Question on price difference

southboundboxers · 03-17-2010, 04:26 AM

I was thinkin of changing my boxers to raw, but having four of them I wanted to know how much more or less people spend on raw? I also wanted to know some recipes to use that other boxer owners have used. Thanks

KeeperBoy · 03-17-2010, 07:40 AM

It really depends what you feed. For us, Keepers has tooth issues and eats mostly ground raw. We get the mixes at about $2/pound. Our friends mostly feed chicken pieces (backs, necks, wings) and they get those at a big market for about $.40/pound. They add in other things, but there base diet is much more affordable than ours.

I also cannot help but to add in the money we've saved at the vet. Before raw we were in there for ear problems, eye problems, allergies, seizures, breathing problems, I can't even remember them all now. Since we changed to mostly raw we have been in to the vet only for their annual exams.

southboundboxers · 03-17-2010, 01:35 PM

ok thanks. I knew it was better for them but I didnt realize it could be that much better. Which none of mine have any health issues, thank goodness, but we are suppose to go to the vet in a couple weeks for check ups and I am going to ask him about changing them to raw. Thanks again

bruinsBoxers · 03-17-2010, 01:41 PM

Do not be surprised if your vet tells you not to feed raw . Many vets are against raw feeding & home cooking .

If raw is the way you want to feed then do all the research you can and start when you are comfortable .

southboundboxers · 03-17-2010, 04:22 PM

Yea, I have heard that. Im just worried they want get all the protein or vitamins they need. I have heard of some people feeding there dogs a raw diet but having to give them a bunch of supplement pills becuase they are not getting all they need from the food. I am still looking around and doing research I have only been looking into this for a couple weeks now. So its still kinda new to me, but thanks for the advice Missi.

Doreen · 03-17-2010, 06:09 PM

I don't totally get into the raw.... grosses me out and besides I tried giving something with a bone to Rex and he swallowed it whole! Scared me, so I didn't do that anymore.... He just inhales food!!! So I give him ground turkey, but in order that he get all is nutrients, I mix in this natural stuff by The Honest Kitchen that I order online. You add it as a supplement with the raw. They have other products too, but this one is what I use since I am adding meat. http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/preference/
I was informed of this product by others on here that use it too.

bruinsBoxers · 03-18-2010, 10:04 AM

You do not have to add suppliments , but many people do .

I add in vit E ( good for the skin and coat ) and vit C (for the immune system) . But if I forget and miss a day it is no big deal .

I feed fish once a week for the fish oil benefits .

A big thing to remember is that a raw diet is balanced over a period of time , like a month . So you do not need to have everything in every meal .

And to start you need to take things slowly and only introduce 1 protein at a time . Stay with that 1 protein for about 2 weeks before trying another . hat way you can rule out any sensitivities .

southboundboxers · 03-18-2010, 02:08 PM

Oh ok, thanks for the advice and for clearing that up.

AussieGirl · 03-22-2010, 06:34 PM

First hi and welcome to the Hub.
The price difference varies depending on what resources you have available to you and how creative you are. If you have hunters in your family or circle of friends you can reduce costs, you can place adds on Craigs List for freezer burnt meat, find a co op, slaughter house, wholesaler or hunt the sales and buy up big on specials to help reduce costs most of the methods involved in keeping prices down means investing in a freezer - but it's worth it.
I don't give suppliments but my girl gets a pretty decent variety in her diet including whole fresh fish, lamb, pork, beef, chicken, turkey, kangaroo - she also gets offal from most of these protein sources. I do add some yoghurt most days to her morning meal. If she ever needed suppliments I would give them but at this point there has been no need, remember that those who feed kibble also use suppliments

. I would do a good bit of research on RAW feeding so if and when you decide to switch you are confident you are doing the balance correctly.
As for recipes there are a few in the RAW section here are the links

Monthly Raw Prep
Sally's Doggie Oats
you don't have to add veg or anything to their diets though, lately I haven't been.
Hope this helps and sorry for replying so late.

Ruby Red · 03-24-2010, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieGirl

.....................you don't have to add veg or anything to their diets though, lately I haven't been

How come Gizelle? I thought veg were a good source of fibre, vitamins, minerals etc... and pretty much a harmless addition to their diet?