bones and raw food

B.A.R.F.
Bones and Raw Food

When I decided I wanted a Great Dane two years ago I researched the internet for a year trying to find out everything possible about the breed. I always say "if your going to do something do it right". I learned a great deal about ... what to look for in a breeder, nutrition, and training etc. When we finally got 11week old Andromeda in August of 1998 I was pretty sure I was fully prepared to take on this giant breed, and for the most part I was. I had accumulated everything I thought necessary for training and care, found what I thought to be a good vet (boy was I way off on that one, but that is another story) read every label of dog food twice and finally decided on one that I thought would provide adequate nutrition for my big pup. Soon after getting Andromeda I joined the Great Dane Mailing List. Every question I ever could have had about my puppy was answered there before I even asked it. Topics ranging from health, fun, showing, training, nutrition etc. were all discussed by breeders, trainers, owners, handlers, rescuers and dane lovers. This is where I first heard about B.A.R.F. and the book Give Your Dog A Bone by Ian Billinghurst. I was intrigued about this bones and raw food diet and even more intrigued by the testimonies given by the many Dane people about how their dogs health, skin, coat, breath, teeth, energy, and quality of life had been improved since feeding raw foods. Andromeda was six months old and already she had stinky breath (despite my brushing her teeth) and mushy stools (and remember I read all the labels and was feeding her the best food in town). I was anxious to try this diet but was not about to do it until I had read Billinghurst's book to ensure I was doing it right. But with Christmas on the way, and then Coesoig, I would have to wait. Coesoig, our Irish Wolfhound rescue, came to live with us in January 1999. At 8mo. (same age as Andromeda) he was 33" and 85lbs. He was cowhocked (from being in a crate so long) neglected and untrained, and the sweetest most affectionate dog you would ever meet. Coesoig was never really interested in food and would only eat if you were standing right beside him. He did eat quite a lot...reluctantly. But the weight gain was slow (of course that could also be because he runs it all off at the park!) With the extra food, vet, and other expenses I just couldn't justify spending any more money unless it was absolutely necessary as money was extremely tight.
Finally 4mo. and one tax return later I was able to get my books!!(as well as a gentle leader and some clicker training materiels). I read the book in three days highlighting everything. It was absolutely fascinating!! I will never look at nutrition (animal or human) the same again. In his book Billinghurst explains how commercial dog foods, (even some of the best brands) by promising "complete and balanced" nutrition actually deprive your dog of all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to live a healthy life. and by feeding a diet based on raw meaty bones and crushed raw veggies with few supplements you can give your dog the diet that its body was designed for. Since creation the dog has survived by preying on other animals for food. They ate the raw meat, intestines, bones, and stomach contents (similar to the crushed veggies we feed) of their prey. It has only been the last 100 years here in the US (fewer in other countries) that dogs have been eating commercial foods. And it has been within that time that we have seen vets pop up (and mulitiply).
We started B.A.R.F. on June 1st. It has only been a week and I am anxious to see the changes in my pups. Coesoig who was 35" 105lbs when we started this diet has for the first time since we have had him actually been excited to eat. He loves his raw turkey wings and necks and eats his veggie meal straight through. It does take a little longer to prepare (I run the veggies trough a juicer every day, about 15 min. total) but it is worth it to know that it will improve the life and health of my canine family members. Now if only Charlie and I can start eating as well as the dogs......

Before starting raw foods it is imperative that you learn how do do it right. I recommend reading one if not all of the following books.....

Give Your Dog a Bone, Ian Billinghurst - brilliant and very easy to read

Grow Your Pups With Bones, Ian Billinghurst - especially recommended for those with puppies

Ultimate Diet: Natural Nutrition For Dogs and Cats, Kymythy R. Schultz, AHI. - have not read this one but it is highly recommended among "barfers"

Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D. & Susan Hubble Pitcairn - full of wonderful holistic information....(not recommended for it's feeding info!!!)

All of the above books can be found at ... dogandcatbooks.com