We're often asked about raw diets, and whether they are a 'better' or 'worse' option for your dog. The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. So here's a quick list of all Pippa's raw feeding articles, and some helpful other related articles, for anyone who's looking to learn more about their options . How do you feed your pup? We'd love to hear what your dog eats and why, in the comments below From the Labrador Site: Raw feeding: a natural diet for Labradors Labrador feeding demystified: a comprehensive expert guide What can dogs not eat: which foods are not safe to share? From the Happy Puppy Site: Raw feeding for dogs Treats for raw fed dogs Raw food for puppies From Dogsnet: The pros and cons of feeding your dog once a day
I switched Toby to raw after he got high grade mast cell cancer at 18 months. He has thrived on it ever since and is now 61/2. Before the cancer he had many bouts of diarrhoea. Since being on raw he has had none. I buy Nutriment 1.4kg chubs in a variety of meats/fish for convenience. One chub last 2 1/2 days. I add some raw broccoli,sometimes blueberries and he has carrot as treats. Every couple of weeks he has a raw marrow bone. The food comes frozen and I am able to collect it locally every couple of months which saves postage and a lot of packaging. The only downside is remembering to take it out of the freezer in time. He has been known to have tinned pilchards when that happens which he loves too.
We're having a glut of eggs right now as all our hens have come into lay, so my dogs are getting a welcome addition to their diet. Glad to hear Toby is thriving on raw JD
Thanks Pippa. Yes I forgot about eggs! As with most labs he would eat anything given the chance apart from lettuce and celery!
Thank you so much for this information- if I wanted to begin feeding my 75 lb Choco lab a raw diet and so far feeding him kibble with poultry in it makes him even itchier. One time I gave him cooked pheasant (totally plain no spice, just a pinch of salt) and he broke out in a few hotspots. I should avoid chicken still would you say or is it just the processing of it to go in the kibble that he may be allergic to? Trying to avoid the vet racket, I have 4 kids, he’s been and $400 later they give me all the pills and no real explanation.
Hi there. Sorry to hear your dog is struggling with allergies. I'm afraid we do recommend you ask your vet this question - if you don't feel you're getting good advice or good value from your current vet I suggest getting a second opinion - you might consider asking for a referral to a specialist in allergies, for example. They may be able to give you more detailed advice.
Hi all, I've decided to switch my 8yr old Black Lab to raw. This follows me better understanding the potential benefits. Morgan the Lab also slowly lost some lustre and energy, while his age may be a factor, I'd like to give him the option of raw fed to see if this can reignite him and possibly extend his life. Really enjoyed the article that directed me here Pippa so thank you. My only question at this stage is on bones. I can clearly buy whole poultry at any supermarket but wondered if people have a preferred supplier or means to acquire a good variety of bones for their dogs, beyond hunting yourself that is! All tips and guidance is greatly appreciated. Scott (and Morgan).
Hi Scott and Morgan. Glad to hear you enjoyed Pippa's article - I will pass that feedback on to her ❤️. There are specialist raw food suppliers who can deliver a range of options, depending on your location and budget. But when we were raw feeding our Lab we found it was easiest to build a relationship with a few local butchers. One put aside a number of their chicken carcasses for us, when they were taking breasts off to sell separately, for example. This cost a fraction of the price of buying 'human food' for her. Sammie
