Raw Food Diet For Dogs | 5 Undeniable Truths "Experts" Won't Tell You | Raw Dog Food For BEGINNERS

[@kalaranch8025]

Keep things really easy. 1) The 80-10-10 ratio is complete a/t my vet. 2)The other thing from my experience is VARIETY VARIETY VARIETY! Offer LOTS of VARIETY of protein, organ and bone. 3) Think about what the wild predators are eating. Your dog is descended from wolves. For example, wolves are not cooking their food and they're not focused on a balanced meal every time and they eat disgusting things. 4) Don't stress if you're not putting veggies and fruits in the raw meals. Some dogs don't like fruits and veggies. Or not much of them. They like protein. Go with it. 5) You cannot screw up a raw diet as much as kibble is screwed up. Relax. 6) Use common sense when handling meat. And remember your dog has awesome enzymes to kill pathogens. Relax. My farm dogs eat bull manure, newborn calf manure.....they're disgusting. And they're healthy as Hell.

[@brittanyfrost7472]

@kalaranch8025 I thought 80/10/10 diets had to be supplemented?

[@patchlange]

@@brittanyfrost7472 No. The protein comes from the muscle meat, vitamins from the organs and minerals from the bone. Then comes rule #2, offer LOTS of variety. Why? Your pets will have a better chance of getting a good variety of proteins, vitamins and minerals. All they might need. And I'm talking variety: all proteins (barring any allergies), all organs, all pieces of the animal except feathers and fur (no wild carnivore eats those). If you're not offering much in the way of variety, yes, then you should supplement. Our dogs are 99% wolf DNA; their outsides have changed but their digestive systems haven't. Wolves aren't taking supplements. Why? Because they're eating a huge variety of foods. Now, not every meal has to be completely balanced, as long as over the week, you end up with a balanced diet. You can offer supplements if you want to but if you're really following a solid raw diet and focused on variety, it's an unnecessary expense. In my experience, those people who push supplements for no specific reason, just "because your pet eats raw", don't really understand a solid raw diet.

[@saraicote7838]

hey thanks yo youre so encouraging im about to start this raw food journey for my dog

[@judymiller5154]

haha per the last point: a vet asked about my labs diet and didn't understand when I added "and a wide variety of organic supplements"... till I explained "every kind of poop on a farm and forest, horse grains, sawdust bedding pellets, sticks, bark, weeds, bugs, whole rodents caught by the cat" etc

[@JosiahHKing]

Thank you for the information.

[@tengrachel9548]

Kibbles were made for people's convenience not for dogs' nutrition and health originally. I feed my labrador and my cavoodle (she is only 4kg) raw since they are only10 weeks old. I started this journey with very little knowledge about raw diet. But I strongly believe that simple and fresh food is the best both for dogs and human. I have been on raw journey more than 2 years, I am learning everyday, I am adding more variety of foods to their diet. They are super healthy. I truly believe what they eat will be what they are!

[@danubiacallara]

I’m a new owner, I will have my puppy in 3 weeks . How about bacterias and parasites in the food ?? That’s my only concern.🤔

[@Danny-ug1tf]

@D C dogs have an extremely acidic stomach which kills most everything. Make a long story short, dogs are built to ear raw meat.

[@danubiacallara]

Thank you !

[@hebiitam4290]

​@danubiacallara and if you have any more questions regarding your puppy's diet, you should reach out to a certified canine nutritionist rather than a vet. Like humans, if we have questions regarding our diet, we talk to dietitian not our doctor:) wish you and the puppy the best! ❤️

[@danubiacallara]

Yeah I did on Thursday. She will give me my puppy’s diet tomorrow. Yeah the vet told me to change the kibble I’ve been giving her (Victor ) for Purina due the lack of scientific studies on Victor’s kibble . I looked at Purina composition label and it was full of gluten, corn, soy and lots of other crap. I wonder why 🤔. Staring next week the transition for her raw diet . Thanks a lot for all the info and advices here 😉

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

I've accepted that my dogs raw diet won't ever be perfect and I won't know everything. However, my one dog stunk constantly no matter how good the bath, shedded like no other, constant ear infections, itching, patches of fur missing... Within a month and a half of feeding raw...he doesnt smell, minimal shedding, ears are still on the mend, no missing fur...its awesome!! I literally thought there was no hope for him...

[@OakwiseBecoming]

It’s bizarre that everyone is so full of self doubt and anxiety today. The thought never went through anyone’s head in the past “is my diet perfect? Do I know enough to feed myself?” CALM DOWN PEOPLE. Your dog would be eating whatever it found in the wild. Anything that’s animal based that you can afford is safe to offer your dog. If they like it, keep feeding it. Eggs, sardines, goats milk, chicken, kidney. It’s not hard.

[@WilliamsPinch]

🖤

[@jaymevika2404]

Raw feeding actually slowed the decline of my dog’s kidney disease and gave him 4 more years when his prognosis was 3-6 months 🙌🏻 (to your point about not making this change with a sick dog, I agree with that caution… I DID have help!)

[@BigDogMom]

What an amazing blessing! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. So happy you had help with raw when you and your dog most needed it. ♥️♥️

[@kevywilliams3304]

Best thing you can do for a sick dog is 1 30 hour fast! Water only . Then start raw from frozen . Always always feed raw after it had been froazn

[@kasapbandy1776]

As long as you have the motivation to learn and know what you’re doing. For someone I live with, that wasn’t the case with his dog with lymphoma. He had the best intentions but was too lazy to learn about feeding whole food. The vet said chicken rice and veggies and he’s stuck with it since. The remaining dogs aren’t dead but I know there’s no damn way they’re having all nutritional needs met. I can see it in the poo. It’s often diarrhea / loose or sometimes chalky and brittle. Sometimes it’s normal. But at this point I think if you’re not going to commit whole heartedly then just stick with a decent kibble

[@jdw5889]

@@kevywilliams3304 why only after freezing?

[@OhYaSure]

I switched mine to raw when one was having awful allergies. Once on raw for a month, she was better then ever. We never looked back.

[@busterfrank1818]

I've had pit bulls all my life - I'll be 50yrs old in July. My dogs are the world to me. I have a pit Corso ( female) now. I went almost 11 years without a dog after my last pit bull died. My female pit Corso has separation anxiety. I drive a truck as a logger and also run heavy equipment. My dog is never away from me unless I run into the store for food or pay for diesel fuel. Loves women and children and everyone but overly protective when men approach me. I used to feed my pit bulls raw meat / organs / bones etc. I've been feeding my girl raw now for about a month and a half. It calmed her down immediately. Took most of her anxiety's away. Totally different dog now. Calm. She doesn't panic when I run in the store etc. We are very close. I get out the truck she gets out the truck , I take a step she takes a step, any equipment I run in the woods ( skidders / loaders / bulldozers etc she rides with me. I take a shower she takes a shower ( coat looks good I put lotion on her) . Raw meat etc never affected my pit bulls temperament but it has calmed my pit Corso down. Anxiety almost gone. Very happy, healthy - did not expect this raw diet to change her anxiety level- total shock to me. If anyone has a dog with anxiety/ separation problems you might want to feed raw and see if it makes a difference.

