| Taylormade Pet Care "Because Animals are a Joy!" |
| (c) Tamara Taylor 2004. All rights reserved. |
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| Canine Nutrition |
| Navigation |
Through my background in Animal Science I've had the opportunity to study individual
nutrients and their roles in the body. I've studied feed ingredients and ration formulation.
Animal Nutrition is one of my favourite topics and I've spent a lot of time educating myself
on the subject. An ideal diet is one that not only allows your pet to thrive, not just survive by
meeting minimum nutritional requirements. An ideal diet should also be biologically
appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of the species at hand. I have found that the
best choice for my own dogs is the raw diet. I do not claim that the raw diet is the perfect
diet, or that it works for every dog and every lifestyle. It is what I've personally found to be
the best choice for my animals. I encourage every pet owner to educate themselves about
their pet's nutrition so that they can make a responsible, informed decision when it comes to
their own pet's care.
nutrients and their roles in the body. I've studied feed ingredients and ration formulation.
Animal Nutrition is one of my favourite topics and I've spent a lot of time educating myself
on the subject. An ideal diet is one that not only allows your pet to thrive, not just survive by
meeting minimum nutritional requirements. An ideal diet should also be biologically
appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of the species at hand. I have found that the
best choice for my own dogs is the raw diet. I do not claim that the raw diet is the perfect
diet, or that it works for every dog and every lifestyle. It is what I've personally found to be
the best choice for my animals. I encourage every pet owner to educate themselves about
their pet's nutrition so that they can make a responsible, informed decision when it comes to
their own pet's care.
| What We Feed |
We feed our dogs a species appropriate raw diet. We provide our dogs with a variety of
raw foods from various animal and plant species. We do not feed a complete meal
containing all the ingredients in one sitting. Instead we ensure they receive "balance over
time" by providing variety everyday. Remember, variety is key and nothing is set in stone.
Our diet is flexible and there is lots of room to tailor the diet to each dog's specific dietary
needs. Our mature dogs receive approximately 2-3% of their body weight in food each day
depending on condition.
raw foods from various animal and plant species. We do not feed a complete meal
containing all the ingredients in one sitting. Instead we ensure they receive "balance over
time" by providing variety everyday. Remember, variety is key and nothing is set in stone.
Our diet is flexible and there is lots of room to tailor the diet to each dog's specific dietary
needs. Our mature dogs receive approximately 2-3% of their body weight in food each day
depending on condition.
Smaller stools that turn white and disintegrate in a few days.
Clean, white teeth without brushing or a trip to the vet.
Reduced doggy odour.
Improved health and vitality = lower vet bills.
Better weight control.
You have more control over the quality and ingredients of your dog's diet.
Puppies grow at an appropriate rate
Improved longevity.
Reduction in the chemicals your dog is exposed to that are commonly included in
commercial pet foods.
Improved energy in previously lethargic dogs.
Many allergies and skin conditions improve when switched to the raw diet.
Easy to make at home with readily available and inexpensive ingredients.
Less expensive than premium kibble.
Clean, white teeth without brushing or a trip to the vet.
Reduced doggy odour.
Improved health and vitality = lower vet bills.
Better weight control.
You have more control over the quality and ingredients of your dog's diet.
Puppies grow at an appropriate rate
Improved longevity.
Reduction in the chemicals your dog is exposed to that are commonly included in
commercial pet foods.
Improved energy in previously lethargic dogs.
Many allergies and skin conditions improve when switched to the raw diet.
Easy to make at home with readily available and inexpensive ingredients.
Less expensive than premium kibble.
| Reported Benefits of the Raw Diet |
It is my opinion that the raw diet is the best choice for my dogs and I. The raw diet may
not be right for every dog and owner. It is essential that every new raw feeder take the time
to do their own research. Below is an exhaustive list of the websites that I found to be very
helpful during the learning process. Take the time to do your research. Knowledge will give
you the confidence and background to pursue the raw diet.
If possible try to find a raw mentor - someone familiar with the diet that can guide you
through the switch and answer any questions you may have. Even if it is just someone to
reassure you that you are following the correct steps, they are invaluable and worth their
weight in gold!
