More information

We feed our dogs a raw natural diet. We did not make this decision lightly, but with a lot of research. While in Illinois, I found a wonderful vet Dr. Karen Becker and she has very useful information; Dog & Cat Nutrition is the beginning of some very interesting articles.

Also, feeding a raw natural diet to your beloved pets is a personal choice. I made the choice when our male boxer could not keep down any food. He has a sensitive tummy. Our vet tried him on many different diets, both commercial and prescription and none worked. He was underweight and not healthy despite all we did. The Vet said he was allergic to everything, and was going to put him on medication for the rest of his life. He wanted me to keep Jack calm (he was a puppy mind you) and not let him run around 2 hours before and after feeding time, which he wanted me to feed him small portions 3 times a day. Which meant Jack could not run around at all! Well except for midnight. This was not the life I wanted for Jack. He deserved to be a happy healthy pup.

Finally, I listened to my pet sitter and did some research on my own... and Tony and I talked it over and decided to try it... at first I fed him purchased and prepared raw diet food and he went a full month without vomitting. We couldn't believe it! So then I did more research (really devouring anything and everything I could find on the subject) and found it was more cost effective to make my own. Plus, I knew what exactly was/is in his food. It has been 2.5 years and he has been extremely healthy and a playful dog! He takes no medications, his coat is shiny and he is maintained a healthy weight!

When we rescued Baby, she was on medication because she was severely underweight. She too was throwing up more often then keep it down, so we slowly moved her to a raw diet and stopped the medicine. She gained weight, stopped vomitting and has received a clean bill of health!

If you want information about a raw diet, I can forward to you information about it. But I strongly urge you to do your own research, talk with a licensed vet and make the best decision for you and your pet.

Foods that are dangerous to dogs (Information from Peteductation.com):

Baby Food (it could contain onion powder)
Chocolate, coffee, tea (caffeine, theobromine or theophylline)
Alcohol
Grapes & raisins (grape seed extract causes no problems)
Macadamia Nuts
Mushrooms
Onions (raw, cooked or powder; cats are more susceptible than dogs)
Cooked Bones of any kind /size (brittle, can cause obstruction or lacerations)
Pits from peaches & plums
Human vitamins containing iron

***This is not by all means a complete list but just a sampling - please consult your vet for complete information before feeding your furry family member any food.***