Sittnpretty Shelties Home Page

Welcome to Sittnpretty Shelties

...a little bit about BARF

Bones And Raw Food

In keeping with my philosophies, all my beloved Shelties are raised on an all natural diet which I prepare myself. It is a logical, practical method of feeding my friends. I believe it provides for their nutritonal needs more naturally and far exceeds the nutrional value found in a bag of kibble. Dogs, like people, are all individuals and require different nutrition at different times in their lives.

My BARF journey began in May of 1999. This was the beginning of a very interesting journey. Thanks to my mentor and friend Brenda Hagel of Riveriene Farms for her many words of wisdom, and for her vast amount of knowledge that she is always so willing to share, as well as her common sense approach to life. Brenda...my dogs and I thank you! My journey shall continue.

Following is an example of a typical daily menu:

I combine 5lb of mince (ground chicken, bones and skin) with 2lb of veggie mix (variety of veggies, eggs, liver, yogurt, supplements).

This is enough to feed my entire gang (currently 6 adults, 1 puppy, and 1 adult collie) for the whole day (morning and evening meal). Once everyone is dished up, I add the vitaman E and marine oil on top of the food, and then stand clear....they practically inhale their food...they just love it!
Once a week I feed a meal of cottage cheese with sardines. Also once a week I feed a meal of just raw hamburger and pumpkin. Once a week we skip a meal (usually Sunday mornings :)) Once a week my furkids get a recreation bone....this is usually a beef bone, sometimes pork bone, that has some meat on it.

On a routine basis, I check my dogs' ribs. I feel for skinny or fat and make necessary adjustments to the diet. For dogs that tend to get heavy, I add pumpkin to their reduced rations to help them feel less deprived.

HELPFUL HINTS

I grind chicken about 2 times a month, for a total of approximately 120 pounds of mince. On alternating weekends, I make the veggie mix.

Sounds simple?.....actually with a little dedication, organization and committment, it becomes quite easy.

HELPFUL THINGS TO KEEP ON HAND

Slippery Elm                                 Probiotics
Rescue Remedy                           Digestive enzymes
Honey (unpasterized)                   Supplements (from Brenda)
Marine oil                                      Vitiman E

HELPFUL READING

GIVE YOUR DOG A BONE - Dr. Ian Billinghurst, DVM
GROW YOUR PUPS WITH BONES - Dr. Ian Billinghurst, DVM
KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY THE NATURAL WAY - Pat Lazarus
THE NATURE OF ANIMAL HEALING - Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM

HELPFUL WEBSITES....more as I discover them

BARF for Beginners - FAQ
AltVetMed - Holistic Veterinary Practices
BARFcanada - An excellent list to subscribe to. The knowledge that this group of people has is incredible.
Riveriene Farms - Brenda is the list owner of BARFcanada
Peppy Pooch - check out the "Dog Nutrition" link.
Dr.Billinghurst Site - His own website for more info.

adoredbeast.com - awesome site, check out the audio clips, and info on vaccines!

Barfworld.com - Dr. Billinghurst's new website!