Another Raw feeding question - Page 1

When I started feeding raw about 13 years ago, someone had told never to mix proteins in one meal.  Can you mix proteins?  Can I serve fish with beef etc...  I notice on alot of the grain free kibbles and the dehydrated raw foods they do mix proteins i.e. venison and salmon.  I am just wondering what the protocol is here if there is one.  Also with regards to the coconut oil.  I have 2 dogs that will not just eat it in a big glob.  I bought some that was liquid I also bought capsules.  Is there anything wrong with feeding it other ways?  Thanks Lyn
 
 

HI LynOD;  well I do mix proteins;  so far so good.   I also have a boy that won't eat the coconut oil in a clump;  I know the pills are expensive, but I would use the coconut oil that is liquid, personally I have not seen it but don't see why it would not work, or at least help with skin/coat/shedding as long as they have not mixed it with something that is not good for our dogs.  Of course this is my opinion only and maybe Laura271 will come and help us out with something scientific to back this up.  Of course as you probably know, I start new things out slowly and proceed to the volume or measurements you want to achieve.  Also JMO, hope this helps, I always like to hear opinions on any changes I make also.  Great day,  Nan

I've seen a lot of "don't mix protein sources" mostly on raw feeding cat sites (usually referencing back to the troubleshooting section on the old Feline Future website) since apparently some cats get indigestion when you mix protein sources. I don't have cats so I can't comment on this. I've seen references to the suggestion that different protein sources digest at much different rates so you shouldn't mix them. Lastly, I've also regularly read the paragraph from the free Pat McKay ebook on raw feeding (Healthy Foods! Happy Dogs!) saying that you need to "feed one protein at a time, because each protein has its own special set of enzymes. Feeding several proteins at one meal makes it difficult for the digestive system".

I feed two (sometimes more protein sources) in one meal. Bosco seems to have a high metabolism so just feeding chicken (his usual edible bone source) at breakfast means that he has the yellow bile pukes by noon. Adding a piece of red meat (such as beef or goat) to the chicken means that he can last until his evening meal (he's fed 3.25 lbs per day and is very lean).

My first thought about using coconut oil capsules is that wouldn't you have to use a lot of capsules to add up to 1 tablespoon (for a GSD sized dog)? (Wouldn't that get very expensive?) I'd have to check a reference but isn't virgin coconut oil (not hydrogenated) a liquid above 24/25C? You could buy the solid and then gently warm it to make a liquid (ie. no need to heat the crap out of it).

You could probably just take the desired amount and put in a cup and let it sit in hot water like if you warm up honey to get it out of the jar or bottle.  ??  Might work.  Was told not to use microwave though??  Crap.  But read and know the capsules are an expensive way to go but if they will just eat them along with their dinner maybe they could be easier.  The amount you have to feed of the capsules is what makes them so expensive.  May not be the best choice.  And hey, there are a lot of oils out there, avacado, all the nut oils, olive oil are just a few but don't know if the benefits are as great as the coconut oil.  Will try to find some reading to find out though.  OK  Bye for now.  Nan

Thanks Nans and Laura for your input.  The capsules are 4 for 1 tablespoon serving.  They were on sale at vita coast that is why I bought them buy one get one. The oil i got was also through vitacoast Natures way brand liquid form for 9.99 for 10 oz bottle.  One of the ones that won't eat the glob is my border collie and she is little only 30 lbs  so she doesn't need as much.  I am using the coconut oil in a rotation with fish oil and olive oil so i don't feed it everyday.  
 
 The mulitple protein thing still has me stumped in general I don't mix proteins but have on occaision with no evident problems.  I have Dr Karen beckers book and she advocates single protein feeding even with Offal that the Offal should be mixed in with the protien should be of the same protein source. I like to mix tripe in and that is from buffalo and beef (mixed).  Maybe I am over analyzing this.
 
  Lyn