[@patchlange]

Right on! I had a lady tell me she thought her one dog was a total idiot and untrainable. She was exasperated! She switched him to raw and now he's the best of her pack!

[@LuisCruz-ut7xy]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@OhYaSure]

I switched my two late dogs to pure raw at age 7 and 5 respectfully. They went on to live to 16 1/4 and 13 1/2 (cancer 😢) and had AMAZING bodies and quality of life up until the very end. People were astonished at how young they looked. 100% raw for my new puppy next month. It’s been 2 1/2 years since I lost my girls. I can’t wait ❤

[@marcusreed8432]

Hope the new puppy made it to its furever home. We was in same boat. Waited 2+ years after ours left us and just got a 9 week old Female Doberman pup. She’s a handful and want to switch to Raw by the time she’s 6 months old. Right now I’m learning. ,sourcing meat and just learning and teaching how to live with a new pup.

[@OkiniSan]

Do u give chicken? Poultry.... No bones right?

[@polarisedelectrons]

I fed my dog (she passed in 2021) a raw diet for the latter portion of her life. She was one month short of her 18th birthday when we had her put to rest. Could be she just had great genetics, but clearly her raw diet didn't shorten her lifespan or give her major problems, contrary to what many vets and vet technicians will try to scare you about.

[@katiehowell1058]

Blessings to you for caring about the health and longevity of your furry family members.

[@dixonbuttz8923]

How’s the new puppy doing? Cheers 😊

[@Paramore433]

I'm transitioning my dog because he just can not stand kibble at all. He pukes and pukes and pukes and I've been stressing so much about it this last week and your channel has really help me. While my dog isn't huge he's only 36lbs you've put my mind at ease a LOT so thank you. ❤

[@Babiejanie]

Honestly, from someone who has been stressed for a whole year trying to figure this process out, thank you so much for this video and the information. Every time I speak or chat with someone in the raw feeding community, I get “You NEED to balance EVERY meal.” And it’s honestly the most stressful thing. So again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for this video.

[@WarriorWoman321]

Raw feeding our dogs and HS’ing our kids have been transformational. Thank you for this encouragement!

[@steminist4517]

I reacently switched my GSD to a a higher nutrition kibble and I’m slowly incorporating raw into each meal, she is a 7 yr old so I look doing slower transitions especially bc she’s fairly inactive Anyway, we switched from purine wild. And are now on Open Farm salmon and turkey and we now always put a little kefir or raw milk in her food and typically a few spoon fulls of raw grounds that I buy from a local pet shop (she even had a rabbits head the other day) Moral of the story, small change is still change so don’t be overwhelmed to do a full switch super fast

[@BigDogMom]

I love this! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@cadadepazmexico]

Thank you!! Very realistic and simple. I’ve been holding on for fear of not doing it perfect. But I’ve been postponing the transition now for months. Now I feel im ready to do this for my 4 dogs and 3 cats :)

[@BigDogMom]

I'm so happy for you and thrilled this was helpful! The key is keeping it simple. Let me know if I can help. 😊

[@cadadepazmexico]

@@BigDogMom well , we already started ! The thing is for me , it’s 4 dogs ! I already gave them raw diet last night and this morning , they love raw meats. Eggs, chicken, beef, organs, bones. So it won’t be so hard . I’ll keep watching your videos !

[@nogames8982]

I have fed my dogs and cats a RAW for 15 years. I agree with every single thing you said in this video! There is so much confusing and intimidating information out there about Raw feeding that I think people get very overwhelmed very quickly. Especially when it comes to the Daily balanced issue. I think that is one of the worst fads that is going on right now in raw feeding. And all your other points are so spot on. I'm forwarding this to some friends of mine. Thank you for keeping it simple, informative, and down to earth.

[@BigDogMom]

You have no idea how happy I am to hear this! Thank you so much! This has been on my mind for a few years now, as you could probably tell. 😊

[@reynaldomeade4797]

@@BigDogMom Blessings and hello Big Dog Mom can u give me some more pointers with the raw feeding please. My dogo has sensitive skin and stomach, but I will definitely try your raw feeding with probiotics as seen in your video. Trying to put some weight on her I think I babylied her with she was younger she is a 2 1/2 years old dogo argentino, looking at her mothers and father I think she should be bigger than what she is. Let me know please, you know of any meat places like where u get your meat from in Long Island. God Bless

[@reynaldomeade4797]

@@BigDogMom Blessings and hey any pointers

[@mamawlife7852]

I would love to know what you feed your dogs and cats. I have 2 dogs and 6 cats and all have skin issues. I need all the help I can get.

[@nogames8982]

@@mamawlife7852 it's interesting that all of them have skin issues. Is it something in their environment? Laundry detergent? Cleaning products? Fleas or ticks or some kind of insect? Yard chemicals? something to look into. I actually start with a pre-ground mixture that is roughly 80, 1010, 80% mesomere to 10% bone 5%, liver and 5% another secreting organ. But I don't get super caught up on the percentages. That's just a rough estimate. And that's basically what I feed the cats. With the dogs, I add vegetables once in a while, such as broccoli or spinach, or some apples or berries. You can also feed raw egg. You can grind up the shell in a coffee grinder and add that to the meal. Hold or canned sardines or mackerel or a big hit for everybody. Bones and all. For my dogs, I give them raw meaty bones like chicken bags, duck, wings, chicken, necks, duck necks, turkey necks, etc. My cats aren't interested in that so they basically just get the grinds. This is how I do it to make it economical for me. I'm no vet, but what are your animals eating now? Maybe there is an allergy to chicken, or turkey or beef? You could do an elimination diet. Start with just one protein and see how they all do. But if none of them are eating raw now then simply changing to a raw diet could help those skin issues and maybe make them go completely away. either way, variety is the key to a raw diet. Get as many different types of protein in their diet as you possibly can. Doesn't have to be every meal or even every week. If you feed turkey for a week and the next week if he'd be for the next week to feed chicken great. Throw in some fish couple times a week. to me, that is the most important thing, variety.

[@stevenopolis3155]

I’m not presently in a financial position to feed all raw to my pups, but I’ve always spent extra money for their health. I’m presently supplementing as much raw as I can with their kibble. My 8 year old boy went from needing to be carried up the stairs to bed to initiating the march to bed. Neither dog likes organ meat, and they absolutely won’t eat liver yet, but, I’m working on finding a source they might say yes to. (I’ve tried several, fresh, organic, quality sources with no success.) As a microbiology enthisiast, I’m presuming my “high quality” organ meat isn’t fresh/quality enough. I’m going to start raising rabits, chickens and goats again so I can offer them the diet they deserve, and I’m going to have them both tested for allergies as well.

