Parenting-Furkids

Dogs => Dog Food And Nutrition => Raw Feeding => Topic started by: Lola on July 14, 2017, 10:41:41 AM

Title: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 14, 2017, 10:41:41 AM
I don't know what name he will use to sign-up, so I will just call him "Pug Parent" for now.  :)
Hope this thread makes it easy for him to get started with any questions about feeding pugs raw.   ;D
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Pookie on July 14, 2017, 10:49:21 AM
 welcome3 welcome3 welcome3 welcome3 welcome2 welcome5 welcome4 welcome1
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on July 14, 2017, 12:47:48 PM
purplekat tiggerbounce welcome4 welcome5 welcome4 tiggerbounce purplekat
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 14, 2017, 05:01:10 PM
A few tidibts of info first...thoughts off the top of my head.  :)

We will forget about the ingredients of kibble for a moment.  With that said, dogs don't chew.  They can't.  Their mouths only go up and down.  They crunch kibble carp.  The pieces then swell in their stomachs.  Imagine how great that must feel!
Pieces also get stuck between their teeth and under their gum line.  The "best" (and I use that word very loosely) kibble does not and canNOT clean their teeth. 

Our member DeeDee feeds an awesome balanced raw diet to her dogs.  Meat, organs, and bones that her dogs can tear, gnaw, etc.  No icky ingredients.  A species appropriate diet.  Good for their teeth. 

I feed our Lacy mostly *ground and some very small chunks.  One reason is due to Lacy swallowing everything whole.  Not the best raw feeding, but better then kibble or canned. 

If you want to know "easy," I'll give you more info.  If you want to know how to feed raw the best way... talk to DeeDee.  :)   

I don't want to overwhelm you with info, without knowing first where your head it at! 

*Ground meat sold at your local grocery store...not recommended.  I grind my own.  However, I do often buy beef, chicken, and pork at my local grocery store and grind it myself. 


Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on July 14, 2017, 06:45:18 PM


Our member DeeDee feeds an awesome balanced raw diet to her dogs.  Meat, organs, and bones that her dogs can tear, gnaw, etc.  No icky ingredients.  A species appropriate diet.  Good for their teeth. 



Correction. That's the way they used to eat before Vlad got sick. Vlad can't have bones. His stomach won't digest them anymore since he developed Addison's, and he ends up with a glued section of bones coming out of him. There's too much risk of him developing a blockage, so bones have left the house except in ground form. Vlad has to have a Calcium Citrate supplement because he can't eat over 5 oz of the meat with ground bone. They get liver and a turkey heart at every meal. I know it's the cats that Taurine is SO important for, but I'm following the old wisdom about eating hearts liver making healthy hearts and livers. I'd feed them even if you didn't HAVE to feed 10% secreting organs, though hearts aren't secreting organs.

They get gizzards and whole chicken breasts, but I remove the skin and bone for Vlad b/c of the pancreatitis he had during crisis. I save the little breast bones for Barkly since he can eat them without Vlad seeing that he's got them. I used to just give sections of necks and backs, but those are big enough for Vlad to see, and he would want them. Believe me, he watches EVERY single thing that I put in both bowls at every meal. I hide the part with the bones for Barkly when I'm defrosting everything, and I know it's all hidden down the marked, left side of the pan. I don't give beef chunks anymore because it seems to also be too much for Vlad to digest easily, but red meat is always harder to digest than white meat.

I also feed vegetables and fruits. Most holistic vets that encourage BARF instead of prey model say 25% of meal should be vegetables. I try to give greens (collards lowest in potassium) + orange, red, yellow colors at every meal. I make a puree b/c once again, Vlad now has problems digesting it if it's not pureed. The Cortisol that Vlad is now missing is a huge part of digestion. I could keep his diet the way it was if I gave him about 10mg of prednisone a day, but I'm not willing to do that. The extra prednisone would be more of a danger than the modified diet.

They get either a small amount of dried cranberries or blueberries every meal. It's no more than maybe 3-to-5% of the meal, but they're good antioxidants. They also get probiotics and Vlad gets digestive enzymes to keep his pancreas in check.

