Okay, I have two dogs, a one year old Lab, and a 12 week old Boxer. We switch around their dog foods a lot, depending on what name brand is cheapest, what coupons we have, etc.
Among some of the brands we use include Beneful, Pedigree, Almo (which we prefer not to feed), IAMS, Eukanuba, and some others. Occasionally, they will get a tidbit of a french fry or some hamburger or something, but that’s it.
I am not kidding. To some people, this seems like I am desecrating my poor pups bodies.
What is the big hurrah over the raw food diet? I understand that there was the scare of the dog food being contaminated, but with the economy in the state it is currently, it seems a complete waste of money to provide meats that I can scarcely afford to have, let alone an animal who has a wholesome meal for $.60 a can, plus $18 for an almost 18 pound bag. It is so much more economical, and time saving than working over creating a meal for a dog. I love my pups as much as the next person, do not dare criticize me of that, but when I cannot afford lamb, or enough beef for both me and the dog to eat, than why should the animal win over myself?
I am the one caring for the animal.
Would you cat owners buy a fillet of salmon and some shrimp, and then stop by your local pet food store and stock up on some rats to feed your cat? Probably not. That is what the cat ate before it was domesticized to what it is now, and what they continue to eat when they catch their own prey, but under no circumstances, I believe would a cat owner choose to make cat food over just buying it.
Maybe I ranted, but in any case, I want to know the answer. You can’t really change my mind on how to feed my dogs, but I would like to know why other people see this way of nutrition as the ONLY way.
Thank you.
Although I was quite happy while reading the first few posts, those of you who believe that because those of us pet owners who say we “cannot afford” feeding our pets a raw food diet is a poor and weak excuse really disappointed. You are part of my problem with pet owners who believe that the raw food diet is the only way. You look down on those who feed their dogs canned food or just regular brands of dog food, because we either choose not to, or are not able to expend the extra effort to prepare meals for our pets.
Yes, pets are a luxury, but does that mean that they should be eating luxuriously too?
Keeping a dog healthy and happy is the main key. Making sure that they are properly exercised, groomed, mentally stimulated, and in good health, on top of the unknown expenses of sudden illnesses or injuries adds up to a good deal of time and effort spent solely on the animal.
