Thoughts on the Raw Diet?

woodylovering

My dog went to the ER vet two days ago. He's 4.5 months and was dealing with very loose bowel movements, lethargy, lack of energy, and not eating. He's been on Acana-brand puppy food, but he quickly lost interest in this, and, what the vet prescribed to him afterwards to improve digestive health (0.5 kibble and 0.5 wet food). He was also prescribed Metronidazole (antibiotics) and was given a shot for nausea. He also came up negative on his x-rays (which is great), but I feel like we haven't addressed the root cause of the issue. He had regular and solid bowel movements for about 48 hours following his emergency vet visit, but he had a loose movement again, and now he's not interested in the 0.5 Royal Canin kibble and 0.5 Royal Canin wet food combination. It's been really frustrating getting him to eat, but the energy and vigour is there, and I can tell he is very interested in eating. The Acana-brand puppy food I've been feeding him has a litany of ingredients (I've attached a picture below) and I'm beginning to think that his system is rejecting it and that he is rejecting it as a bull terrier. I read in the EBT how-to manual (and other forums) that a raw diet improves overall health, longevity, energy, and strength. I'm compelled to start buying him chicken, beef, eggs, and other proteins, mixed-in with yogurt and potentially some rice. What are your thoughts on this? How do you implement? Is raw protein and other foods from the grocery store safe for him? Any input is appreciated.

jur45

https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-dog-guides/

Have a read of this regarding getting started
It’s hard for me to advise as it was awhile back and I had a lot of allergy issues so patience and slow minimal integration of small amounts initially to get started is the key. My boys are only on raw but it will take time but maybe it will be instant success for you. Fingers crossed you get some positive outcomes and can avoid unnecessary medications. I buy from the one butcher who know me well now. It is human grade food no preservatives etc. Go with your budget as you can source good economical raw food if you don’t encounter too many allergy isdues

kellicruz

It can be very difficult to find the right food for this breed with all the skin issues etc. We use Victor grain free brand. I heard about it on this forum. I also add the salmon oil and use the vitamins that are recommended (the name escapes me!) They are expensive but my BT's coat is gorgeous from this combination. We have had to go on meds during the really bad allergy season in CA (around fall). I hate doing it but it has kept our BT away from the vet for serious paw issues that we have dealt with in the past. good luck and keep reading on this site, there are so many helpful posts.

jur45

Sounds like you’re on a winner.
I have stocked up on dry food which I’ve never used but has the minimalist of triggers I hope just in case the raw food gets hindered with the supply issues. I have to have something for them as freezing is limited also.
Keep us updated as you progress and good luck

Brooklyn

I would recommend starting out with a pre-made raw until puppy isn’t a puppy anymore as you really want to make sure of a well balanced diet during the developmental phase. Proper nutrition is crucial for correct development. Balanced Raw Diet is much more than just a meat protein, eggs and yogurt. Besides that your dog will need liver + another secreting organ, meaty bones for calcium, heart for taurine, vegies, fruits and berries for vitamins, kelp for iodine, fatty fish or fish oil for omega 3 etc. etc.
Here's a good article about staring the raw diet:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeding-primer/

Bullywitch

My ebt was weened onto by breeder and I believe it to be the best option when you get used. Remember that on average the dog needs 80% muscle meat, 10% bone and 10% liver with other offal. You will get a good indicator that this balance is right as too much offal will give dog diarrhoea and will be tarry poo, too much bone and will be pale crumbly poo. I would start if with pre packed and check label for 80/10/10 at least till you feel more confident. Start simple with one protein say turkey for example and gradually build up to at least five proteins . As you add observe skin ext for allergies. Some dogs don’t tolerate chicken or for example. Feed 2-3% of dogs ideal weight then maybe tweak if necessary. My girl is 28 kilo and I feed her roughly 700g. She loves fruit especially blueberries but don’t ever give grapes and veg as well but no onions. My girl also loves raw fish herring sprats mackerel whatever going cheap on fish stall. I don’t give her shell fish though.
I hope this helps a little. Good luck am sure your bully will love x<img src="https://bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/uploads/Uploader/df/e51e7a90a4403de6e16f659f66f763.png" /><img src="https://bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/uploads/Uploader/df/e51e7a90a4403de6e16f659f66f763.png" /><img src="https://bulliesofnc.com/BTforum/uploads/Uploader/df/e51e7a90a4403de6e16f659f66f763.png" />

Bullywitch

Just to add I wouldn’t mix raw and other food like kibble as I believe raw provides everything needed. But if you do there must be a good time lapse say 5 hrs between as they travel through the gut at different rates and can cause problems to your dog.

jur45

That’s a great chart which I’m keeping on hand Thankyou