[@BigDogMom]

Steven, you are doing a wonderful job! I'm impressed! As far as organ, try feeding it frozen or mostly frozen. Neither of my boys likes liver thawed out. If you dehydrate it, I guarantee they will eat it that way. But since that is taking the moisture out, I would try the frozen method first. Try cutting it up in smaller pieces and feeding frozen sort of mixed with other stuff. That's another way to get them to eat it. Mixing with a few scoops of tripe is a terrific method as well. All of the organ I feed is from one of two raw co-ops or the Amish farm we get milk from. Local butchers will often give you the organ for free if you ask. Best of luck! So happy to hear about your sweet boy's improvement! That's awesome!

[@-whackd]

Rabbits breed really fast. Just break the neck of a 9 week old rabbit and toss it to the dogs. They would get a little fur in their diet in the wild.

[@magenaustin2978]

I worked at Texas A&M in the Small animal hospital. Most of the cancer cases we had were from coming over bread dogs like labs boxers and goldens. Terrible breeding practices are a HUGE reason for a dramatic rise in cancer. The rest is totally related to food and other products we use with our pets. The same goes for the rise in human diseases. Our diets and ingredients in them are taking a huge negative toll on our bodies.

[@BigDogMom]

So sad, but yes, I agree with you completely. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

[@jplovesthespirit]

And don’t forget the over vaccination of our dogs.

[@LuisCruz-ut7xy]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@didemmut7042]

I appreciate the passion I have felt here both of the presenter and the commentators!! I am so glad to be seing basic common sense and heart-mind in an increasing number of people.. I also highly appreciate the sharing this wind of change.. us being sincere, sharing with respect and trusting MotherNature within ourselves ! Again thank you !

[@hlengelsman]

My husband said exactly what you just said 'we never have the exact nutritional balance at every meal and we are still alive so why are you so worried about this?' Haha thank you for this... I'm starting tonight... Hunting season is going to be fun this year!

[@abcjg65t]

Be careful feeding unprocessed game meat

[@hlengelsman]

@@abcjg65t I actually went back to cooking for them 😅 so they are getting lots of cooked venison

[@kelseyc5715]

@@hlengelsman Did the raw food not agree with their tummies?

[@hlengelsman]

@Kelsey C yeah their poop was soft for way longer than I remember it happening with my other dogs... and their stomachs would just churn like crazy

[@hlengelsman]

To the point I felt uncomfortable listening to it 🤣

[@lozzalew86]

Thank you for this, this has eased my anxiety about getting it wrong. You are so right about animals from years ago living a long life on an unbalanced diet. Where i live most people feed their dogs bread nad scraps and they last for decades. Thank you again.

[@BigDogMom]

You're welcome! Yes, I think keeping history in mind is very important when it comes to feeding our dogs. So much about their diet has changed in the last 100 years and with that many more diseases that were unheard of before.

[@sissykaye13]

I really like your common sense approach and delivery. Thanks!

[@alisonwedd9750]

I helped a local top English lab breeder eliminate ear infections for her top stud by eliminating Aldi’s ground turkey in favor of FREE Range chicken. Source of meats important these days.

[@BigDogMom]

Great advice! Yes, it is!

[@mamabear9389]

I think the main thing people need to raw feed their dogs is the DESIRE to do it. I am a small dog mom who has raw fed my dogs for 12 years. I am still learning. My dogs are 13 and 14 and healthy in spite of the mistakes I have made. As we know better, we do better.

[@travelsignguy]

Have been feeding a raw diet to my dogs for 3 years now. Have to smile every time I see a KZbin person add cooked carrots to their dog's meal. Tried that with my first dog and his breakfast came up 30 minutes later. And then again with my current dog. His breakfast came up in 15 minutes. Lesson learned. My dogs can't do carrots. Did kibble years ago and my dog's poop was always very soft and smelly. Now on an all raw diet, his stool is firm and has very little smell. Very happy that I have made the switch from overly processed kibble to a natural diet. It has made all the difference in the world. Know every meal will not be "perfect", but know that over the course of time, every thing will balance out.

[@elenadejesus7489]

The cellular walls of vegetables are tough for dogs to digest. Carrots are such a healthy choice. Why don't you try putting the veggies including carrots in the blender?

[@annmiyazaki533]

😮because you mentioned it, I just realized that now that I mix kibbles with vegetables and meat, her stool doesn’t smell as bad as it used to be. I’m definitely trying to switch her to raw diet. But I just don’t know how much should I give her every day in total😢

[@wintyforever]

Been giving my dogs a mix of raw veggies and meats, carrots in every meal and they do great.

[@travelsignguy]

@@annmiyazaki533 Hope things are working out for you now. Got tired of the time it was taking to do raw prep, so switched to the frozen stuff you can buy at the pet shop. Expensive and I got tired of having to defrost. Finally found an air-dried "raw food" that is shelf stable and my dog loves. Still expensive, but so much easier and quicker at feeding time. And if I ever need to board him, I can just bag individual meals and not have to worry about taking up their frig space. Poop is still firm and non-stinky.

[@LaRa-youknowit]

I love this video, so true, that’s what’s been holding me back, looking to know it all.

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you so much! That is completely understandable. You know more than you give yourself credit for. And as I said to someone earlier, any whole foods are going to be better than none.

[@evoariwright539]

Oh, Stephanie! I stumbled upon you today accidentally. I wish I would have "met" you sooner. I was the one so afraid to go raw, even though I knew I could do so much better for my dogs. I did a ton of research, read, watched videos, etc. I have a very good human nutrition background. For whatever reason, one day, I just took the leap. You are right. It will never be perfect, and doesn't have to be! Thank you for your insights and support! Just do it for your dogs!

[@BigDogMom]

AMEN!! Thank you so much! Sometimes you just have to jump in. We will never obtain 100% knowledge on any subject. I don't know why people think raw feeding is any different. It all depends on our comfort level of acting on 80% knowledge. As it relates to raw feeding that other 20% only comes from experience. Glad you jumped in!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! ❤️

[@OakwiseBecoming]

What is the matter with people that they are so stressy and anxiety ridden? Just give your dog meat, why is this so difficult?

[@lisaloftus511]

I just found you and I'm loving your input. You got me with the flag on your shoulder and homeschooling your kids! I'm a military homeschooling mom of 5. Graduated 3 with 2 more to go! Thank you for your insite on raw feeding. I've been going back and forth and I am now slowly changing them over to raw.

[@AlastrionaS]

I don’t have the answer as far as the raw diet as every book I’ve gotten on the subject has a different answer. But my last two dogs didn’t live half as long as they should have on very expensive kibble, so my new puppy is getting 1/2 Blue Diamond puppy canned food (Blue Diamond is the only pet food I’ve found that doesn’t have sugar and seed oils) and half raw meat plus any bones from my meals. This is my best solution for my chihuahua - I have no idea what I’d do with a big dog.

[@phanselion]

Hi Steffany! thanks for your video. My belgian Malinois had kidney stones when he was 6 and switched him to raw and after 6months past, he had gotten rid of them without supplements or medication :) He is 9 now and pretty healthy and sound :)

[@BigDogMom]

That is so wonderful to hear!!! It's amazing how much better most dogs do on a raw diet. I'm so happy for you and your Mal!! Prayers for many more healthy years for you both!

