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I Won't Offer Consultations

I prefer to focus on my dogs.

Recently, someone asked me if I worked with a veterinary nutritionist on my recipes.  Someone else asked me if I have my dogs' blood tests for nutrient levels.

I often get questions from people who don't understand how I can feel comfortable making food for my dogs. And I'm equally confused, because I don't understand why they think making dog food is complicated.

Raw Feeding Has Become So Complicated

I remember when people began talking about "balance." I thought it was a phase, but it's stuck around and that's a good thing. Except when people turn away from raw feeding because they think it's too complicated.

I understand the importance of meeting my dogs' nutritional needs - I just don't think it's something I need to do daily for a healthy adult dog. And I don't need a spreadsheet, calculator, or software - although these tools are great for learning.

1 - we're encouraged to balance a dog's raw diet based on guidelines developed for kibble fed dogs

2 - every dog is unique and there isn't one set of guidelines for all dogs

3 - balancing over time is a natural way to feed our dogs; does any animal eat a balanced meal daily?

With the growing number of raw feeding models, hundreds of raw feeding groups, and thousands of raw feeders telling us what to do and how to do it - it's no wonder raw feeding has become so complicated.

Why I Feel Like an Imposter

I'm wrapping up my canine nutrition certification with the Feed Real Institute and my brain is overflowing with information.  Although I've learned a lot, I couldn't possibly offer guidance on raw feeding beyond the basics because I prefer to focus solely on my dogs.

I don't have the bandwidth to offer consultations too. So I'll stick with sharing what I'm learning.

Keeping it Simple

Someone recently asked me how I feed my dogs.  And this is what I shared...

• I start with 80 10 10
• I use a base mix; but I don't follow the instructions, because most of the nutrients are covered by the 80 10 10 blend
• I mix in boiled, canned oysters for zinc
• When making everyone's meals, I add a pasture-raised chicken egg, raw meaty bones, fish, and sometimes fur 
• I alternate proteins weekly and add-ins every day based on what I have on hand
• I use supplements to address health issues, prevent disease, and promote longevity

I don't calculate calories, I don't adjust the ratios when I feed treats, and I don't request sourcing information when I shop at the outlet store.

See, I keep it simple and this is what works for my dogs.

So, do what works for your dogs. We can't take on every suggestion or adopt every social media share.  I always remind myself that strangers on social media may know a lot, but they don't know a think about my dogs. So I take the information shared and file it away in my mental rolodex and go about my day.

Recent Blog Posts...

I'm updating old blog posts with current information.  Check out KeepTheTailWagging.com to see more...

Podcasts...

Girls with Dogs - a podcast between friends who laugh about our lives with dogs, sharing what we're learning about dogs each week.

The Alternative Dog Moms - a podcast focused on raw feeding and holistic care for dogs; nerding out about the mountains of information being thrown our way.

YouTube Channel - I'm boosting my channel, to include more DIY tips and meal prep videos (raw dog food, veggie mix, bone broth, and more).

Follow Our Journey!