Frequently Asked Questions;
Q. Can a raw diet be fed to any working dog?
A. Yes, it can. However, some medical conditions may need monitoring more closely - although no more so than with any other feed.
Q, Raw feeding seems very complicated compare to processed ?
A, Raw feeding is no more difficult. There are nutritionally balanced complete raw feeds for those starting out. As you become more confident you can move to DIY Raw feeding if you wish.
Q Aren’t raw bone dangerous for dogs?
A, No they are not. Dogs have the correct heads and dentition along with digestive systems to chew and digest bone very easily.
Q I like the idea of feeding raw but giving bones really scares me.
A, Don’t worry, switching to raw can seem daunting but think of the health or your dog and research the real ingredients in kibble. You do not have to give whole bones, you can feed raw minces that include bones.
Q, I’ve always been told never to feed chicken bones to dogs?
A , Cooked bones should NEVER be given as cooking dries them out and makes them brittle. Raw bones are very different; they remain soft and are easily broken up by chewing.
Q, My vet says raw diets are bad for dogs and I should stick with processed food.
A, Vets are not nutritionist and are often mis informed. Vets are subject to the same blanket advertising and sales pitches from proccessed food manufactures as the buying public. The media is a very powerful tool!
Q I've heard feeding raw makes dogs aggressive?
A, this is another myth and is simply not true. Raw fed dogs enjoy their food much more.( imagine being given the same biscuit twice a day for years then being given a basket of fresh fruit and vegetables, you would probable not want to give it back either!!) If you are switching from processed, follow the same training you have given for retrieving items from your dog.
Q, can I mix processed and raw together?
A, No. processed food moves through the digestive system much slower than raw feed. Dogs evolved to eat meat and bones, high stomach acidity breaks down bone content and bacteria quickly, If you feed kibble and raw, the kibble slows down the digestion of raw and allows the possibility of bacteria to flourish. Raw fed dogs are not prone to any higher risks of bacteria as their stomach are much more acidic (bacteria cant survive)processed food interferes with the digestion of raw reed.
Q What difference can I expect to see?
A, Firstly your working dog will be enjoying the biologically appropriate food he was designed for. He will be healthier, happier and more balanced. Raw fed working dogs utilise most of their feed, this results in much small, firmer bowel movements which are often odourless. Raw fed dogs drink less. This is because the high moisture content of raw feed hydrates them. Water should always be available but you will notice a marked decrease in intake.