[@CampLJNC]

I just switched from kibble to cooking meals for my golden retriever because that seems more doable. He has so many allergies that I'm trying to get him to feel better. I think that raw feeding might be a good option, but I'm afraid that the cost might be too high. I wonder if anyone feeds some raw, or half and half? I love that you are pushing away the fear!

[@uperb6429]

I’ve been feeding my dog a raw diet and he keeps getting diarrhea any tips would be very appreciated

[@fizmusic9529]

I can tell your amazing & spiritual. This is for spreading the truth and being so down to earth!

[@BigDogMom]

Aw, thank you so much! 😊

[@TheLogan1186]

Hello is this diet ideal for only big dogs or every size dogs? I have a Shiba inu and feed him mostly kibble but on the fence about feeding it to my dog longterm

[@SIRACH26N1]

Great video!! I have a 11 week pup and we actually started him on Kibbles for 2 weeks then gradually switched him over to a Raw diet including veges to his diet. He loves it and honestly looks amazing. One thing during the switch over he had a very watery poo for bout a whole Day. Apart from that all is going well so far.

[@chefspencer7258]

Is bone meal powder an adequate supplement in a raw diet if bones aren't an option?

[@BigDogMom]

Great question! It can be if fed properly and depending on the source. I do buy ground bone through my co-op to keep on hand - that comes in one pound bags and is given as a TBSP per pound of raw food. That's another option. Does the ingredient label for the product you are considering give directions on how much to add to a raw meal?

[@chefspencer7258]

@@BigDogMom not sure about any specific product, i don't think there is a true supplement for the real thing. (But i figured Id ask) need to see if my kitchen aid can handle chicken wing bones. But appreciate that you take your time to educate those who love our gentle giants. Some vids out that are like watching a science project with oil, powders, elixers ect. 🤣 thanks!

[@RenaeCynova-oh1nj]

One of my EM is allergic to all protein except chicken and venison. Also allergic to carrots and peas so pre-made raw food is out for us. Working on learning more about making our own at home but is this possible with just chicken and venison?

[@changeorderz5067]

Yes! YES! SEE MY POST ABOVE!

[@ShowtymeDesignz]

So I’m wanting to start a raw diet for my 9 month old German shepherd. I’m interested where to go to get stuff in Bulk like chicken. I bought a meat grinder so far. Right now i feed cooked chicken liver, gizzards and hearts with rice carrots and green beans.. any help is appreciated thank you

[@energeticsoulhealer888]

Chicken is the least healthy food to feed animals, or humans. I don't feed it too anyone. Do other meats.

[@driftwood777]

Hello..at what age puppies can have raw bones & do the bones need to be smashed? I have an akita puppy on raw diet. Thanks🙏🤟

[@BigDogMom]

This is a great question! I know many breeders who wean their puppies onto a raw diet. I am fairly certain they grind up the bones however. That said, I started feeding my Mastiffs certain soft whole bones when they were 11 weeks old. One thing you may consider is getting ground bone from your local co-op. I don't recommend grinding it yourself and most co-ops sell it. The other thing I would recommend is being careful about the type of bones you are feeding, especially to a puppy. Here is a great article that should help you select the best ones for your sweet baby: perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-puppy-guides/

[@driftwood777]

@@BigDogMom thanks a lot.. i will start with soft bones🙏

[@d.a6530]

I’m about to get a 9 week chihuahua what raw recipes would be good to start him on!!??

[@ThatAussieMum]

Thank you so much for this video - it is exactly what I needed to hear. I am starting my two girls on raw this week and have done a ton of research, but was starting to obsess over silly little things. Now I feel better about my decision and not being perfect.

[@myrnarodriguez6360]

That’s me I want to switch to raw but I’m so scare

[@jxr-gl4yq]

I have a Bernese pup, and started with raw food diet but due to life circumstances, had to switch to kibble for convenience's sake, and let me tell you that ever since he's been on kibble (roughly about 4 months now) he's had intestinal issues, severely smelly poops, and barfing. (of course, not all at once, but these are things I've noticed overall that weren't there when he was on raw food diet). Now that my wife and I have settled into our new jobs, I am beyond ready (and motivated) to return to raw food diet and never looking back!

[@BigDogMom]

Wow! What a journey it sounds like you have been on. I have gone back and forth myself over the years and have experienced much of the same. There is just no comparison between the two diets - especially for large and giant breed dogs!

[@davemotz1139]

My wife and I want to start feeding our dogs healthy food. We have a 25lb boxer/boston and a 35 lb boston. You mentioned multiple times that this is for big dogs. Does that still apply to smaller dogs?

[@eviem70]

Is there a video of you making his meals? I’d like to see how you do this. I looked through your posts but haven’t seen any. I’d like to go raw but I’m terrified of him getting ill

[@Short_117]

I have a Bernese and golden retriever and I would like to try the raw feeding but I’m confused what should I feed my Bernese I really need some help. Thank you.

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you for the question... I am hopeful this post I just published will help! bigdogmom.com/raw-food-diet-for-dogs-transition/

[@Short_117]

Thank you

[@dixonbuttz8923]

Well said. Appeal to authority goes too far nowadays. We do not need to be ruled by “experts.” The entire point of scientific method is that it allows for lifelong correction and growing.

[@Drakkzilla88]

What I've learned about kibble is the requivelent of eating fast food everyday for every meal. That's what we're feeding our dogs 😢 and idk if this is true but a study was done on two dogs since pups one was raised on kibble and the other was raw diet. The one raised on kibble lived to be the age of 12 and riddled with problems while the other dog was healthy, happy still acting like a puppy while being the age of 17-19. I'm in the process of getting my 8 month old Corgi puppy Pryna and I want her to be happy and live a long long life and want what's best for her. This knowledge is a huge eye opener

[@rsd9067]

Big dog mom your starting of the video is straight to the point hats off you earned a like and a sub 👍🏼😎

[@BigDogMom]

Aw, thank you so much!!

[@ginasantiago9710]

This is so true! Just start! I’m 5 months into raw feeding. After I found she was allergic to chicken too (she itches ALOT), I used bone meal to supplement for a few weeks because I couldn’t find another small meaty bone source to grind for her. I felt horrible because she’s a growing puppy but I knew what she was getting was better than kibble. Right now she still doesn’t chew bones so I’m grinding turkey and duck necks. Not going to lie, it’s a bit frustrating. It would be so much easier to just throw it all in a prep container. But I’m learning and as you said, I have to show myself opportunities for improvement by trial and error.

[@adriancancino3745]

I just started my 3 yr old American bully in raw and he doesn’t like chicken with bone it as well

[@brandonm7680]

Sardines or eggshells have perfect ratio of calcium and phosphorus

[@irmaanayancyramos3484]

I am on a budget but would like to start feeding my dog a raw diet. Can I start feeding my 60lb husky per day a 1.4lb leg quarter + 0.2lb chicken liver? Would this be enough? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[@energeticsoulhealer888]

Chicken is the worst meat to feed. Choose something else.

