Raw diet effects on health?

[RodRussell]

Thanks Rod, this is what I am mostly feeding at the moment. http://naturesmenu.co.uk/

They make a lot with rice and I don't use those but does this look good to feed in your opinion and would it be sufficient for a puppies first year? At the moment I am not adding any supplements but am looking into that. Can I ask what you would add to this or could you point me in the right direction of a place/book that is a good source? ...

Among the books we rely upon to educate us about various diets and ingredients is "Dr. Becker's Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats", by Dr. Karen Becker -- http://amzn.to/zInCFO

We also find that Dr. Becker's posts on the Internet are helpful, like these:

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites...ique-shop.aspx

http://www.drkarenbecker.com/nutriti...food_diets.htm

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites...d-disease.aspx

[Sabby]

I am having a very hard time finding a good holistic vet in my area. Does anyone in England know of any in the Peterborough, Wisbech areas?

If I can feed a new puppy raw through the first year I would much prefer that to waiting until after that year.

Hi Kim
I go to a Dog Training Club in Uppingham (not that far from Peterborough), there is a lady that has a good holistic vet but I don't know how local he is. I will find out for you.

[lucidity]

If you don't have a good vet to review your home made raw meals, I think it's a better idea to buy commercial premade raw, dehydrated, or kibble/cans as part of the dog's diet to make sure that they're getting all the vitamins they need. My dogs are getting about 40% raw in their diet right now. I don't have absolute confidence that they are getting 100% enough vitamins/minerals from it so I still feed kibble and cans, which have gone through AAFCO guidelines and have enough vitamins/minerals.

[Kim N]

Rod, LOVE Dr. Becker and get her regular emails!

Thanks Sabby, that would be great! We are actually in Welney nearer to Wisbech but go into Peterbourgh a lot since we don't have a lot here.

Lucidity, that is exactly what I am doing right now. Our vets at the moment are very basic so until we find one that suits us we are feeding commercial raw, Ziwi Peak as treats, some Ziwi peak canned and some non consumable meaty bones.