can't eat any dog food - Page 4

Really what did people feed their dogs before bagged kibble came out? 

I covered that in my previous post. I am old enough to remember those days. My farming relatives were too poor to buy commercial dog food. They fed their dogs table scraps, and whatever bits of meat and bone weren't fit for human consumption. And that INCLUDED cooked bones!

No one back in tnose days could afford to buy raw meat just for their dogs. They'd get some when a farm animal was butchered, and maybe more often once the farmer could afford a deep freeze. My dad's farm didn't even have electricity until the late 1940's, though. And I've heard farmers say that they would never give their dog raw meat, because they might develop a taste for it...alive, and on the hoof!

The only raw meat the dogs were encouraged to hunt were groundhogs and racoons.

I have read several sources that state cooked bones COULD cause a bowel perforation. I just don't choose to take that chance with my dogs. There are lots of things we use to do in the "old days" that hasn't proven to be such a good idea today. We live, and hopefully some learn. I agree with you that whatever you feed your dog is your choice. I choose to feed raw and give my dogs the best chance at great health so I can have them around for years to come. Not trying to argue, but to each is own and I choose to feed raw. No need to respond, not interested.

And I was taught to never EVER give a dog chicken bones or bird bones, raw or cooked, as THEY could cause a perforated bowel. How things change...now many dog owners give their young pups raw chicken wings as snacks.

Wow, I'm sorry. I had no idea you would take this so personal. I will avoid posting any more regarding raw feeding.

I am not taking it personally, Dhaines, and I am not upset with you. I am just trying to show there are two sides to the coin, and I believe people need to hear both sides.  When I was in my teens, we nearly lost our much loved cat when his bowel was perforated by a bird bone. (Not our fault: he liked to catch his own breakfast!) So, no one is ever going to convince me raw chicken bones are safe for dogs.

Anyway, I, too, shall avoid posting anything more on this subject, to avoid further sidetracking the thread.

Peace, and out... 

Sunsilver, That sounds like a very traumatic experience, I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's all good, no feelings hurt here. We are all dog people wanting the best for our beloved animals. You seem very passionate, your pets are very luck. Berniemac, please keep us posted on you pup's progress. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Hey everyone,

Well, Ryder made an absolutely wonderful poop this morning, the best I've seen ever.  Ha, funny the things that thrill me these days.

That's great news, Bernie!

Flagyl (metronidazole) works against certain parasites, specifically (guess what?) GIARDIA! It is also used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria such as C. difficile, which causes inflammation of the large bowel, along with cramps and watery diarrhea.

So, sounds like your vet is on the right track!

Bernie, in my nursing days, I frequently rejoiced over a nice, solid poop, as well as getting to clean up the unpleasant  results of not-so-solid ones. It was good training for raising dogs!

Berniemac: how's it going? Still having solid poop? She sure is a cutie. Can you post us a new pic? I'd love to see a few more. Unfortunately they don't stay small long.

I've fed my GSD Honest Kitchen's "Thrive" since 7 weeks and she is now 13 months. It's expensive, but she has never gotten sick once. Not that that is what's keeping her healthy. Just wanted to say that we have had success with Honest Kitchen.  Knock on wood.
http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/thrive/