Resources on the benefits of The Raw Food Diet:
* The Barf Diet (Raw Feeding for Dogs and Cats Using Evolutionary Principles) - by Ian Billinghurst
* Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown
* Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health by Tom Lonsdale
* Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog by Carina Beth Macdonald
Website resources and chat rooms
Yahoo Groups:
rawfeeding
RAW-lite
DixieRawJaws
QueenCityBARF
Other:
Recommended quality dog food
Innova, Timberwolf, Azmira, Canidea, Wellness, Newman’s Own, Oma’s Pride, Steve’s Raw, Froomes
Where they can be found
The Home Economist (Independence or South Blvd)
Pawtiques (Ballantyne)
The Dog Salon (thedogsalon.com) (Plaza Midwood)
Central Bark (barkst.com) (Park Rd)
City Dog USA (citydogusa.com) (Near Uptown)
Earthfare (earthfare.com) (Ballantyne or South Park)
Or if you want to have your pet food delivered you can order from Southern Accents: (sapetcare.com)
What dogs are eating
Dog nutrition has come full circle. Centuries ago, dogs either hunted or ate scraps provided by human companions. During the 20th century, commercial dog food, commonly referred to as 'kibble' was born. Kibble is something that dogs have been forced to eat to survive because it is easy and inexpensive. Companies such as Nestle (Alpo, Purina, Beneful and Pro Plan), Colgate-Palmolive (Science Diet), Heinz (Kibble’s and Bits and Nature’s Recipe), and Proctor and Gamble (Eukanuba and Iams) are primarily blending cereal and by-product recipes to make kibble. These commercial dog foods do not provide for good nutrition.
Over time, a lack of good nutrition will result in a compromised immune system which may lead to disease, cancer or early death.
Fortunately, a grass roots movement has brought this information to light and pushed for change. Ironically, the desired changes bring our society back to the origins of the species. For the past fifteen years, The Raw Food Diet has become popular and is advocated by many circles dedicated to animal care. The diet takes it's name from the simple, and historical act of feeding whole food – raw. RescuedMe encourages adoptive families to investigate and consider feeding their adoptee animals raw species appropriate food.
If this diet isn't appropriate for your lifestyle, a good quality kibble supplemented with cooked meat or canned food is the best alternative. How do I know if a commercial food is of a high standard? First, anything that is made by Nestle, Heinz, Colgate-Palmolive or Proctor and Gamble is most likely low quality – made from mostly corn or wheat and has little good quality protein. Examine the ingredients, as a general rule the ingredients that are listed up to the first fat are the major ingredients. Avoid corn and wheat gluten, by-products, BHT, artificial colors and sugar. Whole Dog Journal is a wonderful publication that you can use to educate yourself on dog nutrition as well as anything to do with natural rearing of your companion pet. This publication actually goes out to the dog food plants and reports back on what they feel is the best in breed in dog food industry.
And pay no attention to the marketing. The dog food industry is not regulated. Companies may make a claim and do not have to back it up with science. Finally, avoid foods made in China as they could be tainted with poisons.
Bottom line, there is no excuse not to feed your dog the best that is available. They are worth it! And don’t forget about the treats, no Snausages, please!