Elly's First Raw Meal (Pics!)

[ame16]

When I began researching raw diets about a year ago, I quickly settled on a PMR approach. Admittiedly, I was a bit nervous. It's one thing to read up about it; it's a completely different thing to start doing it yourself! But all my worries were quickly put at ease. After about five minutes of circling her "prey" and another minute or so of licking it, Elly's instincts finally kicked in and she had a blast! Take a look for yourself.

 

[izstigspunks]

Too cute! She looks so small compared to the chicken quarter. :D

So did she eat the whole thing? I remember when Stig first started, he kept on licking too and then figured it out a couple of minutes after what to do with the chicken frame. With Punkin, he didn't even know what to do, so he left his for the evening. The next morning I think the hunger took over and he finally started chewing off the pieces.

 

[ame16]

Too cute! She looks so small compared to the chicken quarter. :D

So did she eat the whole thing? I remember when Stig first started, he kept on licking too and then figured it out a couple of minutes after what to do with the chicken frame. With Punkin, he didn't even know what to do, so he left his for the evening. The next morning I think the hunger took over and he finally started chewing off the pieces.

She ate about 1/3 of it (she had her last kibble meal that morning) and then kept trying to hide the rest (bully puppies are surprisingly quick, lol). I gave it to her the next morning and she finished it. I'm SO impressed with how easily she took to raw. She uses her feet, chomps the bones down, doesn't inhale, etc. I'm sure a lot of this has to do with her being a puppy, but it made things a lot easier for me nonetheless.

 

[TonkaTruck28]

Ok raw is definitely starting to intrigue me... What do you guys do for the whole disinfecting situation now that its all over her paws? Thats the part that gets me!

 

[RiiSi]

Clever girl, she knows what's good for her!

 

[ame16]

Ok raw is definitely starting to intrigue me... What do you guys do for the whole disinfecting situation now that its all over her paws? Thats the part that gets me!

I'm a germaphobe, so this, too, was troubling to me. What finally got me over the psychological hurdle was discovering that kibble contains similar levels of salmonella (Remember the huge recall on Blue Buffalo a few years ago?) Moreover, dogs are better equipped to handle bacteria than we are. For instance, they have enzymes in their saliva that kills a lot of the nasties.

So with that said, I just rinse her face and paws off with a mild dish detergent mixed with lots of water. I'm looking for better options, as I don't like using the detergent, but this seems to be working fine for the time being.

 

[TonkaTruck28]

I'm a germaphobe, so this, too, was troubling to me. What finally got me over the psychological hurdle was discovering that kibble contains similar levels of salmonella (Remember the huge recall on Blue Buffalo a few years ago?) Moreover, dogs are better equipped to handle bacteria than we are. For instance, they have enzymes in their saliva that kills a lot of the nasties.

So with that said, I just rinse her face and paws off with a mild dish detergent mixed with lots of water. I'm looking for better options, as I don't like using the detergent, but this seems to be working fine for the time being.

I'm more worried about my immune system and my nephew if Tonka is dragging more of these germs all over. Also, where/how/in what are you guys feeding your dogs to keep the mess "contained". I fed Tonka a meaty marrow bone once in his X pen and he dragged it all over that thing and I had to disinfect eeeeeverything.

 

[Alaskasmom1]

Chlorox wipes work fine in the feet and in the feeding area after the meal. Been feeding this for a long time. I never leave the food out though if they don't eat it all or if they don't want it right then. Slide dish and all in a Walmart bag, slide that in another Walmart bag, refridgerate.

 

[Sandy]

We are going to be doing the raw feeding with our new puppy when we get him. The breeder feeds hers raw and has no problems with allergies and they are beautiful and healthy. I can't wait to try it although a little nervous too.

 

[ame16]

I'm more worried about my immune system and my nephew if Tonka is dragging more of these germs all over. Also, where/how/in what are you guys feeding your dogs to keep the mess "contained". I fed Tonka a meaty marrow bone once in his X pen and he dragged it all over that thing and I had to disinfect eeeeeverything.

I wouldn't worry about it any more than you worry about handling raw meat for yourself. Just use common sense, wipe down the area, and teach Tonka to eat to a confined space (Elly picked up on the fact she has to stay on her towel very quickly...I've since moved to a plastic mat, as it's easier to clean). If he doesn't stay in his spot, you can try feeding him in his crate. What I'd do, though, is put a a towel or mat or whatever you want him to eat on in the crate with him. This way he gets the idea that he needs to keep his food on that mat. Over time, you should be able to let him out of the crate without any issues of him dragging the food all over.

 

[ame16]

Also, you guys interested in starting on raw should check out the Yahoo Raw Feeding group. It's pretty much the mecca for PMR (prey model raw). You can also join them on FB.

Be warned, though, that the atmosphere there is decidedly less "friendly" than it is here. That's not to say people are mean. Quite the opposite, actually. It's merely to suggest that the forum is very directed and on point. But if you read the FAQs and rules to get an idea what the group is all about, you'll be fine.

 

[TonkaTruck28]

Also, you guys interested in starting on raw should check out the Yahoo Raw Feeding group. It's pretty much the mecca for PMR (prey model raw). You can also join them on FB.

Be warned, though, that the atmosphere there is decidedly less "friendly" than it is here. That's not to say people are mean. Quite the opposite, actually. It's merely to suggest that the forum is very directed and on point. But if you read the FAQs and rules to get an idea what the group is all about, you'll be fine.

Already awaiting approval by admin! Thanks so much for the tips!

 

[sheshistory]

What a precious lamb she is! Good girl - eat up!

 

[izstigspunks]

Luckily my boys don't really use their paws when eating, unless the pieces are unusually large. We use white vinegar and water to rinse and if we feel that that's not enough, then We clean even more thoroughly with baby wipes. For the floors its the vin and water solution as well, then mop with the shark steamer every couple of days or so. My boys eat separately as stig usually finishes a lot sooner. Punks eats in the laundry room blocked with a baby gate, and stiggy in the kitchen since he learned quickly that he's not allowed to walk off with anything or his food will be taken away.

 

[izstigspunks]

Forgot to add that similar with when you prepare your own meal from scratch, washing your hands, the counter and any bowls and utensils used are musts.