By Mary Kennedy

      Our Canine and Feline companion animals are carnivores. Since they digest protein derived from animal sources better than grain, why do we continue to feed them a cereal-based diet?  When I fed my dogs a kibble that listed grains as the first ingredient, their coat was flat and brittle, they shed abundantly and got a bit chubby. When I switched to a diet in which meat was the focus ingredient, their coats shined up, the shedding stopped, and they became quite lean and muscular. The difference?  Although the label on the food may say 24% protein, if they can’t digest it, then it is NOT 24% protein into the body.

    Learn how to read an animal food label. You will know the quality in the first five ingredients. Meat first. You do not want animal by-products, as well as grain by-products, fillers, and grain ingredients that “pump up” the protein content to replace the use of meat protein. These would be listed as wheat glutens, rice protein, soy flour, brewer’s rice, corn glutens, and beet pulp and peanut hulls.

Wheat, corn and soy are three hard to digest ingredients used as filler and protein enhancement. Wouldn’t you rather pay for meat?

     If you save $10-$20 a month by buying cheaper pet food, you may not be saving in the long run. Invest in your animal’s health up front. A healthy body is a vibrant body, and we are what we eat. Buying doggie/kitty “health food” is not an indulgent purchase. It is a wise and prudent purchase.

     Raw bones are an excellent source of calcium and other nutrients. Make sure the bones are not cooked, however. If your dog is not used to bones, give one to him for 10 minutes a day for about a week, to build a digestive tolerance. Raw bones are not for all dogs. If they gulp their food, keep an eye on them to see if this is right for your dog. When the bone is down to pieces, throw it away.  Remember, if you are making homemade food, be sure to add some form of calcium. Below is a very basic recipe, including bone meal calcium.

RAW OR COOKED MEAL

    I feed each of my 50 pound dogs about 2.5-3cups of this a day. I tend to go 50% on the protein, less grains and veggies. The meat can be cooked previous to mixing, if preferred. When switching to homemade or raw, use enzymes such as Optigest or Prozyme (follow directions on bottle) and change over slowly to avoid gastric upset.

35%-50% Protein

Fresh and Raw: Turkey, Chicken, lamb, buffalo, venison, beef , ostrich

Organ meats include 1 part to 4 parts muscle meat ratio, 2 times a week. I prefer organ meats cooked.

50%-65% veggies and grains can be done ½ and ½

Food processed raw vegetables: zucchini, carrots, green beans, yellow squash, broccoli, pumpkin, NO ONIONS.

Grains: Cooked barley, rice, oatmeal, rye, quinoa, spelt, millet

Mix until you have a consistent batch. Food can be kept in refrigerator for 2-3 days. Freeze the remaining mixture in serving portions in ziplock baggies.

Wash hands and all utensils and surfaces in soapy water very well. Remember, they can handle the smallest amount of salmonella, but WE can’t.

Add at Each Meal

1 tsp. oil for 50 pound dog

Flax, fish, olive, hempseed (fish is preferred)
Approximately 750-1,000 mg calcium per 50 lbs. Dog

Bone Meal Powder, or Supplement specifically to be added to the Raw Food Diet, which can be purchased at any holistic cat/dog food store.
Enzyme Powder, use according to directions on package

If there are any digestion issues, especially in changing to new food, use enzymes to assist in digestion. This can be purchased at any holistic dog/cat food store.

    For great commercial selections for your raw food, try Nature’s Variety, which you can purchase at any holistic dog and cat food store. It is the only commercial raw food that has passed AAFCO feeding trials for all life stages, and shown to be complete and balanced. Bravo and Primal are also great raw foods sold commercially. Nature Bay is a quality, local home delivery service option. This product is made with grass fed beef . 720-300-2892 or naturebaypets.com

    Mary Kennedy is a Certified Canine Massage Provider, with a practice in Lafayette, Colorado. Mary has thirty years of experience in the holistic health field, and consults people on the "total picture" of their animals' health. In addition to exercise and massage, Mary discusses diet, supplements, and lifestyle to achieve optimal health.  For more information visit her website: http://www.inthepresenceofanimals.com