Raw

[Stark]

Well, it's time to collect the Venison. Deer season is in full swing as well as small game so it's time to get out and find some food. Actually, I have a friend who is supplying the Deer. I'll be out gathering Squirrels and rabbits next week and waterfowl when the season rolls in. I hadn't really thought a lot about it but I wonder how cost effective squabs would be. Maybe 5 pair of Kings, any thoughts let me know.
OK, as of right now I have 7 beautiful Mal pups. I believe Mom is finished now and that is a good number to have. I'll be happy if they all stay good and healthy and grow up wanting to bite the world. Mom will be going to the vet this morning for a quick checkup and a little break from the babies. One advantage to living in the middle of nowhere, quick visits to the vet if needed.

[rutylr]

Congrats on the babies...
I hope you are going to share them with us.....
AS for raw.I only feed chicken(whole leg and thigh) and some canned marackel.and then dog food.Not real big into spending time portioning and weighting food for the dogs.
I don't spend much time in the kitchen for me let alone anyone else.

[Stark]

I used to feed nothing but chicken then it hit me, my friend has a processing business. I have access to all the venison I could possibly need, I'm going to add the small game and bird for variety. I can hunt a few steps from the house so things will be a lot cheaper anyhow. I have several Law Enforcement buddies so they're going to call me when Deer are hit by vehicles. I then have the entire animal to add to the ribs and scrap meat, not to mention a few good roast and jerky strips. :D I'm going to have my friends save the liver from their kills, I can't believe I have let so many of these options fly right over my head. Anyhow.
Forgot to mention, 7 males and 1 female. Talk about an ideal litter, I'll hold the little female back for later depending on how she does over the next 6 months. I'll probably keep 2 males for myself and I have one going to a friend. Dang, that only leaves 3. Who knows, I may keep them all until they are about 1 year, I want to experiment with a couple anyway. Thanks for listening to the rambling.

[Redyre_Rotties]

I would have concerns with parasite loads in wild game. I do use some, but not often, and I always freeze it first.....

http://www.extension.umn.edu/foodsafety/components/itsnogame/wildgamecookery.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/trichinosis/factsht_trichinosis.htm

Keep in mind the necessity for proper amounts of bone in any raw diet. Meat is high in phosphorus. Bone contains the calcium and magnesium needed to balance the phosphorus. Any meat fed that has had bone removed should be balanced with either ground egg shell or a supplement designed to balance the boneless meat. This is the one area where you can really get in deep with a raw diet, and that is getting the Ca/Ph balance off in your dog.

I use a supplement called KA Calcium that I get from Nature's Farmacy to balance the meat I feed without bone.

Variety is also important in any home constructed diet.

Best of luck with your new litter.

[poketmouse]

Stark, I'm so jealous I could cry. I'm glad my dogs can't read because they would probably pack their bags and head your way. Congratulations on the new litter!

[ClarkFarm]

I have a strange question somewhat related about this...

In my one freezer, there is still some deer meat left from last hunting season... can someone who feeds raw use this at all?

[missy's mom]

WOW! Seven babies! Congrats :D

[poketmouse]

In my one freezer, there is still some deer meat left from last hunting season... can someone who feeds raw use this at all?

Sure! Dogs don't care about freezer burn. I'm sure someone would be more than happy to take the venison off your hands.

[ClarkFarm]

Thanks! I will have to ask around.