[@myrnarodriguez6360]

I want to transition to raw my dog is 16 lbs she is a 10 months old cocker Poo I don’t know the amounts of meat or what to give her please help and do I need to give other supplements besides the raw food

[@BigDogMom]

Sure thing! I would consult this article (perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/small-dog-raw-feeding-guide/) for exact amounts to feed and how best to structure your little girl's diet. I do add supplements for my boys - the two I add religiously are omega 3 (amzn.to/3xeFBNz) and a probiotic (bit.ly/3vcbB3i). Here are links to both. Hope this helps!

[@charley124]

Your one smart person - I love it. I work in a packing hose ( Beef ) and have access to good stuff for my 3 dogs and have the ability to get meat - tendons - heart - liver- - lung - kidneys - bone marrow - pizzle - tripe ( un bleached ) Abomasum- and do raw diet with pooched eggs and freeze dried sardines with cold pressed coconut oil and flax - chia seeds ground and chicken feet cooked and ground with chicken hearts - liver - gizzard's and blue berry's - small pieces of bananas along with some other fruits and vegg's like asparagus - carrots - - to many things I add - 80/20 mix on protein - bone - vegg's , Love your energy lady !!! Your great.

[@BigDogMom]

WOW!!!! Your 3 dogs are SO lucky! that is amazing and what a blessing for sure! Do you have to pay for all of this or do you get it as part of your job? My guess is if you are paying, it's still much cheaper than most of us are paying. Very cool! Thank you for sharing! I will be publishing much more on raw feeding in the coming weeks... please chime in with any additional insight you can offer. 😊

[@bodhisativaa]

Does this apply to small breed dogs like JRTs?

[@BigDogMom]

That's a great question. Honestly, my comments in this video were pretty general and would apply no matter the size of your dog. I did just post another more step-by-step video you may enjoy. That one, too, is more general and can be applied to smaller dogs. I hope this helps!

[@ilenamargawi9638]

hello, can i ask? how to drain the meat blood before feeding raw to my dogs?

[@BigDogMom]

Sure, it's pretty easy. I don't drain anything I feed. Most of the meat and such doesn't have a lot of blood actually. The only stuff that can get runny is ground kidney in my experience. But I generally use the added fluid to mix in supplements. I hope that helps!

[@protect_provide8031]

My 4 year old dog was having nutritional deficiencies on high end kibble and slightly high red blood cells from chronic dehydration despite high water content in meals and water.. When his brother died we went 100% homemade, not raw thinking he had food allergies. Red paws,,vomiting randomly... Within 4 days his paws turned back and day 7 he stopped vomiting... turns out legumes in grain free food ruined his gut health, and caused chronic malabsorption! Furthermore, he not only stopped vomiting he began growing darker hair, and was sad my dog had suffered so many years from his food... hes now chestnut brown, not white and brown... Really insidious the damage kibble does... My dog still has lingering stomach issues but now only towards how much he eats in his stomach at once He loves his ground beef, liver, eggs,,spinach, pumpkin seed blend, kelp, broccoli, oster, carrots hodgepodge slop i make him now. Hes also not needed vet visits in 3 years, when he was going every other month for severe ear, eye and skin infections

[@ZeusTheLightingGod]

Can all dog breeds eat raw or only big dogs my dog is a medium size pit mix with something else not sure he was a rescue, could they eat a raw diet

[@BigDogMom]

Of course! There are no breed restrictions with a raw diet as long as you have an otherwise healthy dog. That said, you will want to tailor what you feed inside that raw diet to your dog. For example, for people with teeny tiny dogs, they may opt for something like bone meal versus whole raw bone. That's just one example.

[@ox1dyz961]

My dog is a Rhodesian ridgeback and a smaller pit mix, he’s about 30-40 pounds and is a rescue, I don’t want to feed him kibble because he’s a rescue and he’s my boy, he hides when I even pull out something that resembles a stick, even if it’s a beef stick that I’m giving him. He’s also a working dog now so I want to know what I need to give him to bring his energy back and make him comfortable so thank you for this video but if there is anything specific anyone could recommend I’d appreciate it

[@BigDogMom]

Great question! I do think a raw diet would do wonders for your sweet boy. You should be fine with feeding a diet that doesn't include any stick-like raw meaty bones. There are alternatives for all of that - different bones, crushed bone, or bone meal to give a few examples. That said, my guess is offering stick-like raw meaty bones on occasion would likely change how he feels about "sticks" generally over time. Now that he's with you and safe, you can start to work on some desensitization or counter-conditioning to help him see that sticks aren't bad and they are never going to hurt him. I hope this helps! Best of luck!

[@mamabear9389]

One interesting thing about copper. I have recently cut back on the amount of liver I feed from ruminant animals like beef. This is very high in copper. My dogs were starting to have mildly elevated ALT levels which can be a sign of too much copper. I simply cut back on the beef liver to about 2 percent and rotate with chicken liver. Anyway, something new I learned after 12 years of raw feeding my dogs. No permanent damage done but wanted to make people aware. These are the kind of things we may learn through experience. No need to be perfect. Some dogs may be more sensitive to copper as well.

[@HelloMedicAnkit]

9:20 it's completely fine , even if you find that your dog is not getting enough micronutrients that he need you can always supplement those either by raw food or with multivitamins...BTW a bone contains enough amount of mineral to fulfill his needs , but we should always make sure about the fact that the absorption mechanism of minerals and nutrients are working properly, that's one thing we should always keep an eye on

[@cindywynn1875]

You mentioned chicken potentially causing ear infections... I've been feeding raw for about a month and all of my meaty bones are from chicken.... and both of my 70lb. pitbulls have recently been shaking their heads & scratching at their ears. What other meaty bones should I feed them?

[@Debhosking]

So, what do you actually feed your dog, please? Can you help out with a rough two week meal plan to get people started? I've found this is the one thing that no-one ever helps with and is no doubt what causes a lot of hesitation about placing that first order with a supplier. I surely can't be the only one? How many meaty bones per day or week? How much of all the rest of it? Or do I just feed 80/10/10s and meaty bones - or should I just get boneless if I'm feeding meaty bones? Is the 80/10/10 just for people who aren't feeding the meaty bones? Placing that first order had me going backwards and forwards and going nowhere fast. If only one person would just stop saying how simple it is and give more precise information that new starters need so they feel confident they're not going to be wasting their money on getting started - using up all their freezer space then finding the dog's had far too much bone.

[@lizellehattingh281]

Thank you so much you've put my mind more at ease, I give my babies raw food from a supplier but my one doggy seems more sensitive and has had gastritis twice now in two months I don't know what could be in the mix they make so I really would like to make my own raw meals for them.