Variety is KEY to achieving balance over time. Be careful not to fall in the rut of relying on
the same foods day after day after day. For example, relying on one protein source for an
extended period of time can result in your dog developing a sensitivity to that particular
protein source.
Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene. Dogs are biologically equipped with a shorter digestive tract
enabling them to digest raw foods. It is still essential, however, to practice safe food
handling practices when dealing with your dog's raw food. Handle it the same way you
would handle your own raw meat. Keep meat frozen or refrigerated when not feeding it. I
like to thaw my meat in a sink of ~HOT~ water prior to feeding rather than leaving it
overnight on the counter. Keep surfaces, utensils and dishes clean.
We use stainless steel dishes and bowls for both food and water. They are easier to clean as
steel will not harbour microorganisms as plastic dishes will. Plastic water bowls also
deteriorate over time. We made the switch to stainless steel after one of my dogs developed
a hair follicle infection from a plastic dish.
This diet is not difficult, time consuming or expensive to prepare. It just takes some
research, planning and organization. Once you have your routine and sources of supplies
established it will be easy! Best of luck on your journey to whole health for your pet. Please
email me if you have any further questions.
not be right for every dog and owner. It is essential that every new raw feeder take the time
to do their own research. Below is an exhaustive list of the websites that I found to be very
helpful during the learning process. Take the time to do your research. Knowledge will give
you the confidence and background to pursue the raw diet.
If possible try to find a raw mentor - someone familiar with the diet that can guide you
through the switch and answer any questions you may have. Even if it is just someone to
reassure you that you are following the correct steps, they are invaluable and worth their
weight in gold!
Variety is KEY to achieving balance over time. Be careful not to fall in the rut of relying on
the same foods day after day after day. For example, relying on one protein source for an
extended period of time can result in your dog developing a sensitivity to that particular
protein source.
Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene. Dogs are biologically equipped with a shorter digestive tract
enabling them to digest raw foods. It is still essential, however, to practice safe food
handling practices when dealing with your dog's raw food. Handle it the same way you
would handle your own raw meat. Keep meat frozen or refrigerated when not feeding it. I
like to thaw my meat in a sink of ~HOT~ water prior to feeding rather than leaving it
overnight on the counter. Keep surfaces, utensils and dishes clean.
We use stainless steel dishes and bowls for both food and water. They are easier to clean as
steel will not harbour microorganisms as plastic dishes will. Plastic water bowls also
deteriorate over time. We made the switch to stainless steel after one of my dogs developed
a hair follicle infection from a plastic dish.
This diet is not difficult, time consuming or expensive to prepare. It just takes some
research, planning and organization. Once you have your routine and sources of supplies
established it will be easy! Best of luck on your journey to whole health for your pet. Please
email me if you have any further questions.
| Important Considerations |
I made the decision to switch to raw in 2000. My rescue dog, Luke, had been experiencing
intestinal troubles for six months. He had chronic diarrhea and we couldn't keep weight on
him. It seemed we were visiting the vet every week. We tried several different types of
premium kibble and veterinary prescription diets. Luke was on long term corticosteroids but
he wasn't improving. My veterinarian was out of ideas and the next step was surgery to
explore his gastrointestinal tract to determine what the problem was.
In desperation I looked for an alternative. I stumbled across the raw diet. My first
impression was that this was a crazy, dangerous, unfounded way to feed our pets devised
by 'tree huggers'. After all, hadn't I always been told not to give chicken bones to dogs? I
was curious and decided to look into it a little more before completely rejected the idea. I
talked to numerous people that had been feeding the diet for years and read everything I
could get my hands. I finally decided to try it. The next step in Luke's battle would be
surgery. What did I have to lose?
I decided to switch Luke over to the diet although my current veterinarian was adamant that
it was a bad idea. Several weeks after the switch Luke was a completely different dog. The
diarrhea stopped, his coat began to shine, he put on weight and his outlook on life
improved. He was the happy, energetic dog he once was. Even my anti-raw veterinarian
was impressed with his progress. My veterinarian still didn't approve of the diet, but she
couldn't deny that it had really made the difference for Luke. Since Luke's improvement
I've switched all of my dogs to the raw diet and never looked back.
intestinal troubles for six months. He had chronic diarrhea and we couldn't keep weight on
him. It seemed we were visiting the vet every week. We tried several different types of
premium kibble and veterinary prescription diets. Luke was on long term corticosteroids but
he wasn't improving. My veterinarian was out of ideas and the next step was surgery to
explore his gastrointestinal tract to determine what the problem was.
