This is not some arcane or elitist new diet
for animals, but basic nutrition,
whose ideals are equally applicable to humans as well as animals. With the
increase in sensitivity of dogs to commercial dog foods [allergies etc.] we had to realize
that, despite the commercials, perhaps this was not the best way to feed our dogs. We
began giving our dogs fresh foods -- from the same basic food groups that we select our
own foods -- and the difference in our dogs was astonishing!
Basically, in the morning, our dogs get some form of cereal, usually oatmeal or Red River cereal, with milk and, sometimes, honey. Sometimes I add an egg to the cooked cereal. This cooks the egg slightly and adds necessary protein. I have found, however, that in the summer, when it's hot, our dogs eat less than they do in the winter, and they tend to voluntarily shun the grains in the summer months.
In the evening, our dogs get cooked rice, couscous, or pasta, raw meat and raw grated vegetables and/or fruit. It's that simple. Add some vitamin supplementation and they are all set.
This sort of feeding is not only more palatable to the dogs, but it's the only way to boost their immune systems. The immune system needs fresh foods -- it cannot subsist on processed foods. With the working aspect of our Jack Russell Terriers, I want their immune systems as high as possible. Since switching to an all fresh food diet, our dogs have healed quicker when injured -- to an amazing degree.
This sort of feeding may sound time consuming -- and initially it does seem less convenient. Still, I feed 13 Jack Russells and one 90 pound lurcher this way and it really takes very little extra time once you get used to it. When you have dogs who enjoy their meals, it makes the effort worthwhile!
Because we believe in this diet so much and have witnessed such remarkable results, we have provided a copy of Dr. Pitcairn's book with each puppy that has left our home. We also provide our puppy people with a 6 month supply of Source Plus for Dogs, the vitamin supplement that we give our dogs on a daily basis. This ensures that each dog gets his/her daily requirement of vitamins, minerals and mico-nutrients.
This does not mean that our puppy people are forced into feeding their dog this way. In fact, we have also gone to great lengths to research various comercial dog foods on the market in order to be able to recommend a variety of brands to our puppy people. We would prefer that our puppy people give the fresh food a chance, but will respect their final decisions. Gratifyingly, 90% of our puppies are still eating the fresh food diet by their new families.
We are constantly seeking out information about any new dog foods that come onto the market so that our information is up-to-date. Not all commercial dog foods are equal and we will do our best to simplify the selections, should our puppy people decide to use commercial foods, even once in a while.
The newest and most exciting commercially available dog food we have found is called the Urban Wolf This is a combination of raw, organically grown beef and lamb as well as grains, veggies and supplementation that comes in pre-portioned, frozen patties. For a Russell of about 10 pounds adult weight, 1/2 a pattie seems to suffice ... at least around our house.
This is a Canadian product, produced in Toronto. It's convenient, easy to feed ... and the dogs LOVE it!