I have 2 dogs.

1. Female, 6 month old Dobermin, approx. 50 pounds
2. Female, 3 year old Min Pin, 4.5 pounds

I have tried to do a lot of research with homemade meals and the BARF dog diet.

I am just concerned that my pets will lack vitamin-nutritional value.

I have 5 different recipes for a homemade diet, so there is variety in their consumption. I also know how much food to give per day based on their weight.

Questions:
1. Should I add a pet-multi-vitamin to their food?
2. Should I do a regular, cooked homemade meal or the"raw" BARF diet? Or switch to add more variety.
3. Cost – I know that fresh meat and veggies will cost more than a 20# bag of "pedigree" or "kibbles n bits", but is the fresh diet better in the long run?

My husband and I are really feeling the pinch with the current economy and I want to change my entire lifestyle to be 100% (or as close to it) as natural. We have changed our own diets, eliminating all sugars, processed foods, etc…I am using salt and vinegar mixed with water and oils for cleaning products as well.

I would like to continue this with my pets. Any advise you can give would be very appreciated.

Thank you.

I think I’m ready to switch my dogs from a raw BARF diet ( Chicken, finely ground chicken bone, beef liver, whole egg, cultured kefir, seasonal vegetables selected from broccoli, celery, spinach, carrot, ground flax seed, bok choy, dried alfalfa leaf powder, beef kidney, beef heart, unbleached beef tripe, apple, pear, grapefruit, orange, dried kelp powder, garlic, capsicum) to a vegan diet.
BUT I’ve got a some criteria.
1. It has to be a home made recipe since I don’t like feeding processed foods or feeding grains to dogs since it’s unnatural for them to eat grains).
2. As above no grains.

Now if anyone has a recipe on how to make a wholesome vegan dog food I’d be very interested since previous attempts have caused my dogs to lose too much weight and when I’ve got rescues they can’ afford to lose weight.

Thank you.

I never know how to explain my way of eating to people because im not really a vegetarian, so it gets confusing and people always ask me.
The foods I eat are extremely simple. I dont eat anything that has been processed, or altered by man in any way. So pretty much raw fruits, raw veggies, and then tuna, shrimp and sometimes grilled chicken. But I never add anything to it, not even salt, and I dont eat cooked food, or food recipes, Its just..plain and simple healthy food, the way God made it. My main concern isnt avoiding animal products, but avoiding the chemicals and oils that are put into processed foods. I get tired of trying to explain it to everyone, and it seems to be similar to the raw food diet, but I hate to call it that because im not on a diet..It would be a lot more simple if I could just say "im a…. whatever-tarian" and leave it at that. So, does anyone know if there is a name for this or not?

thanks :)

I’m trying to halt some health conditions that I feel have been caused or aggravated by following the S.A.D. for the better part of my 49 years. Psoriasis, visceral obesity, hypertension (but oddly, only October-March, yearly), and diabetes-type 2 are my immediate concerns. About 10 years ago, I tried to go 100% vegetarian, but achieved only about 90%, stopping at lacto-ovo with 0% soy. My dairy is limited to that which is present in processed foods (e.g., store-bought baked goods and frozen entrees) and half-n-half in an occasional cup of decaf coffee. And, in an effort to lose some of my excess weight, I’ve recently learned about and am trying a raw & living food diet (RALF–a terrible but spot-on acronym)…but, I have some reservations.

1. I am gluten sensitive…reactive but not a full-blown celiac.
2. I wear dentures, meaning nuts & seeds must be ground almost to flour for comfortable consumption.
3. Some raw veggies, such as carrots, cauliflower & broccoli, present chewing discomfort (see #2 above), unless they’re liquefied, prepared very finely, or dehydrated & ground.
4. And last but not least, no matter how many green shakes & salads and whole fruits I consume, I’m always left with an overwhelming craving for "bad-carb" comfort foods…like potatoes, pasta, breads, and far worse, cookies or crackers.

So, can you please recommend some good- or low-carb RALF options?

