but it got erased during a format drive, GRR.

I do know of SOME homeopathic treatments you can do with animals but not enough about the raw diet.

[greenmagick]

Oh you can definitely use garlic and such as supplements. I have used herbs and homeopathics on animals with great success. I have fed RAW for 8 years now...I started off using grains and veggies as well, but with further research feel they dont need it and many do better without. Veggies usually dont hurt, but they really dont add much either, unless you are counting herbs with a specific purpose, but nutritionally dogs get what they need from raw meat and bones and organs. Green tripe is fed by many, and I do feed it occassionally.

[Ola_]

I agree that I wouldn't add any veggies or carbs - there's lots of that in kibble already. If you'd like to try raw you can add a few RMBs (raw meaty bones) here and there in place of a kibble meal. Most dogs can handle this as long as you're not feeding both in the same meal (which seems to increase the chance of tummy upset). This way you can sort of try the idea out and get more comfortable with it.

Items like chicken leg quarters or pork ribs/riblets are easy to find in regular grocery stores and easy to eat.

[~girlsmum~]

I thought chicken bones were a no-no. Like any small animal is discouraged due to splintery bones? I can see myself going to buy some beef bones from the store and feeding her raw. I absolutely HATE pork and can't imagine feeding my dog pork either. UGH!

So you don't cook any of the meat items that you feed your dog? I'm trying so hard to remember that huge article I had saved in my fav's, it was so comprehensive. If I'm feeding her any raw organs, how do I keep her from dragging those things around the house? She takes her kibble and brings a few pieces into the livingroom on the carpet to eat it. Can't imagine the grossness of raw *things* in my livingroom. Now it's also a question of HOW to feed her these things as much as what!! OI!

[Ola_]

No, raw chicken bones are fine and very digestible actually - it's the cooked bones you have to worry about! Personally I don't feed beef bones because I find them too hard for my dogs, especially my strong chewer. If you do use beef bones be sure to avoid the leg bones (sometimes called marrow bones) as they are incredibly hard and can cause tooth fractures. Why do you hate pork?

I don't cook anything - the dogs can handle the bacteria (as long as we're not talking rotting meat or anything). I feed my two in their crates which works very well because I don't need to watch them the entire time, though I do make sure to stay within earshot while they're eating. Some people feed outside, others on a towel/blanket specifically for that purpose, or just on an easily washable floor surface. There's no need to let your dog carry stuff around the house - you're the one with opposable thumbs here!

If you do decide to try it I have some tips to prevent problems. Don't choose items with a large amount of fat, make sure the item includes bone (it helps to firm stools), and stay away from organ meats at first (it loosens stools a lot!). And at the beginning stick to just one type of meat, don't get a whole bunch of different stuff at once or you risk tummy upsets.