Looking for great-tasting raw DOG TREAT recipes

Meet the object of my recent obsession: His name is Bruce Wayne (thanks to my children's love of Batman). Bruce is a stray lab that found his way to our front door. We checked around, and with no luck finding the previous owners, we fell in love. He has become my constant companion (aside from my dh of course) and new office mate.

In my efforts to bring him back to good health (he has a few minor conditions associated with an uncared for dog on the run), I am looking to incorporate more raw food transitionally into his diet. I would like to begin with partial raw meals and treats. Currently, I am spending a little time playing with recipes, but would love to know if anyone has had any luck with this.

Additionally, I am considering using this happy energy toward an article for the magazine. I know there's some controversy over vegan vs. non-vegan diets for pets, and I would love to hear from someone in-the-know. In the meantime, I am contacting a few vets I know to learn more.

Thoughts, recipes, ideas anyone?

Thanks in advance for your help!

I don't have any, but I'd love to see if you come up with any responses! I have a pooch (black lab/german short-haired pointer mix from a rescue) and kitters that I would love to know how to feed them raw myself!

Since dogs eat almost anything...

are you looking for raw treats that taste good to people?:D

WOW - he's a beauty! I feed my "girls" Royal Canine dry dog food. Although they do like my raw foods.

lifeAgift: I'm looking for, well, anything! We do have another very old dog. She is very set in her dietary ways though. With this one, I really want to get a good start. He's young, we just had him neutered yesterday, and he has some skin problems that need addressing. So I really want sound nutrition. My personal vet was no help at all (although she's a great vet, she doesn't really do the pet nutrition thing - her office sells only Science Diet - yuk!)

Lucy: now you know why you haven't heard from me in the last couple of weeks... :o

Maraw:

He's gorgeous. :)

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/sampleraw.htm

Also, I highly recommend Dr. Pitcairn's Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

My best friend feeds her dogs and cat high raw (she adds organ meats from a really good, reputable company) and they adore it.

:)

Thanks! I'll look those up. Someone also mentioned carrot chips the other day. Just plain 'ol dehydrated or fresh bits of carrot. I thought I would give it a go. He's not eating much today, because of his surgery I would suspect, but I'll give it a try tomorrow. I had a cocker spaniel years ago that just loved carrots.

I have been feeding my dogs raw for years (human grade meat, offal, pulverized greens, raw carrots, apples, etc) and they are all thriving. If this is the way you want to go, you may want to pick up "Raw Dog Food" by Carina Beth MacDonald. BTW, congrats on your new addition ~ Cathy

lafsalot and RawVee- Thanks a lot!

Anna - I know this was your thread and all, but I had to show my appreciation to them for the info!:o

I have been feeding my dog raw for years too and she hasn't aged one day or lost any energy from the day I got her I think now 7 years. Saved tons of $ feeding her this way. She is a totally happy, content, loving caring dog--my Akida with chow mix and think some Australian shep. She's a whole 45ish pounds. Oh, she loves long hour walks and runs the acre land all day here crashing rabbits and playing with the dog behind us.

Yes, I think carrot chips would be great for the dog. Wonder if some chia seeds would nice to add or even nut pulp. Mine is very picky and she's all about meat.

For healing from surgery, may consider some barley powder in little water or on tongue.

I used to make healthy "cooked" animal treats to market, but very difficult process. A closed chapter in my life.

Anna, you may try going cold turkey with the dog as they are pretty adaptable. I'm sure with your love the dog will eat anything. The rewards are great feeding totally raw. My dog doesn't even care about treats and gets none as she is content this way. She is not a big eater and very picky too--one day she will eat, another day she will look at the food wondering what it is.

I have a "pound" dog and love her. It's my Molly, but funny she was named Lucky and discovered that when we received the legal papers on her. All along we knew her as Molly and wondered why she didn't know her name. She's our Lucky Molly, but we call her Molly.

carolg

Growing up, I had a yellow lab for 17 years. One of her favorite things to do was to wait until my mom's back was turned, then stalk up to the garden and pull carrots up out of the ground. She's tear across the yard with a huge carrot in her mouth, the green tops trailing out, like some furry Groucho Marx. My mom always knew she was doing it, but we thought it was hilarious that she loved carrots so much. :)

I am definitely planting carrots this fall!! How funny, and how sweet of your mom!

I've always had shelter dogs and cats as well. We figured this one wouldn't make it because of his skin and health. He is so great with the kids too. Couldn't have asked for a better four-legged companion for our family.

OK, so I am heading toward the kitchen now to make carrot, almond, and garlic chips for him. I'll add a little spinach too I think for greens. What about flax? Is that good for dogs too? Next time I go to the store I'll pick up some meat for him.

Carol: The reason I need "treats" is because I am trying to train him and I need something small and dry that I can give him quickly as a reward. When he goes potty outside or comes when called, etc., I need to praise and reward him on the spot. So far, my affection and verbal praise is working well, but I would also like to reinforce it with something yummy from time to time!

Great suggestions everyone. Thanks!

Maraw,

Flax oil is excellent for dogs; for their coats and skin. And sprouted grains like quinoa would be great, too! You could make quinoa, carrot and flaxseed dog biscuits in the dehydrator as treats. :)

our baby beagle eats (free range, hormone/antibiotic free)raw meat & bones, the pulp from the juicer, and we dehydrate the ends of the tomatoes for treats..she loves them.

also wanted to mention...we give her brewers yeast pills and they make her coat all shiny and healthy