Raw food question

xxClairexx · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:31 pm Post subject: Raw food question

Hi

It's been ages since I posted, have been viewing but not posting, it's been a bit hectic in my house! Rolling Eyes

Anyway, I have a quick question about feeding the raw food diet, hope you don't mind? I feel a bit cheeky as it's been so long Embarassed

I'm thinking of changing Pumpkin onto this as she seems to have problems with her coat on Burns. She was originally on Burns but came off it as she started to get lose her hair in a certain patch on her back and also on her underarm bit of her front legs. She tried different varieties but it alll had the same effect. So we played around for a while with different brands, such as Arden Grange but no change. We changed to the cereal free JWB and she was ok on this for a while, her patch re grew and her hair came back on her leg but after six months or so she decided she didn't like it and refused to eat it so went back on the Burns. She's only been back on this for six weeks and her patch has come back and she's started to lose her hair again on her leg.

Sooo, after looking at various sites and posts, we think the raw diet would be the best as we would know exactly what she's getting. My question is, do you think it will help her coat and hair loss? I'm sure it must but am a bit nervous - I just want her to be happy with her food Sad

AlfiesMum · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:36 pm Post subject:

I suppose it depends whats causing the hairloss Confused

I think alfie has allergies to certain foods and since being on raw it has helped alot and his coat has never looked better Very Happy

Why not try it? I'm sure she will love it Very Happy

sarsy_c · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:08 pm Post subject:

Just a warning, dont launch her straight onto it, ease her in and watch for any sloppy poopies or sickness. BARF made Berry very poorly very quickly, both the raw lamb and the raw beef.

For most dogs, i've herd it's briliant and i seem to be in the minority for those who've experienced their dogs becomming seriously ill from it. I started off giving her regular food in the morning then when I got home from work she'd have a raw meaty bone.

If you're lucky like i was, a local butcher will give you some bits for free. My butcher gave me a weeks worth but after 3 days my vet told me to stop. Just go in and say you have a dog and do they have any scraps? Most are gad to get rid of it as they have to pay to have it taken away and disposed of properly.

xxClairexx · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:20 pm Post subject:

Oh gosh, I'm sorry to hear Berry was so poorly Crying or Very sad

- hope all is ok now?

We will ease her into it, very slowly and fingers crossed she'll be ok.

Thank you for your help Smile

sarsy_c · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:24 pm Post subject:

Oh yes, this was a while ago, we've had various skin, tummy and bowel problems since (i saw 'we', i mean her!) i think she just has a particulary sensitive tum so to help her dry skin i make sure she as olive oil over her evening meal, oily fish at least once a week and i've not got some neem oil which i'm told is very good.

I'm sure someone else will have experience of hair loss in their dog as well, Berry loses plenty but that's natural unfortunately for me! It's normally an allergy so unless there's something obvious to you it could be an ingredient in the food.

I've no idea still what sets Berry's allergies off, something outside, possibly mucky water, but if she's gets a rash its a bit unpredictable. if your girls hair loss is a constant thing its safe to assume its something that she eats/encounters every day.

xxClairexx · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:34 pm Post subject:

I'm glad Berry seems to be sorted, she certainly looks yummy!

I asked our vet to have a look when she was in for her jabs and he seems to think it's an allergy and I agree, it must be something in her food - the only time it cleared up was when she was on the cereal free JWB but she just doesn't like it Rolling Eyes

We'll see what happens, fingers crossed she'll be ok as I'm not sure what else we can try Rolling Eyes

Thanks again Sarah Smile

sarsy_c · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:37 pm Post subject:

No problem, happy to help when I can - lord knows i'd have had nervous breakdowns at work by now if i hadnt have had experience stories from other members.

I swear i've nearly killed Berry at least 3 times so far and I've only had her 7 months but other people's experiences have always put my mind at rest.

Sounds like it's the food then, I'm personally in the process of switching to CSJ as that's all natural goodness (even though i now know its not her food that's doing it!) but I just think if it's all natural you cant go wrong!

xxClairexx · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:42 pm Post subject:

I agree, I looked at CSJ last night, how funny! Hope it sorts Berry out Laughing

RubyLou · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:46 pm Post subject:

I am also considering the raw food diet and will be giving Natural Instinct a go:

http://www.naturalinstinct.com/

Ruby too has a few issues (mainly inflammed ears) which our vet said is most likely caused by an allergy so I feed her cerial free, she has Wainwrights (PAH own brand) Salmon & potato kibble for breakfast & Natures Menu pouches for her dinner both of which suit her really well.

xxClairexx · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:52 pm Post subject:

Thanks Lou, I'll have a look at that - hope Ruby enjoys it Laughing