We feed species appropriate raw foods at Boldwind Kennel. Some call it B.A.R.F (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods) some call it Whole Prey and some call it a Raw Natural Diet. There are some differences in these, but, the one thing that remains consistent amongst these diets, are, RMBs (raw meaty bones).

I attended a raw feeding seminar in l999 when Tigger was only a few months old. It made so much sense to me, but I thought it would be too much work. After all, I was feeding the best kibble on the market, even though every year or so the best kibble would change to a different brand, and, all I had to do was scoop and feed. But I was so impressed by what I had heard in the seminar I told my mother in-law about it. She and I spent many visits discussing canine nutrition prior to the raw seminar.

My in-laws bred Bullmastiffs for over 30 years and had just recently retired. From the moment I met my mother in-law in 1979, she was already worried about feeding processed foods to her menagerie of Bullmastiffs. She was always searching for the right food to feed her dogs, all 14 of them.

In the following year I spent much of my time researching my beloved canine health records, and, what I found was all had died of human diseases or auto-immune diseases'. My mother in-law and I discussed this issue in great length and went through many years of their canine records. Our findings were much the same; allergies, chronic ear infections, hot spots, Addison’s, Cancer, etc.

My in-laws were highly respected, responsible and reputable breeders, feeding high quality processed foods and giving yearly vaccinations.

In the last few years of their breeding program, they started feeding a well known homemade cooked diet of meat, brown rice, vegetables, and many supplements. They preferred this way of feeding over kibble, but were still, not totally satisfied.

During our many visits she talked about her father’s bloodhounds eating table scraps, raw meat scrapes and carcasses that would be left out after they butchered their own meat. These dogs (and cats) all lived to a ripe old age and died of natural causes, unless, they were unfortunately hit by a car. My own parents fed table scrapes and raw bones. These dogs never saw or ate a piece of processed food in their lives, nor were they vaccinated on a yearly basis, ever. And, the vaccines that were given back then were not a 5 in 1 or a 6 in 1 shot, they were singular or never given.

In Dec. 2000 due to rapid declining health of one of my Borders I was forced to start feeding a raw natural diet, it was the best thing I ever did. It saved my Border’s life, but she did live out the remaining years with chronic health issues. My only regret, why did I wait so long!

My mother in-law switched their dogs to a raw natural diet the same week I did. Never once regretting it. Bailey, one of their bullmastiff’s was quite sick at the time and had stopped eating, they were seriously considering euthanasia for her. She was 6-7 years old and had hardly any life left in her. They offered her raw chicken backs and she gobbled them up like she had never eaten food before. Three days later she was jumping around like she was a puppy. She lived another 4 years with great quality of life.

Feeding species appropriate raw foods is not as time consuming as I originally thought it would be. My dogs love their meals more then they ever did when they ate high end kibble. Imagine that, with a Border!

Raw feeding can be as complicated as one makes it. At first, it can sound like it is, but it's not.

My dogs’ diet has variety; beef, pork, bison, elk, chicken, lamb, goat, duck, quail, rabbit, organ (offal) meats and on occasion, venison and moose. I buy frozen pre-made ground meaty bones because of the variety available. There is nothing else in the food other then the whole animal ground up, no veggies or supplements. I also choose a company that does not use animals raised with antibiotics or hormones, the animals have been raised humanely and free ranged/pasture raised. I also buy grass fed beef specifically for my dogs and all raw foods I feed, is of human grade. They also get whole edible “raw meaty bones”, organic/free run eggs and muscle meats. Fresh fish is great, and at times canned sardines in water, salmon or mackerel. They love “green” tripe, very stinky but healthy for them. Offering a variety of raw of species appropriate foods balancing their diet over time.

Feeding whole meaty bones is best. It helps to keep the teeth clean, avoid gum disease, strengthens the jaws, body muscles and is psychologically satisfying. This is achieved when a dog is allowed to tear and rip at whole meaty bones.

I very seldom ever use veggies. Instead of veggies, I use green tripe. Green Tripe is more of a natural food then broccoli, cauliflower, beets, romaine lettuce, potatoes etc. Ripe berries are far more natural to a dog’s diet then veggies are. I give my dogs’ ripened berries when I have them, and usually as a treat.

Researchers have established that non-reproducing adult dogs do not have any nutritional requirement for carbohydrates.

I very seldom feed my dogs’ dairy products, complex carbohydrates or any kind of grains. The only exception is when my females are in whelp. Sometimes, in late pregnancy I will allow some carbohydrates. But mostly at this time they are wanting organ meats. As soon as the pups are born, right back to lots and lots of RMBs.

When I prepare my dogs' food I take the same precautions as when I prepare raw meat for my family. I wash all utensils and counter tops with hot soapy water. If one is concerned with a bearded breed like mine, you can wash your dog’s beard with a wash cloth and warm soapy water after their meals. Just like one would do with a child after meal times.

Raw foods contain life-enhancing nutrients that are vital to providing optimal health for our pets. Whole raw foods provide enzymes, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids in its natural state. The only supplement I add is Pet G.O Powder, once to twice a week. It consists of multi glands and organs from free range cattle. Depending on where you live, it can be very hard to get a variety of organs and glands that is much needed by our domesticated carnivores.

Taz’s teeth at 5.5 years old, she's never had them cleaned by a veterinarian. Chewing on “whole” raw meaty bones keep her teeth pearly white.

Other benefits of feeding a raw diet: reduction in stool volume and odor free, fresh breath, cleaner teeth and more energy in older dogs.

Raw foods also contain bacteria. In fact, this is probably the single most deterrent that pet owners have when it comes to feeding raw. The thought of exposing their pets to Salmonella, E Coli and Campylobacter is frightening for some owners. The digestive system of domesticated dogs and cats is the same as their wild ancestors, which means, they are entirely able to tolerate the bacteria in their body. Raw foods should come from a reliable source and if handled correctly, your healthy pet's digestive tract will be able to digest and utilize the nutrients the bacteria add to the meat. The argument against feeding pets’ raw foods and bacteria they harbor, is based on the untruth that a dog's digestive system has changed from its raw meat-eating ancestor: the wolf. But this is physiologically impossible to have occurred in the short time frame that processed pet foods has been in existence.

The use of whole raw meaty bones as pet food was commonplace, and well accepted, throughout the world until the mid 1960's when commercially prepared dog food became available. I emphasize the importance of feeding the basic concept and a variety of appropriate foods. Some people think all they have to feed is meat. This will surely cause bone growth problems in puppies, and will leave teens and older animals deficient in important nutrients. Eventually this will cause serious health problems for your animal.

If you are going to feed a raw natural diet to your animal, please take the time to research the diet so you can make appropriate choices for your dog or cat. They depend on you to make the right choices to maintain their health. Raw feeding has been around for decades, it was invented by nature.

Carole

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored”-Aldous Huxley