Gazza
Well-Known Member
My young cocker appears to have either a sensitive digestive system or he is allergic to a content of dry dog food. Although he is very fit and appears healthy his coat is fairly harsh and his ass is like a Mr Whippy machine. I have had full blood screening done and nothing is untoward as regards his digestive system. My vet is of the opinion he is not gluten allergic as his soft stools are not "Spectacular enough" but if you look at the content of most dry foods it would take a lifetime to find out just what ingredient he may not tolerate. Vet has now suggested a easily digested puppy food.
During discussions with the vet we got onto the subject of feeding raw. Now this is where my confusion arises. I know of a person who owns several lurchers. These dogs are in tip top athletic condition. Fed completely raw 6 days a week and not fed on day 7. I know another person with border collies that are agility dogs. Very fit and again fed completely raw. My vets advice is dogs should not be fed raw especially chicken. His thoughts are that over the years of dog development their intestines and bacteria of the stomach can no longer cope with raw meats. He also considers that even a varied raw diet does not contain essential minerals and vitamins.
Any comments from our vet members. I am not looking for "I feed my dog whatever for XXX Years and he works 7 days a week" I am looking for reasons as to why we should/should not feed raw.
During discussions with the vet we got onto the subject of feeding raw. Now this is where my confusion arises. I know of a person who owns several lurchers. These dogs are in tip top athletic condition. Fed completely raw 6 days a week and not fed on day 7. I know another person with border collies that are agility dogs. Very fit and again fed completely raw. My vets advice is dogs should not be fed raw especially chicken. His thoughts are that over the years of dog development their intestines and bacteria of the stomach can no longer cope with raw meats. He also considers that even a varied raw diet does not contain essential minerals and vitamins.
Any comments from our vet members. I am not looking for "I feed my dog whatever for XXX Years and he works 7 days a week" I am looking for reasons as to why we should/should not feed raw.