Feeding raw is not a half-hazard easy or quick means of feeding a dog.  I have spent a great amount of time researching raw diets.  I developed my current feeding regimen using this research and my education and experience (MS in health education/exercise physiology and 10+years as a strength coach and personal trainer).   I have the dogs’ blood analyzed at least yearly to ensure the diet is meeting their needs.  Feeding raw requires planning, preparation, and freezer space.  The diet I feed costs the same as a premium kibble and less than commercial raw diets.

I began feeding raw for a number of reasons.  First, I had a german shepherd with a heart murmur and I wanted to give her the best possible diet.  Second, one of my dogs could not produce a solid stool eating a kibble diet (trying cleaning that up during a walk, yuck!).  Third, I decided to breed Berger Picards and from everything I read, a raw diet promotes a healthy pregnancy, greatly facilitates whelping (giving birth), and leads to robust, healthy puppies.

My german shepherd girl outlived most pups born with her condition by 2 1/2 years: most die during their first year and she had a fabulous 3 1/2 years with us!   The raw diet completely resolved the ‘stool issue’.  And finally, friends who have been breeding dogs for 20 or more years were stunned by the ease of my Berger Picard’s  pregnancy, whelping, and the health of her puppies.  The day before the puppies arrived, we went for our normal hike with the pack, that evening she was a little restless and then she wanted to go out at about 4 a.m.  HanaHou came back in, went into her whelping box and within an hour she delivered her first.  Within 4 hours she whelped 8 pups lying on her side with no evidence of labor pains.  All puppies had a suckling response at birth and had nursed before the next one was on its way.  We have had no health issues with the litter and the puppies have loved their raw diet.

HanaHou tending to her pups, day one.

Due to my personal experiences I am committed to a raw diet and believe it is best for the Berger Picards and all dogs.  I am happy to discuss raw feeding with anyone.  I can provide numerous references and point you in the right direction to learn more about raw diets and how to properly feed your dog(s) a more healthful diet.