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you for your sweet comment. Yes, I would definitely follow your gut on this. That does not seem normal and I would be concerned as well. I have never fed a pre-mixed raw grind, though I have seen them available. For my dogs it's always been so much cheaper to prep it all myself and I've never had a concern about the boys chewing bones. I will be doing much more content on raw feeding on the channel this year, so let me know if you have specific questions or concerns and I'm happy to answer them.

[@lizellehattingh281]

@@BigDogMom thanx so much I will definitely ask when the need arises🤗

[@Sheeba809]

Some of the pre mixed raw diets are not up to standard, cause your pup get sick, make your own diet, cheaper and better quality..

[@edwardcuevas5667]

You make it simple right to the point i how been feeding my dogs raw for years they have lived a very long life my dogs don't like kibbles

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you so much! Wonderful to hear!

[@nikitanag8253]

Hey hi . Such a relief this video! A fellow microbiologist here .. I have seriously been wanting to switch to raw and have been reading and reading so much. I switched from a very popular ki ble brand to lightly cooked home made food a month back. Here I have 2 concerns before making the big switch... A. I have access to just chicken as my animal protein, the place where I live. Should not I go ahead? B. The portion size for various PMR, BARF when tallied with the NRC guidelines just don't add up. Calculation says I feed 550 grams of raw meaty bones + muscle meat + liver and other organs. And NRC says the daily protein allowance for my pup is 53 grams of protein. 550 grams of chicken would be having wayyyy more protein that just 53 grams. So what do I do!!! Help a new dog mom please!

[@BigDogMom]

Oh gosh, Nikita! I can totally appreciate the confusion. To address your first concern about the chicken. I would really try to see if you can get creative to find some other sources of protein. Even things like canned salmon provide a great deal of health benefit for dogs. If you are just looking at what you can buy in bulk, maybe try to scale back a little so that you can create more balance with your proteins. And then for the second question... I am filming a video all about calculations and mobile apps that can help you figure out how much to feed, so stay tuned for that. I think it will really help you! I don't use the NRC for my calculations, personally. They would be more for checking the basic balance of the diet when it comes to meeting nutritional needs. The actual weights are easier calculated using the two methods I talk about in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6u8iJytj8qAjZY. I hope this helps! Don't give up! Even a little raw is better than none, so just do what you can. All the best! 😊

[@ellemarierolfe7518]

Can you explain what Woobers to me wobbler syndrome ? Is it from it's not from raw feeding right?

[@BigDogMom]

No, wobbler syndrome is not caused by raw feeding. The dietary link is something that some have speculated about, but the evidence for that is weak at best. Genetics are the most likely cause, but research is ongoing.

[@ellemarierolfe7518]

Thank you for your reply! I'm loving your videos and it's just so awesome to have someone that can help us to understand the concept of raw feeding larger breeds ! I have been struggling with the facts and what is the easiest way for my German Shepherd male who seems to have also a few issues .I keep second guessing myself that I might be the one screwing him up! He's been to the vet for so many different reasons in his life and he just turned 4 . I have tortured myself because of all the different things that people put out there and some people complicate the diet and its enough to discourage a pet parent and they might not be encouraged to take that leap into raw.! It's very scary for us who are still new to the raw diet. I have only been doing it 3 years and I find alot of helpful things but I also did my research and read alot of books. I still second guess what has to be in the bowl. It is great to have a site like yours that will allow us to get a better understanding on what is good for larger breeds ! I like your videos because when I am dealing with my fear that something might be missing from the meals , I can always relax , and be reminded no one is really going to be able to achieve balance in every meak!?I was stressed sometimes i looked like a mad scientist trying to do his meals. It impossible for anyone to get balance in every meal! Thankfully we have your channel! thanks for all you do!

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you so much! You are very kind. I'm thrilled my content is helping you. I'm sorry that your Shepherd is having issues. Junior was like that the first few years of his life as well. I affectionately called him my Million Dollar Dog. You do what you can with what resources you have. None of us is perfect, but as long as you keep trying to do the best for him, that is all anyone can ask for. Many prayers for you and your sweet boy!

[@bendudavies3368]

I started raw feeding with my dogs from the day I bought my dogs.i knew nothing about dog but now I have learned enough on how to take good care of them.and know how to feed them on time.

[@amybannister-gz1jo]

Do you also add supplements to the meals?

[@BigDogMom]

I do. I feed several supplements regularly, which I talk about in this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6u8iJytj8qAjZY). Some supplements I include on occasion when needed - things like tumeric, lubrisyn, among other things. I hope that helps! I have tons of information about these supplements on Bigdogmom.com and will be doing a dedicated video on supplements I feed with a raw diet coming soon.

[@LynnetteRowden]

Can this be purxhased from a butcher? I am raw feeding but so expensive

[@lukedavies8738]

I rescued a Frenchie cross staffie a month ago. And guess what, I was trawling the web gaining knowledge on raw feeding hence why I've landed here. My partner raw feeds her two staffies and they are in showroom condition. My Frenchie was covered in dandruff and bald patches and lumps. Itchy and scabby ears etc etc after a life of " Harrington's" kibble food. She has been on raw for a month and looks amazing. Dandruff pretty much eradicated. Patches are growing through and she jumps with joy! Raw feeding is easy, but requires common sense. Get rid of feeding cheap rubbish and consider raw feeding. You'll be amazed X

[@jenglenn541]

Wanted to start my chocolate lab with really itchy skin and yeasty ears on raw food. My husband's friend only gives his dog raw chicken drumsticks. Is that enough to give them?

[@jenniferbunker2757]

We have Victorian Bulldogs and pomeranians is the diet the same for any breed ?

[@ellemarierolfe7518]

Thank you I overwhelm myself so much about every meal because I'm scared ! my dog is now 4 I started when he was a year old! thank you for this video! I still have to remind myself because I do still try to balance meals but It's frustrating and I try to remind myself that this is impossible to do in every meal

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you for sharing this! Yes, we can definitely tend to get in our heads for sure about feeding our dogs. We want to do what is best for them because we love them. However, we need to step back and realize there is more to our dog's health than the food in the bowl. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@thomaswogan1740]

I have a 12 1/2 year old dog who itches and chews on his paws all the time he also has no hair and rough dry skin on his elbows and I have always fed him kibble of one kind or another but he has become less interested in his food and eats alot less than he used to I am thinking about going to a raw diet for him as well as my newest boy who is almost 1 year old do you have any suggestions on how to transition them to a raw diet??

[@sanina882]

Thank you so much for your encouragement in this matter. May I ask why feeding too much raw chicken can be counterproductive? I feed my dog more chicken than any other meat and she is struggling with an ear infection even as we speak but is healthy otherwise. I'm now wondering if the two may be related.Thank you already for your answer.

[@antonblakely1131]

where do you shop for the protein/meats that you feed?

