Yes, it is really expensive.
I forgot to add that I am giving him the raw/frozen stuff.
We are contemplating buying a chest freezer for our basement and switching to 'real' raw...it just seems a bit daunting.
I got a fridge-sized upright freezer on craigslist for $50 :biggrin: it really isn't that daunting, my power bill hasn't even gone up that much! It's actually really quite simple once you get started.
I am worried about them making a big mess....
don't be! the place where you dog eats will be the cleanest spot in the house! I used to be picky about the mess so I'd always feed my dogs outside. When it got too cold and I got to lazy to feed them outside, I started feeding them in the kitchen and they make a mess while eating then lick the floor shiny! Since I don't really walk around barefoot because tile is cold, and even if I did, I don't lick my feet, and I also don't lick the floor, so I'm really not concerned about bacteria at all. Just give them a designated eating place that the raw food won't stain and you'll be fine :smile:
and my cavalier has some dental issues and a small, crowded mouth.
Well then raw will be perfect for your pup! Ask malluver, she has seen amazing dental benefits for her dog in the whole two or so weeks she's had her pup on raw! And my older lab/shepherd mix came to me with yellowish brown teeth. After a few months on raw, her teeth were almost completely white again! Raw meaty bones are the best, most natural way to keep your dog's teeth as healthy as possible.