[nagdu] Raw diet for guide dogs

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Tara.
I scanned some raw food books for Bookshare, so I'm glad they're coming in
useful.
I tried a raw diet with my black lab from GDB.  At first, he seemed to go
well, but then she developed chronic diarrhea, which I was unable to cure
despite making changes.  So I gave up, and put her back on a kibble diet,
but a kibble made with human-grade meats as the first few ingredients. 
She is now 15, and just keeps bouncing along.  She worked until she was
about 11 and a half.

However, friends of mine have had great success with raw food.  One fixed
serious digestive issues with her shepherd, and another had good success
with her golden.  So I guess every dog is different.
Good luck with it.
Tracy

> HI everyone!
>
> I have been reading the NAGDU list for awhile, but this is the first time
> I have posted.  I have a female black lab from GDB, and was considering
> feeding her a raw food diet.  I read several books about this from
> BookShare, such as Keep your dog healthy the natural way, the barf diet
> for dogs and cats, and the dr. pritikin  book.
> Has anyone on this list tried this diet?    How was the transition from
> dry kibble  to raw food?  Has your guide dog gained more muscle?  Does
> your dog have less health problems?
> After reading these books, I've found there are differences in the amount
> of meat, grains, fruit, and vegetables  you should feed your dog.  The
> barf diet says to basically use very little grain, and to focus on raw
> meat and bones.  You can grind the bones up, in order to prevent choking.
>  The keep your dog healthy advocates for more grain, saying that a dog
> does not need as much protein for optimum health.
> I already use a natural ear cleaner, give my dog only purified water, and
> use a natural conditioner for her fur.    From these changes from chemical
> to natural, I've seen better health in my dog, so I can definitely say
> that natural and holistic does work for dogs.
> I'd love to hear any feedback you guys have.
>
> Tara
>
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