Raw Dog Food Diet

Many Vets today recommend feeding your dog a raw food diet, (this diet is recommended for all dogs). It is a well balanced diet that ensures good health and longevity for your Greyhound. The raw food diet is based on years of experience. The raw food diet balance is 45% raw meat, 25% edible bones,25% raw Vegetables and 5% internal organs.

Raw meat- Feed a well proportioned variety of at least 4 kinds of meats. A mono diet can lead to health problems. Feed lamb, ostrich, rabbit, chicken and turkey. Buffalo, beef of bison should not exceed 25% of the total meat volume-allergic dogs are sensitive to these proteins. The meats should be previously frozen to destroy tapeworms. Occasionally cooked fish is okay ,if you want to feed raw fish it should also be previously frozen.

Bones- Dogs are capable of fully digesting raw bones. Suggested raw bones are chicken, lamb, beef ribs and ostrich bones. Organic is ideal. Never use large marrow bones, larger dogs have very strong jaws and could break their teeth when chewing large bones.

Raw vegetables- Using a blender or food processor chop or blend 1/2 cup of the following listed vegetables. Chard, spinach, chinese greens, parsley, dandelion leaves, alfalfa, arugula and other leafy greens. The second half should consist of sweeter vegetables- green peas, beans, zucchini, asparagus, sweet potatoes, yams, squash.You can add small amounts of carrots, red beets and garlic as they are hard to digest. Avoid tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant. Also avoid cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, onions- they can contribute to hypothyroidism.

Internal Organs- Organs are an important part of the diet. Feed liver, heart, kidneys, brain and tripe mixed in the meat and vegetables.

Feed your adult dog body weight (lbs) X10= daily dose in grams, adjust up or down 20% if your dog is thin or heavy.1 X a day feeding is best for adult dogs. For your puppy 5-7% of body weight until 6-8 months old then reduce gradually to adult dose monitoring body weight. For frequency 3 meals up to 4-5 months, 2 meals-8 months, 1 meal for puppies older than 8 months.

For the Raw Food Diet no gradual switch is necessary. Fast your dog for 24 hours, discontinue all dry and canned food and start feeding poultry and veggies (ground bones are okay). Introduce whole bones gradually 1-2 weeks after starting. Including an addition of probiotics and chlorophyll complex in the food will help to balance the intestinal flora and ease the transition.