How to switch to a BARF Diet or RAW Food Diet
There is no right or wrong way to switch your loved one over to a RAW Diet but there are many options to choose from.
Ranging from fast switch to slow switch and everything in between.
Fast switch simply means that you make the change 100% at a point in time. One day you feed something else and the next you fed RAW / BARF. Cold turkey – from one diet to the next. Some dogs/cats will take to this like a duck to water and if they do congratulations! This is the simplest and easiest way.
Others won’t be such an easy convert and might require more patience and perseverance on your part.
For these fussy ones we recommend starting with a mix of the old with the new. You can start with a small portion of the RAW / BARF mixed in with the old food. If this is dry food it simply just means mixing the two, gradually decreasing the “old” and adding more of the “new” over a period of time until you have “weaned” your pet to a totally RAW / BARF diet.
If however you feed a cooked diet, you could try “warming” your RAW / BARF in the microwave for a very short period. Remember – if you cook it you will denature the very nutrients’ that you are trying to provide in their optimal form to your loved one. It is a really important note to remember that the BARF contains crushed bone and once “cooked” can become a hazard. Again over a period of time gradually decrease the amount of warming time until your pet accepts the diet.
Just remember that switching may take time. Our pets have become intrinsical family members and like our kids we want what’s best for them, but also like our kids they may try and dictate to us what they think is best, refusing to eat what we pop on their plates. Patience and perseverance will see benefits for everyone in the long run……stand your ground and fight for what you believe is right !
Gastric Torsion/Bloat in Dogs
with information taken from Carlson & Giffon
(This article is dedicated to Hershey, a chocolate Labrador who died of Gastric Torsion. If even one person learns about this disorder and takes precautions, his death will not be in vain.)
If you own a deep chested dog such as a Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Akita or Great Dane you must be made aware of Gastric Torsion or commonly referred to as Bloat.
Bloat is caused by too much gas or fluid in the stomach. This gas can extend the stomach causing gastric dilation. If the stomach partially rotates its called gastric torsion. If it fully rotates its called gastric volvolus. Each can be a life threatening problem.
For the full article on gastric torsion –
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/bloat.html