In desperation I looked for an alternative. I stumbled across the raw diet. My first
impression was that this was a crazy, dangerous, unfounded way to feed our pets devised
by 'tree huggers'. After all, hadn't I always been told not to give chicken bones to dogs? I
was curious and decided to look into it a little more before completely rejected the idea. I
talked to numerous people that had been feeding the diet for years and read everything I
could get my hands. I finally decided to try it. The next step in Luke's battle would be
surgery. What did I have to lose?
I decided to switch Luke over to the diet although my current veterinarian was adamant that
it was a bad idea. Several weeks after the switch Luke was a completely different dog. The
diarrhea stopped, his coat began to shine, he put on weight and his outlook on life
improved. He was the happy, energetic dog he once was. Even my anti-raw veterinarian
was impressed with his progress. My veterinarian still didn't approve of the diet, but she
couldn't deny that it had really made the difference for Luke. Since Luke's improvement
I've switched all of my dogs to the raw diet and never looked back.
| Why Did We Choose Raw? |
| Twig Photo Courtesy of English Kennels |
A sample diet includes (but is not strictly limited to) the following ingredients:
70% of the Diet Includes:
Whole Ground Chicken (including offal)
Whole Ground Turkey (including offal)
Whole Chicken Backs
Whole Mutton with Bones
Whole Beef with Bones
Whole Sardines in Spring water
Whole Pork with Bones
Elk, Antelope and other Wild Meats
Heart, Kidney, Liver from a Variety of Species. Different species provide different
combinations of amino acids in their offal. Thus, it is important to supply offal from
a variety of species.
Whole Beef Tongue
Whole Fresh or Frozen Fish
Green Tripe
The Remaining 30% of the Diet is Comprised of:
A WIDE variety of whole fruits and veggies.
When mixing a batch of veggie mush I tend to stick to the "Rule of Six". I use AT LEAST
six different veggies and fruits (including at least two 'green leafies') in each batch. I ensure
that the following batch is made up of six different veggies and fruits. This is an easy way
for me to remember to keep variety in the diet.
Whole Eggs With Shell
Sugarless Plain Yogurt
Don't forget about big recreational bones to maintain tooth and gum health and the dog's
mental wellbeing of being able to chew like nature intended him to.
Supplements
Supplements are a personal choice. Some people choose not to supplement while others
choose to supplement a lot. I tend to supplement based on the individual dog's needs. My
healthy dogs are supplemented for the essential fatty acids while my immune suppressed
dog tends to get a wider range of vitamins and minerals. Again, each dog is different and it
is important to assess their needs when determining the level of supplementation you are
comfortable with.
Fatty Acid Oil Mixture - add 1 teaspoon per 25 lb body weight daily
2 Parts Corn Oil
1 Part Cod Liver Oil
1 Part Salmon or Flaxseed Oil
1200 IU Vit E per 16 oz Liquid
This recipe was given to me by my holistic veterinarian. The mixture leaves the coats soft
and shiny. Again, there is lots of flexibility with this recipe. I opt to use Salmon Oil rather
than Flaxseed since one of my dog gets the itchies from flax. You can also reduce the
amount of Cod Liver Oil during summer when your dog may be outside more than usual
and is therefore synthesizing adequate Vitamin D on his own.
We are currently supplementing with a wonderful product called Synflex which gives the
dogs great joint support as well as a wide variety of other key nutrients and essential fatty
acids.
Depending on the individual dog's level of health/stress I may also add Zinc Gluconate,
Echinacea (not for long term use), Garlic, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Apple Cider Vinegar, Kelp,
Alfalfa, probiotics and digestive enzyme from a human health food store.
70% of the Diet Includes:
Whole Ground Chicken (including offal)
Whole Ground Turkey (including offal)
Whole Chicken Backs
Whole Mutton with Bones
Whole Beef with Bones
Whole Sardines in Spring water
Whole Pork with Bones
Elk, Antelope and other Wild Meats
Heart, Kidney, Liver from a Variety of Species. Different species provide different
combinations of amino acids in their offal. Thus, it is important to supply offal from
a variety of species.
