After researching the raw diet, reading lots of information on other websites and talking with people who both approve of and disagree with the raw diet, I made the final switch to raw in May of 2003. I had tried this diet before, but at that time had too many big dogs and no reasonably priced outlet for the raw meats. I was also put off by all the vegetable pureeing, so I went back to kibble.

When we moved to Kingsburg in March 2003, I started trying to find sources of inexpensive, high quality raw meat and raw meaty bones for my crew. I was contacted by Pat, who is the wonderful woman behind the Southern California BARF Co-Op, (see link at left) and told there was a Central Valley delivery site in Visalia, which is about 20 minutes from my new home. I was ecstatic! The selection, prices, but more importantly, the quality, was outstanding! I joined the co-op and will not look back.

I also joined some raw feeding lists, and learned that dogs and cats are carnivores, and do not need vegetables. Hooray! No pureeing veggies, no muss, no fuss. Just throw some raw meaty bones out in the yard and let them have at it! For more information, go to Dr. Tom Lonesdale's RawMeatyBones site.

The first thing I noticed after starting my dogs on raw was that they seemed to be so much happier. They were always happy dogs, but now they have a little kick in their step, and a smile for everyone. Next, their teeth shocked me with their brightness. (See 7 yr. old Jester's teeth at left) I noticed on one dog, then decided to check the others. WOW! Talk about a great smile! My Italian Greyhound, Jeremy, had horrible teeth (which is common for that breed). I was sure he would be losing all 4 of his front teeth and some of the others when he went in for cleaning. I fed him raw for a month, then took him in for cleaning, and the vet said it was a snap, very easy cleaning, and not a single tooth came out! To top that all off, the bill was less than half of what I was quoted!

Finally, I have noticed glossier coats, not nearly as much shedding (on the aussies), and just an overall glow of health. I am very thankful to have found the rawfeeding lists, with so many knowledgable people and links to more information than I could ever need.

I then decided I wanted my cats to have the same benefits as my dogs, so started giving them raw meats. Cats are notoriously more difficult to switch to raw than dogs, and mine are no exception. I currently have one cat that eats raw chicken breast meat and raw fish, the others mostly eat raw fish and kibble. I give them some each day, hoping they will all realize how yummy the raw meat tastes, but have to continue to put out kibble since fat cats can develop serious health problems if fasted, and 2 of my cats are chubby.
NEWSFLASH! ALL my cats are now eating and enjoying a raw diet. My oldest girls are 7 years old, have never had their teeth cleaned, and had pretty nasty breath. Since going on the raw diet, they all have beautiful, clean, sparkling white teeth, and no bad breath! We rescued a new kitten on June 18th 2003, and he was put on raw immediately. HE LOVES IT! This little guy, Neo, was brought to the shelter at 4 weeks of age, and had no chance of being adopted out. Since I work with dog rescue, the shelter staff allowed me to take the baby home. He amazes me with how much he can do already. He is eating raw duck meat, and bones, and fat! He also had some chicken, and today will be getting swordfish and ground chicken. I am feeding him whenever he's hungry, since he is so young. He eats until he's full, then proceeds to take a bath. Of course, his Nanny, my aussie boy Jester, is also giving him baths whether he needs them or not.

I have included links to several sources of information on raw feeding. Please read about the diet before you make a decision, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

Thanks for visiting my Raw Feeding Page!

Interested in adopting a raw fed rescued dog or cat? Please visit the Raw Dog Adoptions page on Yahoo Groups.