Will begin adding a new protein next week. I am curious what everyone thinks would be a good second one.

I think the next thing I would add would be some meatier chicken. Maybe some bone-in breasts. Alternate meals between the two for a week and see how things go. The next week maybe some turkey added to the mix. Most any piece of turkey would have to be cut for a dog that size. Maybe some turkey necks would be good. They would be relatively easy to cut to the appropriate size. Usually they come cut in have or thirds so maybe you won't even have to cut those.

Just as a side note: When you cut things for her to eat, cut them the size that one piece would be a whole meat. Don't cut them to bite size. That would discourage chewing. Large whole meal sizes are what you want to feed as much as possibe.

Also, has anyone ever fed quail as a raw food?

Quail would be a great thing to feed. :smile:

Welcome to the world of raw feeding. :smile:

 

Good for you in making the switch to raw, exactly how long hve you been feeding raw and how old is your dog, were you feeding Nutro eclusively before?

If you are fairly new into the switch I wouldn't rush things, take things slow and before you add in a new meat source you want to add in more chicken muscle meat like thighs (size wise for your dog) and make sure they can handle say a thigh in the a.m. and a chicken back for a constipator in the p.m.

Turkey or pork would be the next meat source slowly introduced.

If you read through the raw feeding threads you will learn a wealth of info as alot of these questions are asked and answered frequently

Quail can be used as a source of a raw diet. Hope this heps! Good Luck

 

How long have you been raw feeding the dog?

I wouldn't add new protein in until you see normal consistent stools for at least 3-4 days in a row.

Quail is a great thing to feed. It would be a good protein to add in next to the diet.

 

welcome to raw!

this is a great place for support as you transition your dog to the healthiest eating....

your dog is going to love you....even more than ever!

ask lots of questions even if you think it's a stupid one....

 

We have been feeding her for 3 days now. Alls well so far.
I have actually done quite a bit of research before starting and joined the forum a few months ago.

The size of the food is big enough for her to have to chew, but not so big as to be difficult to swallow. Is that about right?

I believe that I am going to start raising the quails again, used to do it for the reptiles. So if anyone is in Florida and wants to trade some proteins let me know.

 

I believe that I am going to start raising the quails again, used to do it for the reptiles. So if anyone is in Florida and wants to trade some proteins let me know.

will you serve them up live? or slaughter them first....just asking out of curiousity...

 

Fresh raw whole quail (and eggs too) would be awesome!! Really can't get better than that. Good for you.

 

I would continue to feed chicken the way you've had for two weeks before adding anything in. Even if stools are good. You want to start on a good foundation.

If you can't go with quail as your second protein source I would choose bone in turkey.

 

ETA: you could certainly feed whole quail. Feathers and all. Just adds more "bulk" to stool like bone.

 

ps...if you do offer live quail, take pics

 

Haha. Without a doubt. She is just a little thing, but I think she would take a quail down no problems.

 

I personally wouldn't feed a live bird to a dog, but that is just me.

If you do, make sure that she kills it quickly and easily so that it doesn't suffer. I'm not sure that with her brachycephalic face - she will be able to dispatch them humanely. That would be my concern with live feeding.

 

my shih tzus took down birds....and they didn't play either....i agree, though, i know i sound blood thirsty, but i don't mean to sound that way....i would not want pain inflicted....

 

Also, has anyone ever fed quail as a raw food? I have raised quail before, and it is a very cheap source of meat. Not to mention that the quail would be a perfect fit for her little head.

One of the raw brands we sell does quail. I haven't tried it because it's pretty spendy (from them, not growing your own) but I wish I could. I'm sure Tiki would love it! Being able to raise your own would be a great way to do it

 

If you or anyone would like a breakdown of cost and a caresheet for quail PM me and I will get you one. Cheapest live feed for reptiles so I assume it would be the same for the dogs.

 

Haha. I could see that. Ghosts of quail past, present, and future would be pretty frightening.

 

honey and i actually talked about it....and then figured out we'd never feed them to the dogs...they'd become pets and we'd be over run...and that would be that. we'd be ankle deep in quail and two dogs. oy.