Switching to raw...had a setback

[AMC7181]

I've been researching raw diets for awhile now, via articles in Whole Dog Journal, online, and the book Real Food for Healthy Dogs & Cats. Our pre-raw diet was 1/2 Blue Buffalo Chicken & Rice plus 1/2 canned food (various natural varieties).

I started to test out raw late last week by giving a little bit of raw food in the Pugs' existing meals, then moved to very small meals of all raw (about 1/3 the size of a regular meal) and cut back the regular food accordingly. The calorie content is obviously quite different so I've been careful to keep the daily caloric amount approximately the same.

Tonight we did our first full-size raw meal; low-fat ground beef (boneless), a veggie/fruit puree (cucumber, spinach, carrot, red pepper, tomato, pineapple), and a bit of sardine (packed in water). (I know we have to add supplements if the raw switch continues...my efforts the last week have just been to see how my Pugs do with raw.)

Peyton vomited it all up about an hour after he ate. Bailey doesn't appear to be having any issues.

They had both tried raw ground beef, raw boneless chicken, and sardines previously - no issues. They hadn't had this exact veggie/fruit puree but they have had tomato and pineapple before.

Maybe a full meal was too much, too soon? Some raw food advocates recommend adding a digestive enzyme support and/or probiotics, especially during the switch-over time; I was planning to purchase those when I get the other supplements (after being 100% sure we're going raw); maybe I need to pick them up now?

I've seen in other threads that several people on the board are very experienced with feeding raw, so I'd be very appreciative of any input you could provide.

[AbbyGus]

We have been through a ton of trial and error here. I cringe every time I think about the huge batch (what was I thinking making so much?!) of ground beef based slop we made that got thrown out because Gus just flat out cannot tolerate beef. He pukes it up every time.

My suggestions: One barf does not mean it's not going to work. Sometimes things just come back up, even when you're feeding kibble.

The other is, regarding the vegie puree, add one at a time. That's a pretty complicated combination, so it makes it harder to eliminate what is causing the trouble.

We don't really do any supplementation here. From what I have read, as their systems get used to the raw diet, the pH in their guts changes as well so I'm not sure they really need extra digestive enzymes and/or probiotics. That's just our own experience around here though..your mileage may vary.

Best of luck to you! It really is worth it.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

I use a prepared raw, Nature's Variety. I don't do a gradual switch, I find they adjust better cold turkey. A digestive enzyme and probiotic are recommended especially for the first week or two. Most pugs, depending on, size, age, activity level and metabolism do very well on between 1/2 and 1 frozen patty a day split into two feedings.

Take care,
Lisa

[Pugpillow]

Wow, you're throwing a lot at them at one time. I'd do either meat or fish, not both at the same time, and I'd ease up on the veggies/fruits a little. Tomato and pineapple are both very acidic and it may be too much. Try a more bland combination. Remember that balanced nutrition doesn't mean that every meal has to be balanced. But it should be balanced over time. Personally I usually stick with one protein source per meal.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

And chicken, turkey or rabbit are easier on the tummy than beef, bison, venison, lamb, etc. You might want to save the beef for later and start with one of those.

Take care,
Lisa

[frankoliverlucy]

[QUOTE=6 Beautiful Pugs;1527697]I use a prepared raw, Nature's Variety. I don't do a gradual switch, I find they adjust better cold turkey. A digestive enzyme and probiotic are recommended especially for the first week or two. Most pugs, depending on, size, age, activity level and metabolism do very well on between 1/2 and 1 frozen patty a day split into two feedings.

Where can I find prepared raw? I want to start for our babies, especially Frank who has chronic ear and skin problems... But am a little leary of getting adeequate vitamins and nutrition. I have a friend who buys a powdered mx to add to raw meat Do you use a product like this?

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

No. It is prepared and complete and frozen into patties or medallions, or sometimes chubs. Petco has recently started carrying Nature's Variety raw at some stores. You should be able to find a prepared raw at a pet store near you, some excellent brands:

Nature's Variety: Instinct Raw Frozen Diets for Dogs and Cats | Nature's Variety

Complete Raw Diets for Pets: Raw Frozen Formulas

http://www.stellaandchewys.com/dog-products.php

Take care,
Lisa

[CSollers]

I use a prepared raw, Nature's Variety. I don't do a gradual switch, I find they adjust better cold turkey. A digestive enzyme and probiotic are recommended especially for the first week or two. Most pugs, depending on, size, age, activity level and metabolism do very well on between 1/2 and 1 frozen patty a day split into two feedings.

Take care,
Lisa

Lisa, are these 4 oz. patties?

[frankoliverlucy]

with the Prepared Raw, How much do you feed per day?
My pugs range from 18-23lbs

[frankoliverlucy]

Ignore my previous post, Sorry I just read 6 Beautiful Pugs poat ab how much to feed...