Whole Beef Tongue
Whole Fresh or Frozen Fish
Green Tripe
The Remaining 30% of the Diet is Comprised of:
A WIDE variety of whole fruits and veggies.
When mixing a batch of veggie mush I tend to stick to the "Rule of Six". I use AT LEAST
six different veggies and fruits (including at least two 'green leafies') in each batch. I ensure
that the following batch is made up of six different veggies and fruits. This is an easy way
for me to remember to keep variety in the diet.
Whole Eggs With Shell
Sugarless Plain Yogurt
Don't forget about big recreational bones to maintain tooth and gum health and the dog's
mental wellbeing of being able to chew like nature intended him to.
Supplements
Supplements are a personal choice. Some people choose not to supplement while others
choose to supplement a lot. I tend to supplement based on the individual dog's needs. My
healthy dogs are supplemented for the essential fatty acids while my immune suppressed
dog tends to get a wider range of vitamins and minerals. Again, each dog is different and it
is important to assess their needs when determining the level of supplementation you are
comfortable with.
Fatty Acid Oil Mixture - add 1 teaspoon per 25 lb body weight daily
2 Parts Corn Oil
1 Part Cod Liver Oil
1 Part Salmon or Flaxseed Oil
1200 IU Vit E per 16 oz Liquid
This recipe was given to me by my holistic veterinarian. The mixture leaves the coats soft
and shiny. Again, there is lots of flexibility with this recipe. I opt to use Salmon Oil rather
than Flaxseed since one of my dog gets the itchies from flax. You can also reduce the
amount of Cod Liver Oil during summer when your dog may be outside more than usual
and is therefore synthesizing adequate Vitamin D on his own.
We are currently supplementing with a wonderful product called Synflex which gives the
dogs great joint support as well as a wide variety of other key nutrients and essential fatty
acids.
Depending on the individual dog's level of health/stress I may also add Zinc Gluconate,
Echinacea (not for long term use), Garlic, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Apple Cider Vinegar, Kelp,
Alfalfa, probiotics and digestive enzyme from a human health food store.
| Option 1 - Do It Yourself |
| Option 2 - Pre-Made |
Pre-made raw patties, ground meats and supplements are now readily available to purchase
in most areas. If you are short on time or don't want the trouble of preparing your own diet
these can be a great option. Alternatively, you can use the ground meats and patties in
combination with your own ground veggies, or add a pre-mixed supplement. The
wonderful thing about raw is that it is very flexible and you can tailor it to fit in with your
lifestyle. Two of our favourite pre-made raw product lines are:
Urban Carnivore
Mountain Dog Food
in most areas. If you are short on time or don't want the trouble of preparing your own diet
these can be a great option. Alternatively, you can use the ground meats and patties in
combination with your own ground veggies, or add a pre-mixed supplement. The
wonderful thing about raw is that it is very flexible and you can tailor it to fit in with your
lifestyle. Two of our favourite pre-made raw product lines are:
Urban Carnivore
Mountain Dog Food
| How Much Do I Feed? |
General Guidelines
Feed:
2% of body weight to lose weight
2.5 to 3% of body weight to maintain current condition
Increase % to put weight on an underweight dog
Puppies may require up to 10% of their body weight
Adjust according to body condition. This link may help determine your pet's condition:
Recognizing an Overweight Pet
Feed:
2% of body weight to lose weight
2.5 to 3% of body weight to maintain current condition
Increase % to put weight on an underweight dog
Puppies may require up to 10% of their body weight
Adjust according to body condition. This link may help determine your pet's condition:
Recognizing an Overweight Pet
If you are interested in starting your research please check out our exhaustive list of raw
and nutrition links.
and nutrition links.
| Luke is the picture of health after being on the raw diet. |
| The information on this page is provided for your own personal use and is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of a veterinarian. |
| What If I Want to Feed Raw but Don't Have the Time or Energy at the Moment? |
When life gets too hectic (ie. moving, new baby!) to properly feed raw we rely on the next
best thing. We feed Innova EVO when we are unable to feed our dogs raw.
best thing. We feed Innova EVO when we are unable to feed our dogs raw.
