Raw Feeding Again: and I'm not sorry!

[Cob-Web]

Oh good.  Rachel - I bought the Prize Choice mince and bone without any veg. It was £3.35 for 2kg. Where do you buy Forthglade from?

Our local independant pet store has just changed hands and started stocking Forthglade frozen raw mince - I prefer to shop there than Jolleys for the Prize Choice and it's cheaper, too

I hadn't realised the 2kg bags of Prize Choice contain bone, tbh - I buy mince in small 400g portions, as we only have small freezer, so they fit in better 

I am on a mission for a kneecap now, we've never had one of those   

[Joules]

When I went into my local butcher to get some bones for Coco, I asked them if they had any lamb bones.  They said they only keep beef bones as lamb bones are prone to splinter and are therefore no good for dogs.  Has anyone else found this?  Bearing in mind that some people say beef bones are hard and wear the teeth down, I thought I would try some lamb but now can't get any.  Any advice gratefully received. 

[Annette]

Yep, that's the problem I have been having.

Still haven't managed to find any that don't cost as much as my own Sunday dinner!

[Rhona W]

When I went into my local butcher to get some bones for Coco, I asked them if they had any lamb bones.  They said they only keep beef bones as lamb bones are prone to splinter and are therefore no good for dogs.  Has anyone else found this?  Bearing in mind that some people say beef bones are hard and wear the teeth down, I thought I would try some lamb but now can't get any.  Any advice gratefully received. 

Could you ask them if they would keep some for you?  The butcher I go to is saving lamb ribs and hearts for me throughout the week for me to collect on Fridays. I was lucky the first time I went as he had some in and sold me 1kg of ribs for 30p. The second time he didn't have any to begin with, but by the time we'd finished talking he had 2kg  that he gave me free.

[Penel]

I get tripe in bulk from Landywoods - 26 p a pound - two pounds feeds five of em for breakfast 

Annette - did you post on Britbarf and ask for friendly butchers in your area ?

[Rhona W]

I get tripe in bulk from Landywoods - 26 p a pound - two pounds feeds five of em for breakfast 

Penel - Do you feed tripe on its own or do you mix something in with it?

[Nicola]

I get tripe in bulk from Landywoods - 26 p a pound - two pounds feeds five of em for breakfast 

Penel - Do you feed tripe on its own or do you mix something in with it?

When Alfie gets tripe I give it on its own (and at the bottom of the garden - it stinks!  )

[Joules]

Tripe is one step too far for me - the tripe sticks are smelly enough.    I don't think Coco will be trying fresh tripe any time soon!!   

[Annette]

I get tripe in bulk from Landywoods - 26 p a pound - two pounds feeds five of em for breakfast 

Annette - did you post on Britbarf and ask for friendly butchers in your area ?

Yes, but nil back.

I will try again, it was kind of buried in my introduction which Derek did not warn me would be published on the forum. That's one weird site!

[DennyK]

Joules

I think that the concern with lamb bones splintering is if they have been cooked.  Since most people who buy them will cook them, that's probably why the butcher told you he didn't keep them in. 

My butchers start laughing when I come in: they don't know anyone who feeds their dog raw meat and bones, which they think is a hoot....

Paddy's breath pongs to high heaven today - don't know if it's the lump of oxtail he had last night or the colitis.  sadly - think it's the latter.....

[Rhona W]

When Alfie gets tripe I give it on its own (and at the bottom of the garden - it stinks!  )

Does it smell as bad as the lambs' liver and ox's kidney that they had for tea tonight? 

[Petra]

Dill gets raw green tripe and I don't think it smells too bad....

[Cob-Web]

Dill gets raw green tripe and I don't think it smells too bad....

I agree - but then OH was retching when he gave Molo some rabbit yesterday - I couldn't smell it though 

[Penel]

Yes I feed tripe on its own, most mornings - you get used to the smell - it isn't in their bowls very long    I do mix some raw pulped veg into it sometimes, or a raw egg - but usually they get it on its own.

I would keep Paddy on a very simple raw diet for a while if you can - oxtail is pretty rich stuff.

[Abby]

Paddy's breath pongs to high heaven today - don't know if it's the lump of oxtail he had last night or the colitis.  sadly - think it's the latter.....

Hi Denise, hope Pads is okay today. We're also having issues with smelly breath - oddly though Clive never had it before even with the colitis (Mr sweet breath) and just in the last couple of weeks he stinks! I did finally get round to cleaning his lipfolds yesterday, so I'll see what happens, plus I've got him some smell absorbing treats for the really bad times (don't want to use them long term though, as they just disguise the problem, not sort it out). Unfortunately he's a kisser and half (need a heaving smilie)

It's hard isn't it, because these symptoms can be so many things? Hopefully with Paddy, a simpler diet, as Penel sugests, will help. Clive doesn't mind a pretty monotonous diet and I'm sure Pads won't notice! 

Hope you're keeping your spirits up with all the little challenges your boy is giving you atm!