BARF / alternative dog diets...

[Governor]

Can anyone give me any info about any raw food type diets for doggies? Has anyone tried it, feed their dogs on these diets and are they any good?

Our border terrier is fed Pedigree at the moment but i've heard of dogs looking better (skin/coat condition and behaviour) on raw diets. Although we have tried feeding her raw beef bones in the past and she wouldn't eat it, i'd quite like to try her on a different diet because she's looking a bit lack lustre in herself.

 

[Foxyfilly]

Sorry but pedigree is the worst food ever!!
Do a search for Barf, loads of info on web.

 

[Governor]

My thoughts exactly hence the research. Tecnically she's my mums but her behaviour isn't great (she barks routinely everynight and pee's on the carpet indoors) and i'm convinced its since she's been on Pedigree (well its a combination of things but while i'm at home i'm trying to sort it out.

Thanks, i'll have a look now.

 

[severnmiles]

Definately try and swap to Barf if you can. There are companies who will deliver frozen bones, chicken carcasses, chicken wings, e.t.c very cheaply. It might be worth getting a cheap old freezer just for the dog food. I'd try and get off of the Pedigree, its so full of colourings, addatives, and rubbish!

Barf is a very natural diet, better for their coat, teeth, and general wellbeing.

The barking and not so good behaviour could well be associated with the Pedigree, its like when kids have fizzy drinks and 'E' numbers...

Good luck and let us know what you decide

 

[severnmiles]

Just noticed, Re. the fact she wouldn't eat the raw beef bones seems a little odd, are you sure she was definately hungry? If a dog turns raw bones down its often that they aren't that hungry. Were they meaty bones?

 

[Governor]

Thanks for the info severnmiles - I don't feel like such a loon suggesting the food is to blame for her less than ideal behaviour. She's in no way a bad dog, and although she's a terrier I don't think she's just manic.

We got them from Borough market (posh food market in London)...the butcher gave us a massive bag of them free and yes they were pretty meaty. Mum gave up after an hour and put the whole lot in the oven and Rosie ate them then.

I've done a bit of research and being a fussy Border i'm thinking if she's on a fast for one (possibly 2 days) and then we try her with something like chicken necks or wings it might be a good place to start. I'll talk to mother today and try to convince her its best for Rosie - the least she can do is give it a try!

 

[severnmiles]

Oh, seems strange, even our GSD who is the most fussy dog ever will eat raw meet and bones.

I hope you don't think I'm being rude by saying this but just watch cooked bones, even lamb, pork and beef bones can become really dangerous when cooked, try to stick to raw everything. I have seen one dog whose mouth was slightly distorted (not in a horrible way, he just has a permanent smile) due to a cooked bone going through the roof of his mouth.

Good luck with her!

 

[BROCKFOXBORDERS]

<span style="color:green"> Hi Governor,

There's a Great link on www.borderterrierworld.co.uk regarding BARF/Raw feeding .. Im sure you'll find all the info you need there!!!

Good Luck

</span>

 

[Sooty]

A lot of dog owners swear by the BARF method of feeding, but once you switch the dog over to this way of eating you cannot then mix in proprietary dog food. I think it is something to do with the way the digestive enzymes work. I am too lazy to faff with BARF, mine do fine on James Wellbeloved and our old girl can only gum a bit of tinned Chappie! People who feed BARF generally have excellent results.