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I wanted to share my experiences of starting my 7.5yr old dog, Einstein, on a raw diet. I’m not talking about commercially prepared raw diets, I’m saying, “give your dog a bone” diet; prey model. This diet is based on supplying what a dog may catch as whole prey; the whole body.

I have done a lot of my own research, most of which was talking to hundreds of other owners who have been feeding raw for years, reading books and any bit of research that was out there. Unfortunately, you won’t find any research in a medical journal. As long as the big commercial pet food companies are funding these journals, they will not let this secret out…they would go out of business. Instead, you will easily find articles based on ‘fear mongering’, threatening the risk of salmonella poisoning and punctured intestines. Like most things, use common sense. Wash your hands, dishes, areas where raw food has been prepared and eaten and don’t feed cooked bones. Oh right, and don’t play in or eat your dog’s poop.

A dog’s intestine is unique in its own way; it is much shorter and food travels through it quickly. It also has a unique ability to wrap soft matter (e.g. skin, tissue, feathers and fur), around hard matter, like bones. Raw bones are also quite soft and pliable, hence why you should never give your dog cooked bones, ever. Also be careful of weight bearing bones of large animals, as they are hard and big and may chip teeth.

I went to my local butcher to see what he had in meat that wasn’t too expensive. I told him it was for my dog. He knew exactly what I was talking about and told me about all of his different customers that feed their dogs’ raw and all of the different ways they go about getting the meat. He had some chicken quarters for a dollar a pound and some offal (organs). I spent forty dollars and left with a bag full of chicken quarters, a whole cow tongue, kidney and heart.

Day one, for Einstein’s first raw breakfast, I put a whole chicken quarter in his dish and said, “Here you are, now you get the good stuff “. I was surprised at how natural it was for him to get right into a raw meaty bone. Meanwhile, I’m standing over him with my cell phone in hand ready to call emergency. I didn’t take my eyes off of him for a second. Crunch, crunch, crunch…oh my goodness, he’s eating the bone! He was done in minutes. It was amazing to watch a dog eat what they are intended to eat. His jaw and teeth in action, working the way they should be. Einstein ate the whole thing with his tail between his legs, he was probably thinking, I’m not normally allowed to eat this, but here it is in my dish…I’m eating it! I watched him all day, expecting there to be issues…Nothing. All day, he was calm and quiet. Meal time is now greeted with such enthusiasm and a much calmer dog.

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(Ottawa Dog of the Week for July 20th/09)

“I researched for a long time what breed of dog would be best for me, and the answer always came back to a pug. They are funny, clever, affectionate companions, and usually great with other pets and children. I love their wrinkly little faces, sideways walk, and curly, cinnamon-bun tails! I had to wait several years but I finally got my pug! Satchmo is the sweetest little guy! I got him as a puppy at 11 weeks old, and he is now 2 years old.

Wherever I go, you will usually find him there, half a step behind me. He is a lot of fun to hang out with, up for anything from rides in the car, going to Nannie’s, playing in the dog park, going for long walks in the Arboretum, or cuddling on the couch watching TV. He understands over 30 people words, including all of his toys by name: Kong, Hedgehog, Lion, and NewToy (its not new anymore, but the name stuck!) The kitties are not so convinced of his awesomeness, but he has learned that they don’t mind him when he’s on his best behaviour.

He loves going to the cottage in the summer, where he runs all-day with his doggie-cousins, and swims in the lake. Not many pugs like to swim, but he gets right in there and paddles around to play with us in the water and to cool off. He likes to stick his tongue out when he swims. He loves to have visitors over; his snorts, wiggles, and “pug-run” make him the clown of the party! Everyone who meets him loves Satchmo’s quirky, loveable character, but no one loves him like his Mama!” – Satchmo’s mom, Kim

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Thank you to Barry (and Trice) who sent this to me. Please read this blog regarding a certain dog toy that is extremely dangerous and has already killed one dog.

While chewing on the toy, a vacuum was created and it effectively sucked his tongue into the hole in the ball. From speaking with my vet, this likely occurred because there is not a second hole in the ball preventing the vacuum effect from happening. I became aware of this when Chai approached a friend at my home whimpering with the ball in his mouth. She tried unsuccessfully to remove the ball but the tongue had swollen and could not be released.

Chai had to have his tongue amputated and is learning to live life without it now. Another dog who had this happen to him lost his life due to the injuries.

Please read The Chai Story and make sure you are not using this toy.

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