[@shannonthomas7398]

Help. I have a 9 year old catahula mix dog. She was diagnosed with allergies of all kinds.Environmental and food. She gets inflamed ears and spots on her skin all the time. The vets that i have been to and i have been to many, they all recommend a hydrolyzed kibble from hills or purina. I was just told she is too old to feed raw that she will be prone to issues with her pancreas and kidneys. I think dogs are carnivors i don't care if the food is raw or cooked, i just want her off kibble. I need to figure out what she is allergic to. Chicken and beef really seem to inflame her ears. She is now on thyroid meds and i know its the food. 15:30 15:31

[@Karin-nz4el]

While feeding the raw diet, do you feed two meals a day of raw food or once a day meal?

[@BigDogMom]

When my boys were younger, I fed twice a day. Only in the last year or so have I switched to once a day feeding.

[@Karin-nz4el]

@@BigDogMom thank you. Very helpful! I notice in the past that emaciated rescues like to eat twice a day and if your late feeding they start vomiting. Once fed, back to normal play.

[@Vashti-akita]

Hi i have a akita pup 9 wks old 12.4 lbs. How much of each of the food groups of raw meat should i feed my pup? So is chicken quarters with bone ok? I hear chicken bone slivers if not ground up

[@tct3kings]

I kno this video is old now and may not get noticed, but if anyone who has commented knows how soon I can start a puppy on raw feeding or how to switch from kibble to raw fully.. or can I do raw with a little kibble?

[@tct3kings]

Puppy 8 weeks old

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you for the great question! You can start any age puppy, provided they are weaned of course, on to a raw diet. I know many breeders who wean their puppies to a raw diet. That said, I have not had experience doing this and do recommend you be careful if you choose to do it. My puppies have always been 10-11 weeks old before I switched them. The two biggest issues with puppies are going to be the balance issue and the unique growth needs of large and giant breed puppies (you didn't mention the breed of your puppy, but I'm assuming a large breed). The second issue is going to be the safety of feeding whole bone. You just have to be more careful. I would probably opt for pre-ground bone if you can get it, or you will need to choose very soft bones that a puppy can chew. I hope this helps! I discuss raw feeding puppies a little in my most recent blog post and video. You can get that here: bigdogmom.com/raw-dog-food-meal-prep/

[@tct3kings]

Thank you. I have a grinder that il be using for bones until he is big enough for them. He is an xl American bully. I will definitely have to wait for the 10 to 11 week mark as I wean him on to raw. But I still need to know if it's OK to mix it with kibble or do I just completely erase the kibble and only raw feed 🤔

[@BigDogMom]

I am so sorry I failed to answer that second question!!! 🤦🏼‍♀️. Yes, I think it's fine to mix the two if you need to. Some people will recommend separating them into two different meals (or three in your case) - so have dedicated raw meals and dedicated kibble ones, rather than the two foods in one bowl. I am not sure how much difference this makes. The rationale is based on how quickly raw and kibble are metabolized - raw is metabolized very quickly, while kibble sits in the gut much longer. Again, my guess is the impact would be small, so whatever you can do and keep the calories within what he needs (but NOT too much), he'll be fine. I hope this (finally) answers your question. 😊. Perfectly rawsome does have some articles about mixing as well, so check them out.

[@tct3kings]

Thank you so much mam 🙏🏾

[@meaghanjohnson6605]

I have a dog who is super active . Loves zoomies. 2 years old . He eats like a bottomless pit. I have no medical history as he was dumped at my house. 65 lbs . I feel like he isnt getting what he needs in his food and i want somwthimg for bone health and heart health . What would be a best additive to his kibble??

[@kiim_chi]

what about puppy diets are there any differences that you should do since there are puppy kibbles

[@Ilovecrystals922]

I’m scared to start, what if he’s allergic to something and something happens to his health? Or what if it’s not super balanced? I’m just worried about it

[@BigDogMom]

I completely understand your apprehension. I am trying to help relieve some of those concerns with my raw feeding series. The other thing I would recommend is simply adding a few raw elements to a kibble diet for a while. Be sure to reduce the overall calories so you aren't over feeding, but this way you can tip your toe in without feeling the overwhelm of possibly doing something wrong. Or another option is choosing one of the many pre-made raw foods. Something like Darwin's or Dr Harvey's (you would add raw meat to their base but it's super simple). I have videos and full blog posts with links on both of these. Let me know if this helps.

[@Ilovecrystals922]

@@BigDogMom Thank you! I’m currently making a meal plan for my dog, and on Monday I’ll start the transition over to full raw food. Your videos have helped a ton! I will definitely continue my research, thank you so so much!

[@_ashlielerae]

Is there an age limit as to when to start your dog on a raw diet? My dog is about 8 years old and I would love to start the transition but unsure if he is too old.

[@BigDogMom]

No, not at all. I know people who have weaned puppies on raw and those who transitioned much later in life. As they say, “There’s no time like the present.” My only caution would be for you to ensure you are appropriately addressing any health issues your dog may have. If there are underlying conditions, please be sure to seek advice and help from a vet or someone else qualified and knowledgeable in raw diets. Great question! Thank you!

[@SamanthaMalan]

What age is the best to start raw. I have a boerboel pup 8 weeks old

[@pattibealer]

This was encouraging, thank you.

[@BigDogMom]

I'm so happy you liked it! 😊

[@bulbomads]

In Africa they still have landraces like the AfriCanis and feed them raw and leftover foods, or the dogs go hunt for themselves. The dogs live in villages in the mountains, grasslands or jungles and thrive. I guess a mixed/varied diet over time is best. Thank you for the great video and info!

[@Games.stuff89]

I'm looking to start feeding my mastiff cross staffy a raw food diet thanks for the video.

[@michaelduerstock9487]

My dog has been on raw since she was 14 weeks old , but she still gets dry skin some times any suggestions ?

[@BigDogMom]

Without knowing what you are feeding, it's hard to say for sure. My guess is you have considered increasing your omega 3 fatty acids - this would be my top recommendation. Here a link to one of my favorites: amzn.to/3xeFBNz. Another thing you might consider adding is a probiotic if you aren't already feeding one. I like Daily Dog and have done a few videos on this channel about that. It's a yeast-based probiotic. Here is the link to that one: bit.ly/3vcbB3i. Another sort of obvious question is how often are you bathing her and what type of shampoo are you using? Something that many dog owners do is bathe far too often and use harsh chemicals like chlorhexidine - both of which can throw off the balance of the natural flora on the skin that keeps it healthy. I hope some of this is helpful. Maybe let me know and I can try to help further if needed.

[@denvermason2467]

This was a refreshing video. Some of those "how to raw feed" instructionals out there will have you trying to make pheasant under glass and lobster Thermador. Seriously, people get a little nuts sometimes.

[@BigDogMom]

Hahaha! Very well put! I totally agree. 🤣

[@brianthompson7223]

Agree and I appreciate the video to give me the confidence to start this.

[@BigDogMom]

That is wonderful!! You can do this! Thanks for watching!

[@katehinojosa2109]

3 months in and my dogs are doing amazing. my 9 yr old has way more energy and is running a lot more. only problem I have is they do not like the organ meat is there something I can do for them to eat it.

