Quick Question

[chris.s 28]

Im changing my dogs diet from dry to raw im just wondering do I change it to raw alone or still add a bit of dry. Im just going to add little bits of raw at a time to get him used to it.

Thanks chris

[squab 2,875]

im in the process of doing the same with a 4 year old bitch who wouldnt touch raw on its own,after some advice on here im slowly adding it to her dry bit by bit then increase over time seems to be doing the trick

[greenman 221]

I feed predominantly raw but still give the odd meal of dry on its own or sometimes mix a little in. Mainly because if I'm away or working late and a neighbour or my wife has to feed the dogs for me it's easier for them. Because I feed minced chicken, game and butchers waste I know what amounts of what I've got that week so it's easier than me explaining how much they need so they get the right balance and accessing the fridge which is in my locked workshop. They get a bit of wholemeal bread/rice/pasta and veg when it's butchers trimmings, but if they are on game carcasses they get feathers, fur bones guts the works so don't feel they need it.

 

Personally on a good raw diet I don't think you need any dry. As I said I only have a bag on standby and give it maybe once a week tops just so they don't turn their noses up at it when they need it.

 

You probably know but if you go raw you need to keep on top of your worming much more than a dry diet, although I think when they are eating fur and feather that helps keep the gut clean.

[sandymere 8,263]

You want to get some form of carbs, either through adding complete or pasta, biscuits etc it doesn’t make a deal of difference. I'd use a low protein complete if feeding a lot of meat as it’s the carbs your after. Cooked veg ie table scraps are also a good addition.

In general for a lurcher you’re looking for a mix of fat and protein, from the meat with carbs as well.

"Dogs involved in sprinting and weight pulling activities such as sight hound racing or sledge pulling competitions undergo short periods of very intense exercise. These types of dogs typically do not have higher energy requirements than those of moderately active pet dogs. A greyhound expends approximately 75 kcal per race. The energy required for these types of activities is solely anaerobic and comes from the muscle energy stores. Most canine athletes engaged in sprint type activities have an energy requirement of 1.6-2 X resting energy rate1. An appropriate feeding regime for sprint type canine athletes consists of a diet that contains approximately 25% calories from protein, 30% calories from fat and 45% calories from carbohydrates" (Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, PhD, DACVN Jill Cline, PhD)

 

On rest days I'd increase the meat portion and decrees the carbs by 1/2.

Edited October 2, 2013 by sandymere

[bird 10,014]

i feed both my dogs on 50% raw mince chicken 50% dry meal 21% protein, i was told by good greyhound trainers , meat not enough on its own, they need other food(dry meal etc ...) to get a balance diet .

[greenman 221]

You want to get some form of carbs, either through adding complete or pasta, biscuits etc it doesnt make a deal of difference. I'd use a low protein complete if feeding a lot of meat as its the carbs your after. Cooked veg ie table scraps are also a good addition.

In general for a lurcher youre looking for a mix of fat and protein, from the meat with carbs as well.

"Dogs involved in sprinting and weight pulling activities such as sight hound racing or sledge pulling competitions undergo short periods of very intense exercise. These types of dogs typically do not have higher energy requirements than those of moderately active pet dogs. A greyhound expends approximately 75 kcal per race. The energy required for these types of activities is solely anaerobic and comes from the muscle energy stores. Most canine athletes engaged in sprint type activities have an energy requirement of 1.6-2 X resting energy rate1. An appropriate feeding regime for sprint type canine athletes consists of a diet that contains approximately 25% calories from protein, 30% calories from fat and 45% calories from carbohydrates" (Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, PhD, DACVN Jill Cline, PhD)

 

On rest days I'd increase the meat portion and decrees the carbs by 1/2.

That's interesting, I always keep beta puppy as my dry standby but in reality that's providing unnecessary protein when it's carbs I'm after? So a good quality adult food would be suitable.

 

I try to mix the bread/pasta or rice in because they are sneaky sods and will pick it out. I use frozen mix veg as it's easy to store and use in portions. I also buy the 5 litre cod liver oil cans and keep one in the fridge and the odd tin of fish in oil.

 

I'm not after a world beater and my dogs are fit and healthy but might try mixing a little dry each day and see if it makes a noticeable difference? What brand would you recommend?

[riohog 5,939]

ive fed raw and kibble together for years , they seem fine on it ,, yes I do feed fish , and vegi,s aswell with kibble and occasionally a tin of tomatoes mixed in . oh and fruit sometimes apple , and a bit of banana if we got it.

[chris.s 28]

Thanks everyone alot of helpful advice for me there. Thanks again chris

[sandymere 8,263]

 

 

You want to get some form of carbs, either through adding complete or pasta, biscuits etc it doesnt make a deal of difference. I'd use a low protein complete if feeding a lot of meat as its the carbs your after. Cooked veg ie table scraps are also a good addition.

In general for a lurcher youre looking for a mix of fat and protein, from the meat with carbs as well.

"Dogs involved in sprinting and weight pulling activities such as sight hound racing or sledge pulling competitions undergo short periods of very intense exercise. These types of dogs typically do not have higher energy requirements than those of moderately active pet dogs. A greyhound expends approximately 75 kcal per race. The energy required for these types of activities is solely anaerobic and comes from the muscle energy stores. Most canine athletes engaged in sprint type activities have an energy requirement of 1.6-2 X resting energy rate1. An appropriate feeding regime for sprint type canine athletes consists of a diet that contains approximately 25% calories from protein, 30% calories from fat and 45% calories from carbohydrates" (Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, PhD, DACVN Jill Cline, PhD)

 

On rest days I'd increase the meat portion and decrees the carbs by 1/2.

That's interesting, I always keep beta puppy as my dry standby but in reality that's providing unnecessary protein when it's carbs I'm after? So a good quality adult food would be suitable.

 

I try to mix the bread/pasta or rice in because they are sneaky sods and will pick it out. I use frozen mix veg as it's easy to store and use in portions. I also buy the 5 litre cod liver oil cans and keep one in the fridge and the odd tin of fish in oil.

 

I'm not after a world beater and my dogs are fit and healthy but might try mixing a little dry each day and see if it makes a noticeable difference? What brand would you recommend?

 

At the mo I use Skinners but have used Dr Johns, Vitalin and all sorts in the past, if just feeding a little then its less important but if feeding a lot of complete then go for a better one. Basically what suits your budget and the dogs.

[low plains drifter 11,262]

Red mills Tracker is a pretty good choice to mix with the raw ,20% protein and doesn't cost a lot

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

I've been feeding 25% gain 28, 75% raw meat, bone, offal, veg etc for about 6 weeks now and it's the best she's ever looked I think.

 

Performing well in the field, decent recovery rate and bouncing with energy but not hyperactive like on some dry foods.

 

The only change I may make is switching from gain 28 to Markus Muhele now that I'm feeding so little dry I can afford to spend that bit extra