A lot of things have changed around here since Vlad's Addison's diagnosis, but it doesn't seem to have affected them since they've both had blood tests since the changes. Barkly DOES get some banana every meal with a VERY tiny smear on top of Vlad's (remember I said he watches everything?), because the low potassium vegetables and fruits seemed to be TOO low for Barkly.
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on July 14, 2017, 06:49:14 PM
This is a pretty good book that breaks everything down easily, so that you know exactly what they need, and how to give it to them:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/raw-and-natural-nutrition-for-dogs-revised-lew-olson/1120817217/2677265408889?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Marketplace+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP2246&k_clickid=3x2246 (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/raw-and-natural-nutrition-for-dogs-revised-lew-olson/1120817217/2677265408889?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Marketplace+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP2246&k_clickid=3x2246)
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 14, 2017, 06:59:24 PM
He will be a BEGINNER, DeeDee.   Silly7

Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on July 14, 2017, 07:05:34 PM
He will be a BEGINNER, DeeDee.   Silly7



 :D :D

That's why I recommended that book. I really wish Dr. Karen Becker's book was still available, but no sign of a reprint, and people are charging outrageous amounts for it now.

It's just easier to make decisions when you know what they need; why they need it; and how to give it to them. I've read a lot of them, but IMO, that's one of the best for beginners.
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 14, 2017, 07:24:58 PM
I think Mr Pug is on a short vacation right now.  It may take him a while to get here... assuming he will join us.  :)

Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 16, 2017, 04:29:13 PM
I think a good easy start is buying good meat (not ground) from the grocery store.  Cutting it into bite sized chunks, and adding it to Honest Kitchen BASE. 
You will find half the world states that dogs do well on just meat, bones, and organs... no fruits and veggies.  The other half says the opposite.  I find Lacy dog does best WITH fruits and veggies in her diet.  I rotate some meals with... and some without.

I feed a variety of proteins from various sources. 

Honest Kitchen is one that is in our rotation. 

Just about ANY commercial raw is going to have something that a person is less than thrilled about feeding.  One reason that variety/rotation works for me.  :) 
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 17, 2017, 04:31:45 PM
Welcome PugDad!  :)
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: PugDad on July 17, 2017, 05:27:16 PM
Thanks! And thanks for all the information and the places I can start!
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: PugDad on July 17, 2017, 05:52:17 PM
Where can I get the Honest kitchen base?
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on July 17, 2017, 07:52:38 PM
Where can I get the Honest kitchen base?



There are several places like chewy.com online that you can get it, including the Honest Kitchen Website.

Or their store finder is here: http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/find-a-store
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: PugDad on July 18, 2017, 07:50:35 AM


There are several places like chewy.com online that you can get it, including the Honest Kitchen Website.

Or their store finder is here: http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/find-a-store

Thank you!
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 18, 2017, 04:33:31 PM
I used to buy it at Amazon.  Price was decent... free shipping.  :) 
I JUST signed up for auto delivery at www.TheHonestKitchen.com.  I can choose how often I want it shipped.  Orders over $49 ship free.  I get points with every purchase.  X amount of points equals free product.
As far as Chewy... PetsMart owns them now.  No thanks.   >:D

Base is in our ROTATION (I can't say that enough  ;D).  I PERSONALLY don't think Lacy dog needs fruits and veggies with every meal.   

I also feed meat, bone, and organ grinds from www.Hare-Today.com and add Alnutrin myself.  Other meat sources I purchase from: www.RawFeedingMiami.com and www.MyPetCarnivore.com   
When I feed meats from the grocery store (with no Base)... I either grind it myself or cut it into chunks.  I also add Alnturin for meats without bones AND liver. 

I buy both Alnutrin (for boneless meats and meat, bones, and organs) directly from the company.  http://www.knowwhatyoufeed.com/alnutrin_supplements.html
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 18, 2017, 04:39:48 PM
The more "work" you do yourself... the less expensive raw feeding is.  There are people that feed their dog/cat for less then a buck a meal... or day.  I can't remember which one.  :)

How many pugs do you have?
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: PugDad on July 19, 2017, 10:06:15 AM
The more "work" you do yourself... the less expensive raw feeding is.  There are people that feed their dog/cat for less then a buck a meal... or day.  I can't remember which one.  :)

How many pugs do you have?