[@reynaldomeade4797]

Blessings and hello. Wanted your opinion on starting my 2 & 1/2 year dogo on raw diet please thank you much and God Bless

[@BigDogMom]

Blessings to you, Reynaldo! I think starting a 2.5 yo dogo would be wonderful if you have access to affordable bulk raw food. If you just have the one dog, you won't need a ton of food so the cost should be reasonable. Best of luck!

[@reynaldomeade4797]

@@BigDogMom yes I do believe I have to a store I have to check it out, but what about my princess being sensitive to chicken and beef

[@reynaldomeade4797]

Blessings and hey what suggestions u have to my dogo having sensitive skin and stomach an allergic to chicken and I think beef also but loves turkey and lamb God Bless

[@ullavillaume176]

I have a medium size dog, 17kg, she has allergies, not food allergies, we feed her anallergenic from rc. Wich is a kibble, that is what the vet recommended. I asked my vet about raw feeding and she does not recommend it at all. This I do not understand. I do feel like feeding a raw diet would be much more expensive or am I totally wrong there?

[@karlagutierrez5141]

Hi! Do you know of a good salmon oil for my puppy. She’s beginning to show signs of allergies.

[@BigDogMom]

I would tell you, after using quite a few different brands over the years, my favorite is Dr Harvey's. Here is a link to my post about it with links on where you can buy it. I have a video on it as well... bigdogmom.com/drharveys-review/

[@lizreilly2493]

1st time watcher & inspired by your honesty & clarity, fantastic! As a beginner in providing raw food for my dog I'll now be subscribing and using your videos as my starting point - thank you for your time & hard work!. Watched a documentary about kibble yesterday and was horrified to discover that many different brands were made in the same factory & had the same ingredients. This was the conclusion of an investigation into contamination that ranged over very many brands.

[@reynaldomeade4797]

Blessings and hey, wow really, are able to name some or is that to much let me know God Bless

[@reynaldomeade4797]

Blessings and hey where can I watch that documentary on the kibble need to know asap please. God Bless

[@elenadejesus7489]

Please check out "Pet Fooled" for the story on kibble. Eye opener!

[@sigma682]

People often don’t think critically, and we have the internet at our fingertips.

[@karinabataz134]

I’m starting to feed my dog raw food, but can I give him food from the stores? Like target or Walmart? Does it have to be organic or can it be regular like we eat?

[@BigDogMom]

This is a great question! Thank you for asking. There is no reason you can't feed what you would buy for yourself in a store. The only challenge with that will be cost. It is generally MUCH cheaper to buy from a raw food co-op if you have one or to source your meat in bulk from a farm or butcher.

[@thetruthhurts158]

Do you deworm them once a month on the raw diet?

[@BigDogMom]

No, there's no need to do that in my experience. My boys do take a heart worm preventative, but that is taken regardless of their diet. I hope that makes sense.

[@rmrm1002]

I have a dog who has had gut issues and was a advised to try raw diet to get the things she was missing. I went with frozen Chicken batch patties. Ingredients seem good…88% chicken,organs, & bone,…10% vegetables…2% natural supplements. Looks like it has apple cider vinegar, kale, collards kelp bee pollen parsley wheat grass ,bilberry, garlic ,rosemary ,basil, yams ,broccoli, carrots ,squash salmon oil along with the organs and meat. Idk so far so good. It says thaw then serve it . I’ve chosen to serve it with some of her kibble mixed for now! Outside of keeping things clean so no salmonella any suggestions

[@BigDogMom]

That sounds amazing! I don't generally love a solely chicken based diet. Do they have any other formulas you can switch to? Ones with multiple protein sources even? Just curious. How old is your dog?

[@noehlyreyes8432]

Hello! I’ve been searching for an informative video on raw food diets and I loved your video!! I have a golden that has had constant skin and ear issues for a couple of years now and this is my last resort and wanted to make the switch to see if it would improve her overall health. Would there be any way that you would be willing to double check my math 😅 I’m afraid of being off on my numbers, Ive been going back and forth on the blog post and I just hope I have it right. She’s a 7 year old golden, 78 lbs perfect weight, spayed and low activity… I’m coming up with about 1,627 calories daily so between 1.6-1.8 pounds of protein a day?

[@annmiyazaki533]

My dog is a 1year 8months old shetland sheepdog with body size like a border collie, 16.5kilos. used to be 19.2 kilos. Our veterinarian told us that she is getting close to get overweight and told us to give her “diet” or “weight management” kibbles. I decided to give her less kibbles and top it with vegetables and raw meat instead (I measure only the kibbles) we’ve been in this diet for around 2months now. I’m giving her dog treats, but she’s still losing weight. 15kilos is our goal. She’s a very picky eater so I had to switch her kibbles often. Which sometimes lead to diarrhea. Now, I mix vegetables and sometimes raw meat and organs as much as possible and she loves it, doesn’t get diarrhea. I’m very interested in switching to raw meat diet, but I wonder how much should I give her. Can anyone please give me some advice?… it will really help. Thanks in advance ❤

[@BigDogMom]

Thank you for this great question... it really is where most people start. I just published this blog post that I think will really help you get started: bigdogmom.com/raw-food-diet-for-dogs-transition/

[@maryarmstrong4212]

When you choose to go back to kibble for a season, which one do you use? How do you decide? thanks! I've just started gently cooked meals as I cut back on kibble in order to get my golden on fresh living foods...but in 3 months we will be traveling full time in our travel trailer so I am needing to find something doable when we are mobile.

[@Kellycreator]

Raw food is just as doable. Prepare in bulk and freeze portions. Defrost on the daily. X

[@mn_mt0964]

I simply do mostly kibble and just mix veggies my dogs love it peas carrots do bobe broth i keeo it simple i have small kids and very busy but this works for us

[@BigDogMom]

Any natural, whole foods are going to be better than none. Great job doing what you can!

[@jesseniatellado3902]

Absolutely love this vid. I agree with everything. I haven’t given pup raw food but I have added meat to her diet. I cook her meat (without seasonings) and add it to a little bit of kibble. I try to keep her diet mainly real meat. I don’t trust the kibble. I wish I could. It’s a whole lot easier to feed her that lol. I even bought her the tube of raw diet food for dogs and she spit that out. So I have to make her food myself. I know the lady that has my lil girls sister from the same litter. I don’t know what she feeds her pup but my pup is three times the size as her sister. I asked her what she’s feeding her. She said the kibble and that they do feed their pup meat. I don’t know how much. But for my girl meat is fed with every meal. Lots of playing rough with me, walks twice a day. Time in the yard to play. And I’m pretty much happy with my girl. The only thing I haven’t added to her diet at the livers and hearts and gizzards. I will be adding those this week. Keep the great vids going. And you have beautiful eyes. Much love to you and your family.

[@BigDogMom]

Aw, thank you so much! You are doing a great job with your sweet girl. Keep it up! I'm sure you already know this, but remember that when you add meat (etc.) to her kibble, you need to reduce the amount of kibble she's getting so that you aren't over-feeding her. Some people simply add the meat to the dog's normal portions, but that is a recipe for obesity, unfortunately.