(BTW, I do take gymnema daily, but it only curbs the carb cravings; it does not eliminate them.)

I know many people who feed their dog the BARF diet. It’s healthier, cleaner/shinier coat, they feel better, and they live longer.

Seeing this, I’ve thought of a ‘people raw food diet’. What WE would eat in the wild. Fruits, veggies, cooked meats, no dairy, sugars, or processed foods.

Don’t you think we’d feel just as good as our dogs?
Has anyone else thought about doing this?
Some of you need to re-read my details. I never said raw meat in the first place. Read thoroughly before answering, please!
Thanks, Bonslyar! :) Great links! That’s so interesting! I shiver at the thought of raw eggs, though. >_< Lol.

The most important thing you can do is to feed you dog well from the earliest age possible.. Forget any processed foods and try feeding a natural food diet like BARF. If you want a healthier long lived pet then you can never start too early! Remember that most processed dog food canned or dry is rubbish (bordering on poison!)

My dogs diet is as follows:
(ALL HUMAN GRADE FOOD – NOT PET GRADE!)
chicken frames minced
beef mince
minced lamb liver/ beef hearts/ kidneys/tongue

some soaked ‘vets all natural complete mix’ supplement to mix with the meats.

http://www.vetsallnatural.com.au/Completemix.html

I weigh it into a serving per bag it and freeze them individually
- then it is as convenient as a can of food only healthy.

For Breakfast I also give the dogs:
lamb briskit bones
chicken frames / carcasses
fresh/frozen sardines
fruit & veg – oranges / apples/ carrots/ zucchini/ berries/ blueberry/raspberry/strawberry)

Make breakfast bones/chicken frames and
for dinner the special mix from the freezer

Before I feed them I also mix in some:
Pet Pep Up probiotic supplement
GreenPet Complete supplement
Omega 3 blend of Oils

(I defrost a couple of bags in the bottom of the fridge and replace them as they are used – that way you always have fresh food ready to go!)

Feeding you dog this diet will save you money on vet bills and keep your pup healthy for the longest time possible. Bonus you also have a dog that has fresh breath / good teeth / less f*rting :)

I know others will say that pet food is fine – but keep in mind most pet food is made by the same companies that make dog pharmiceuticals and it is in their best interest for you dog NOT to be healthy! That way they can sell you the drugs to make it better.. It is up to you!

For more info http://www.barfworld.com/main.shtml

I am interested in others ideas on this kind of feeding regime and hoping to inspire others into feeding their dogs better.

All the meats listed are RAW

It is based on the BARF Diet
BARF = Bones And Raw Food
I have 2 Dobermanns both are show dogs.

The cost of the meat is .20 (AU) per Kg. – I have to buy it in 10Kg lots so I do a 30kg mix and then freeze it for the month.. It works out much cheaper than most of those fancy dry foods.

Right now i am eating over-easy eggs for breakfast (without toast), 1 special K bar fruit crisp for a snack, another fruit crisp for a snack a little later (A serving is a pack of 2) and then a salad with chicken and veggies for dinner… I saw results within the first 4 days.. i now weigh about 112 pounds, before i was 116.. I want to get down to 105 because im only 5’3". If i continue this i think i will be able to reach my goal weight.. But my Question Is: After this diet i am going to eat healthy all non processed foods.. i should only gain a couple pounds back right? And while off the diet just healthily living eating non processed foods, if i eat crap food once a week will it ruin my weight? I would probably have eggs for breakfast nachos for lunch, a normal dinner and then a starbucks coffee and cookie on the crap day once a week..
Thanks for the answer but yeah i thought 112 would be perfect too but im petite and im uncomfortable with my stomach area

