Raw Food Diet – What We Feed

It began at the local feed store, where they were having a sale weekend and vendors were in attendance.  One table had the ‘Primal’ raw food display.  After 45 minutes discussion I walked away with some “medallions” bags and a fistful of coupons for future purchases.  I decided to try the experiment with my ‘boy’ (at that time still a puppy) Ozzy.  I took a month to slowly switch over, then continued an additional 2 months burning through the coupons.

At a cost of $4.69 per pound and needing 4 pounds per day, needless to say it was cost prohibitive to us for a large breed multiple dog family.  Our kibble was purchased for $.65 per pound.  The noticeable changes though, made it the desired course to keep.  I decided I’d find a way to make it work come what may!

First noticed was the waste.  The solid waste was reduced by three-quarters…yes THREE- QUARTERS LESS POOP!  The large blobs became shaped similar to a rabbit’s waste, into little doggie pellets.  It started to be more white-ish in hue, dries out quickly and crumbles.  No noticeable smell, flies have next to no interest in the leavings.  This translates that the majority of the intake is being absorbed and utilized, not just put in one end and sent out the other.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 1 – 5 Dogs/1 Round Clean Up (Eating Kibble)

Figure 2 – 5 Dogs/2 Rounds Clean Up (Eating Raw)

Next noticed were the teeth and breath.  My oldest female’s tartar began to actually reverse.  All their teeth became brighter, and it certainly wasn’t because I was a conscientious owner who maintained teeth brushing.  Their breath lost that bothersome smell.   Speaking of smell, my husband can’t blame the dogs anymore.  Their gas has all but disappeared.

Finally, their coats and energy have improved.  Smooth and shiny coat, zippy energy level.

We just finished a 445 lbs. grind last weekend. I was asked to write an article for the Fila Digest so I took pictures.  I took a picture of one round of waste pick up to use as comparison. When we have to feed kibble (which we periodically have to do because of scheduling), I have to do at least 4 rounds a day of waste pick up. On raw, only two that are half the amount of the carry tray!

Figure 3 1

Figure 3 2

Figure 3 – 100 lbs. Veggies Total – Station 1 and Station 2

From actual set up to totally cleaned up, it took four of us 5 hours. Trevor and I go to the ‘Farmer’s Market’ Saturday morning of a grind weekend and pick up 100 lbs. of veggies and the additives.  We spent $120.00 even. Human Consumption Grade chicken we get at Wal Mart for a steal @ $.52 lb. For the 300 lbs. Chicken Quarters/45 lbs. Gizzards/Beef Kidney we spent $218.11. That is $338.11 total price, THAT’S $.75 A LB.!! The kibble at $25 for a 40 lb. bag comes to $.65 a lb.

Figure 4

Figure 4 – 300 lbs.  Chicken/45 lbs. Offal

I would say beware of whole pieces, not ground.  My daughter Cassandra was feeding that method her English Bull Terrier’s at the breeders request.  One choke, and pnemonia developed within 12 hours.  He kicked it but it was touchy.

Figure 5 1

Figure 5 2

Figure 5 – Grinder From Cabella’s

The grinder is from Cabella’s, it is ‘reconditioned’ so cheaper than the new ones.  They don’t always have them but our 3/4 hp was only $220.  It is all steel parts, I wouldn’t advise you trying a cheaper one with some plastic parts.  I would only trust chicken bones to grind through it, nothing larger.  The 14 cup food processor was $42 from Wal Mart, we bought two.

We bought a continuous ‘chub” roll and a heat sealer.  We seal one end leaving the other open for hand filling.  We do portion the meals out in 5 lb. bags then freeze.

Heat Sealer

Roll of Chub Bagging

Bagging

We did have to buy a $200 freezer from Home Depot to store the amount we make.  With one fasting meal a week, and one canned Mackeral meal a week the grind we did will last 28 days.  That feeds five dogs.

Bagging

Here is my recipe:

75% Meat – 30% Organ Meats / 30% Fat and/or Skin / 40% Muscle Meat

25% Vegetables

1 lb. “serving” = 3 oz organ / 3 oz Fat &/or Skin / 6 oz Muscle (75% RMB) and 4 oz vegetables

INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Chicken Necks, Ground Chicken Bones, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Livers, Kale, Chard, Romaine, Chinese, Celery, Asparagus, Pumpkin, Spinich, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Coconut, Sweet Potatoes, Beets, Zucchini, Squash, Carrots, Yams, Broccoli, de-seeded Apples, Cranberries

ADDITIVES: Basil, Alfalfa, Raspberry Leaf Power, Flax Seed, Apple Cider Vinegar, Parsley, Coconut Oil, Kelp, Grapefruit Seed Extract .

Tubs of Mix

Tubs of Mix

I would suggest going overboard on cleaning up very thoroughly after mixing, and after each individual feeding.  We freeze immediately after bagging and remove for thawing about ten hours before each meal.

If anyone has suggestions, or wants to know the failures met with reaching this point please feel free to contact me at 916-879-2277 or delalunakennel@sbcglobal.net.