I do have a meat grinder so I'm sure that will help. Thank you so much for all the links. If you have a code or anything that you get something for referring me let me know so I can use it. I have four pugs. One will be 13 next month, one 13 in Feb, and two just turned 7 end of May.
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Pookie on July 19, 2017, 01:27:54 PM
I have four pugs. One will be 13 next month, one 13 in Feb, and two just turned 7 end of May.

 withoutpictures                 ;D
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 19, 2017, 04:49:21 PM
I'm glad you bought the book that DeeDee recommended.  That will likely have a LOT more info to help you! 
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: PugDad on July 20, 2017, 10:24:49 AM
withoutpictures                 ;D
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 20, 2017, 10:59:42 AM
I re-sized your picture, PugDad, so we could actually SEE it.  You are welcome.   Silly7
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on July 20, 2017, 11:14:09 AM
Those are the cutest things! I especially love the black one though. Everyone can tell you I'm black-dog obsessive.
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Pookie on July 20, 2017, 11:54:41 AM
Awwww!  Too cute!  heartbeatgif  Thanks for the pics!
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 27, 2017, 10:19:54 PM
Noooooooooooo pressure, JUST curious.... have you started any raw feeding?
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: PugDad on July 29, 2017, 12:14:04 AM
Noooooooooooo pressure, JUST curious.... have you started any raw feeding?

Not yet... wanted to go through the book and make sure I started right and not just jump in and not work out or not have everything needed.
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Lola on July 29, 2017, 10:20:12 AM
I haven't read the book that DeeDee recommended to you, so I have not clue where your head is at.  :)

If you tossed your dogs a piece of chicken... would they eat it?  That would be a place to start. 

When I transitioned our dogs, it was a piece of cake.  If something was put in their food bowls, it was meant to be eaten!  Maybe transitioning will go that easy for you too!   fingerscrossed
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Middle Child on July 29, 2017, 10:49:54 AM
Beautiful dogs!
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: DeeDee on August 05, 2017, 03:50:53 PM
I finally found the FB group that goes with that book:


https://www.facebook.com/groups/371592139642185/
Title: Re: Welcome Pug Parent - Start Here :)
Post by: Catgirl64 on December 12, 2017, 04:28:59 AM
I used to buy it at Amazon.  Price was decent... free shipping.  :) 
I JUST signed up for auto delivery at www.TheHonestKitchen.com.  I can choose how often I want it shipped.  Orders over $49 ship free.  I get points with every purchase.  X amount of points equals free product.
As far as Chewy... PetsMart owns them now.  No thanks.   >:D

Base is in our ROTATION (I can't say that enough  ;D).  I PERSONALLY don't think Lacy dog needs fruits and veggies with every meal.   

I also feed meat, bone, and organ grinds from www.Hare-Today.com and add Alnutrin myself.  Other meat sources I purchase from: www.RawFeedingMiami.com and www.MyPetCarnivore.com   
When I feed meats from the grocery store (with no Base)... I either grind it myself or cut it into chunks.  I also add Alnturin for meats without bones AND liver. 

I buy both Alnutrin (for boneless meats and meat, bones, and organs) directly from the company.  http://www.knowwhatyoufeed.com/alnutrin_supplements.html

As a source of Honest Kitchen, I've got to show a little love to a regional pet food chain, Hollywood Feed.  I've never ordered from them, as we have a store here in town.  Definitely my favorite bricks and mortar place for pet needs, and I suspect customer service is just as good for online orders. 

Here's a link, and they have a coupon code right now, too.  Oddly, it is cheaper there than at the Honest Kitchen site itself, even without the coupon.  Same deal with shipping - free over $49, and there is an auto-ship discount.  I have no idea how this would compare, in the long run, with the points program, but Hollywood is a nice alternative for other things, as well, for people who don't want to deal with Chewy anymore.  Not as many different products, but they don't sell any grocery store type foods, either.

https://www.hollywoodfeed.com/products/honest-kitchen-dog-food-preference