Lisa Succumbs to Peer Pressure

After 2 years of being constantly reminded how bad commercial dog food is, I have decided to try the "raw food diet". I am a veterinary technician, been doing that for about 17 years, which is why this transition is so difficult. The majority of veterinarians (so it seems) think feeding BARF (bones and raw food) is a quick way to kill your dog. This diet can cause a host of problems such as: e. coli and salmonella infections, intestinal blockages, etc.... if not done PROPERLY! The food is stored in the freezer for longer than 1 week, in the refrigerator for less than 3 days, and goes from fridge to the dogs mouth -directly and clean up afterwards is a must!!

So, on to Clara. A brief history of my little shortdog, a 5 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She's been doing well on very high quality dry food, but her teeth were getting covered in tartar and her breath was atrocious. The choices I felt I had were to either anesthetize her and clean her teeth (and have to repeat it in a year or so) or try BARF. I decided to do a six month somewhat scientific trial. I ran a CBC, complete chemistry profile and urinalysis prior to starting the raw diet. All tests came back within normal limits. In six months I will repeat these tests.

Her first raw chicken wing was met with puzzlement, "is this reality or just a figment of my imagination? Lisa is actually giving me a chicken wing? Have pigs started to fly?!" Then she dove into the opportunity of bliss and oral satisfaction. I bet she thought "wow, I have never worked this hard to eat a bowl of dry boring kibble." She seems to enjoy her trip into BARF land. We will see how things progress.

After 5 days on raw food, her teeth are about 60% cleaner, her breath is not knocking me to the floor any longer. Her stools are smaller, eventhough she is eating more volume of food. She seems to have a change in temperament, she seems to be quieter and more relaxed. I can't quite put my finger on it.

Here is Clara's diet (she's a 21 lb, well-muscled, very active, PWC:
2 raw chicken wings for breakfast
For Dinner:
a 3 inch meatball of ground hamburger (raw, of course)
about an 1/8 cup of frozen, defrosted vegetables (wide variety)
a multi-vitamin, fish oil capsule, and a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement

On occasion, she gets a little bit of fresh fruit. She will also be getting a varity of meat sources, they will change month to month. She will also get organ meats every 2 weeks or so. I haven't decided if I am going to add any grain to her diet, other than those found in high quality biscuits.

THANK YOU KATRIN, for turning on the light.