The chief concern I have right now is -- what about salmonellosis? Why is that a concern for humans even *handling* raw poultry, yet no one seems concerned about it with canines?

A: The raw meat and bones part of the diet is probably the biggest "hump" for people to get over. Just to start off a discussion, dogs' digestive systems are very short compared to humans so that when they eat foods that have e.coli and salmonella, the bacteria does not really have time to sit in the intestines, grow and overwhelm the immune system. Even in humans, those who succumb to food bacterias are typically the very young and the old--two groups of people who we would expect to have lowered immune systems. I imagine most of us "eat" e.coli and salmonella most days yet our bodies handle it.

Cold pressed flaxseed oil or hemp oil is really an important part of the diet for the essential fatty acids. You should provide these EFAs in abundance.



I'm still struggling with the "how many chicken wings equal a cup of kibble" question.

A: This is what works for me.... a percentage of the dog's weight. Moderately active dog gets about 2% of their weight in food daily. Adjust of course if the dog is losing or gaining weight.

Don't include the veggie meals in the weights.

And if he's a pup you might want to start with 3% of his current weight rather than 2%

The formula is a good place to start, then you adjust according to what you see in your dogs.



1 tablespoon of ground flax seed contains 1 teaspoon oil. Fresh ground is the best of course if you use seed (I use my coffee grinder!)



Why does everybody use so much boney food for the dogs? I know they need some bone but I've wondered for a long time why all the wings, backs, necks as opposed to the meatier portions of bird (or hoofed animal for that matter)?