Big Paws Only Dog Forums

As was mentioned in this post earlier, veterinarian schools have their nutrition classes sponsered by major pet food corporations.  So most vets have a bias against raw feeding.  So, don't be surprised if your vet tries to discourage you from raw feeding.
I had to switch to a homeopathic vet in order to get some peace and quiet when on a vet visit.

My AKC papered male that is European bred is bigger then the average American sized Rott.  At 3 years old and 152#, he is not over weight.  We keep him in perfect condition.  The American Rott has a smaller head and a more compact body where the European Rotts have bigger heads and chests. 
Also, your dog may be mixed with another smaller breed.  My SIL's new beau has a 'mini Rottie' and she is mixed with some other smaller breed.

Well, here I am (OP) 7 monthes later, after starting to feed RAW.  I have to say I will NEVER feed ki**le again.  I have raised dogs all my life and this diet is the best I have ever witnessed.
We did find that feeding everyday was too much.  Like a dog in the wild they don't eat everyday.  So, we feed every 2-3 days.  The size of the pork picnics that we give them sustain them for those 3 days, believe me!  The stool situation is amazing, health= perfect,  teeth are gleeming, no funny smells from anywhere (mouth, butt, ears ect). 
I know I was on the fence for sometime before converting and I am so glad we did.
Thanks to all who replied with all their helpful info and stories.
Here's to more healthy dogs!

Raw feeding is a species appropriate diet.  Where the dogs digestive system is working to it's fullest potential therefore their other systems (circulatory, immune, nervous.....) are working to their fullest potential.  A chemically processed diet of kibble is un-natural.  The high quanity of carbs and fillers could be harmful.  What could be more natural then a raw diet?  Right?
When the meat is cooked it loses some of the benefical components.  When bones are cooked they become brittle and splinter.
Canids do not need vegetables in their diets.  If greens are needed we all have nice big yards for them to chow on.
The thinking is how a dog in the wild would eat.  Yes, our dogs are domesticated but their digestive systems have not changed with their domestication.
It took me several months to get over the kibble/raw myths.  I am amazed by the results.  I am so thankful for the internet.
I was hoping there were more raw feeders on the boards, seeing we all have big dogs.
I was paying over $100 every 3 weeks on kibble.  Now I spend about $80 a month on raw meat, bones and organs.
It did take the dogs a while to get used to their new diets.  There were your normal trials and tribulations but we prevailed.

I highly recommend to anyone who is interested:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rawfeeding/
http://www.rawfeddogs.net/

The best is to give great big chunks of meat/meaty bones/healthy organs where the dog has to work at eating.  The dog not only has to work at eating it but it exhausts them mentally to try and figure out how to eat it, ie: where to hold it, where to bite it...ect.

Sorry if I rambled.  We started raw feeding 3 months ago and I am so happy with the results of this diet I just want to share it with everyone.
(and maybe even convert a few )

Wow, sure is quiet in here.
Hello?oooooooooooo?

Beautiful picture!  He looks so noble.  I love when they hold their heads just right for a photo.!!

Well, we may have found Magnus his first stud assignment.
Sasha lives down in Miami and we're talking now with her owners planning for when she goes into heat.  I'm drawing up the contract as we speak!  This will be his first attempt at fatherhood, if you get my meaning.
I am very excited.  We're hoping this all goes well.

 :DHere's to our first time mating Magnus!!!!!

I can't believe this!   I was just commenting to my DH that the dogs feet smelled like corn chips.  Then I sign on today and see this messege!  We're all on the same wave length I'm thinking!