I’ve been hearing ALOT about various colon cleanse products. Some seem legit others..not so much. Butt ; ) the concept does seem to make alot of sense and is something I’d like to try.
I have a pretty sensible and healthy diet, drink lots of water, exercise butt can’t seem to lose these last few lbs around my stomach. I can honestly say I’ve never been one of those people who "go" everyday but lately I feel rather bloated (look it too) and uncomfortable.
Would something like Activia be just as good to help me "empty out" and possibly lose some of my bloated belly. But I also do really like the idea of ridding myself of toxins…so that’s why I thought a cleanse might be better. I’ve heard alot of good about Colonx by Dr Natura..but again is their one that can be bought @ an actual nutrition store?
**if you are a company trying to sell or promote your product please don’t even bother..looking for honest unbiased answers & feedback
Eli..did I not state I already DO have a sensible diet? Better than most as in I drink lots of water, try buying organic products, stay away from hormones or processed foods….you sound a BIT like a bogus poster as in I also stated no one pushing products. Some of thos eso called "free trials" get you sucked into an auto shipment that bill you upwards or or more per month. SO NOT what I’m looking for.
*** Good idea though abou the setting up on secondary gift/credit card ; )

**some of the product that I saw avail able @ the health &nutrition store (more naturual than say the GNC type) were:
Super Colon Cleanse by Health Plus
Super Cleanse by Natures Secret
Simple Cleanse by Enzmatic Therapy

could anyone do me a simple veggie meal plan,not using any processed foods.

I donate a lot of blood, and now that I’m a vegetarian my iron levels might not be where they were. I eat spinach and beans, so that helps, but I was wondering if I get any extra iron from canned foods. The cans are made of steel, which is mostly iron, and then heated to kill germs and what not. Usually when things get heated, it is easier to mix/exchange with other substances. I live out in the middle of nowhere, so most of what I eat is canned, and I don’t want to take extra iron if it isn’t necessary.

P.S. Don’t give me any crap about processed foods not being as healthy. There is no health food store within 40 miles of me, and preservatives are not used in canning since the food is in a vacuum.
UPDATE: Does anyone know where to get cast iron cookware? The only place I ever remember seeing it is with camping supplies (I think the brand name was LODGE). Are these good enough or are they somehow different?

I have been on a little of a health kick lately and trying to eat better. So, I though if I’m going to eat less processed foods why not do the same with my dog.

I have done some research and am interested in a raw food diet. Does anyone have their dogs on a raw diet?
Is it cheaper?
Is it safe?
Any good recipes?

What do you think about some of the powders used to add vitamins to the meat?
I was thinking about using this one.

http://www.knowbetterdogfood.com/

im also Not eating any breads, rice, beans, dairy, or processed foods.
i only eat fruits and veggies, and a small portion of lean meat for dinner
i do exercise too.

I’m transitioning over to raw foodism and when I told my best friend, she kept telling me how I should not eat just vegetables and fruits and that I should eat other things too. she doesn’t understand that you can get all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs without eating processed foods. also, I know my family is going to have an issue with this, how could I explain this to them? I’m very excited about the short term and long term health benefits I will be getting by cutting out dairy and processed foods from my diet (I’ve been vegetarian for three years now).

first off, I’m already a vegetarian. I’ve been a vegetarian for three years now, going back and forth to veganism. I’ve been studying about raw foodism for a while now, so I know about how I can get my nutrients…which doesn’t have to come from processed foods and animal products. raw foodism can be the healthiest diet if you eat the right fruits and vegetables. anyways, this is my plan:
week one: each of my meals and snack will consist of fruits and/or vegetables (cooked or raw)
week two: each of my meals and snacks will consist ONLY of fruits and vegetables (cooked or raw)
week three: at least two meals a day has to be all fresh fruits and/or vegetables (as well as snacks)
week four: at least two meals a day has to be all fresh fruits and/or vegetables (as well as snacks)
after week four everything will be raw fruits and vegetables.

I read that some people have blue eyes that appear brown because of a layer toxins in your eyes caused by eating processed foods. It said that by eating raw foods, the amount of toxins will decrease and your true eye color will be more visible.

Does anyone know if it works?
Hiiro and silentkilla, did you even read what I posted? The eye color would have always been blue, but a layer of toxins would be making them appear brown. This has nothing to do with "genetics"