Looking for great-tasting raw DOG TREAT recipes

[magicparrot]

I say that if someone is vegan, then why shouldn't their canine companions also be vegan? It would be against my morals to feed other animals to my animal friends. Sure, if they lived in the wild, they would probably eat other critters, which is natural for them. But domesticated dogs don't live in the wild, they live with humans. And if they can get all their nutrients from vegan food (which they can), then why not? I personally can't feed my dogs other animals, because I would feel very sad for the individuals who were turned into food.

[punkspirit]

Ooooooooooooooooh, what a cutie!!:)

For a dog the healthiest food-alternative is not vegan!! Becaause they are carnivores. Though its probably possible to feed them vegetarian/vegan.

Our dogs get meat to eat. I am a vegan (for ethical reasons) but the dogs should get what they need. I try to avoid processed food as good as possible... Well, my mum purchases sheep innards(?) like pansen(they are cut into veeery small peaces and frozen into blocks) at a local butcher and then they(dogs) get veggies and rice... though I am sure the rice isnt ideal

The thought od the meat might be very disgusting... but I DONT WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS IN PROCESSED DOGFOOD ..

[punkspirit]

I personally can't feed my dogs other animals, because I would feel very sad for the individuals who were turned into food.

I totally understand that point! I am still struggeling too... But the meat my dogs get is a "byproduct" that would get thrown away otherwise... So somehow I see it as a moral compromise...

[maraw]

I know, handling raw meat, well, meat of any kind is really disgusting, but my dogs really love it. I focus on the respect and love I have for my companion friends and their health. In addition, I am now purchasing my raw meats from a local rancher and these are indeed cuts that he is not able to easily sell otherwise. That doesn't ease my concern for the cow, mind you, but I've done enough research to know that my dogs, and especially my cat, are different enough from my physiology that their nutritional NEEDS require some kind of animal-based foods.

For cats specifically, there is an EFA called taurine that can only be found in animal tissue. If cats do not have this in their diet in some form, they can go blind within a few years. Humans and dogs are able to synthesize it, but cats cannot. Here is a great artical on the subject: http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/taurine.php I am sure you can use synthetic taurine, but that defeats the purpose of a fresh raw diet.

In the meantime, my dogs get fish or meat twice a week and veggies, fruit, nuts and sprouts all the other days. They seem to really love it, and I'm seeing a real improvement in the disposition of our older dog. It's wonderful!

[carolg]

Cathy,
Thanks for veggie info but my dog is professional at hunting for even the tinest meats that are with her meats. She's just "Molly."

[EastCoastie]

Saw your post about your dog's skin issue and thought I would share with you. My beautiful dobe girl started getting really bad dry, flaky skin. I felt so bad for her because she would scratch/bite until irritated. However, I made two changes to her diet and she's fine now.

1. I started giving her 8 oz of Pacific Brands organic chicken broth with her dinner. (I've tried other brands - still organic but generic - and they gave her some rank gas. Even though the ingredients looked virtually identical they were not - I could tell by the smell - so all that to say use Pacific or a high quality brand.)

2. I give both my dobes flax daily, either a TBS of oil or a TBS of ground up golden flax. (Sometimes they also get coconut - they are FIENDS for it.) They get some good fat every day...

I think it took about 2 months to clear her up. This was after a visit to the vet and an unsuccessful round of medicating.

I feed my dogs one of the very best dry foods there is (Nutro Ultra), but even with that she still developed the condition. Thankfully she is all better now. Perhaps it will help your beloved pet too!

EC

[maraw]

Just wanted to give you guys an update. Both dogs are doing great on their new raw diet. Raw meat or fish 2-3 times a week and raw veggies, eggs with shells, and a little fruit the rest of the time.

I highly recommend this way of feeding for pets. It's affordable, easy and they really love it!

[Gigglezz]

My Two Babies Bella And Benny Absolutely Love Fruits And Veggies. Every Morning While Preparing My Green Smoothie They Beg Me For Some Of The Ingredients And Then They Want My Smoothie!!! They Go Crazy For It. I Always Have To Put Some In Their Bowls. Everyday They Both Have A Salad With Their Dinner. Bella And Benny Absolutely Love Romaine Lettuce (the Crunchy Part), Tomato, Carrot, Apple, Pear, Mango, Banana, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Strawberries, Almond Butter, And The List Goes On And On.

[shine72]

EastCoastie - Sorry, I just saw this today! Thanks for the info! I will try it out!

[maraw]

Bruce's favorites so far are Brazil nuts, bananas, dates and sardines. He also really seems to like zucchini and sweet potato. I'm going to try the romaine tonight - thanks for the idea, Gigglezz.

One thing I just have to add to this thread is how easy it has been to house-break him. I know he's bright and all, but I've really seen a difference from just the first week. His stools used to be full of mucus and were just huge (I know this because I was cleaning them up in my house). Ever since then, they are more regular, and he's more regular which makes the whole timing-thing for house-breaking-thing MUCH easier. One of my friends came over yesterday and kept commenting on how gorgeous his coat is - she didn't even notice the hairloss spots on his ears and ankles (a skin condition from his days as a stray, we think). The hair in those places is beginning to grow back, but is doing so slowly. Anyway, she didn't even see them - all she saw was the shine, and she just kept on saying it!

This is all well and good, but the most important thing is how it makes the dogs feel. I believe both my dogs are not only enjoying the taste of it, but are feeling the benefits of a raw food diet.

[lafsalot]

My own interest in going raw was peaked only after seeing how well my own furbabies thrived on it - it worked for them, and now it is working for me ~ Cathy

[maraw]

My own interest in going raw was peaked only after seeing how well my own furbabies thrived on it - it worked for them, and now it is working for me ~ Cathy

I know what you mean. Raw isn't just my personal good-health secret anymore. I've applied it to my four-legged companions and it works for them too!