I feed all my dogs a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet; of natural unprocessed foods. Adult dogs are fed a quantity based on the formula below of Dr Ian Billinghurst an Australian Vet interested in animal nutrition.
This formula is: Ideal weight
---------------- X 14
450
I check my dogs weight every day by feeling their ribs and pin-bone region and then decide if they are within their correct weight-range or too heavy/too light. I also adjust their meals depending on what they are doing. Actively working Retrieving dogs (or those doing any strenuous activity) need more food than a moderatly-sedate companion dog.
Adult Diet
AM: A bone around 500 grams I judge the weight visually now but I used to weigh it. I feed dogs that are looking lighter (or heavier) a larger (or smaller) bone, with/or without fat.
PM: I feed 200 grams lean kangaroo mince (high in iron) 200 grams pureed vegetables, fruit, grains & seeds plus 200 grams chicken wings. I feed a fish meal (whole frozen/thawed Australian sardines) instead of the red meat once a week.
I feed vegetables & fruit in season including: broccoli; spinach; watercress; cauliflower; celery; parsley; carrot; sweet potato; beetroot; banana; pears; stone fruits & apples. I feed 1-heaped teaspoon of alfalfa sprouts (vitamin K iron & iodine) sunflower seeds (rich in vitamin E) kelp (calcium & vitamin K) and pepitas (pumpkin seeds high in zinc) daily. I usually put (one of) yoghurt (calcium & probiotics); apple cider vinegar (improves the immune system function & fat absorption) or an egg yolk (high iron - only once a week) in the puree to facilitate mixing.
I feed my dogs twice a day AM and PM as Curly Coated Retrievers are considered to be susceptible to bloat due to their physical conformation (thoratic region deeper than it is wide). Research has shown that feeding smaller meals decreases this risk substantially. I have never owned a dog that has suffered from bloat; published articles show a genetic trait could predict susceptibility.
I feed an uncooked unprocessed diet, as I believe that this is the natural diet for dogs that have evolved from the wolf. I feed fruit, vegetables and grains because dogs are opportunistic omnivores and I feel the added fibre, vitamins and minerals are beneficial. I find my dogs physical health and natural immunity is optimal, since I began feeding a BARF-style diet in 1998. Previously I fed a diet of a bone AM and a local high-quality processed food PM.
Processed dog kibble sourced from overseas have to be irradiated at high temperatures before it enters Australia, this is why I reccomend you use a locally produced product; for example Bonnie.
This formula is: Ideal weight
---------------- X 14
450
I check my dogs weight every day by feeling their ribs and pin-bone region and then decide if they are within their correct weight-range or too heavy/too light. I also adjust their meals depending on what they are doing. Actively working Retrieving dogs (or those doing any strenuous activity) need more food than a moderatly-sedate companion dog.
Adult Diet
AM: A bone around 500 grams I judge the weight visually now but I used to weigh it. I feed dogs that are looking lighter (or heavier) a larger (or smaller) bone, with/or without fat.
PM: I feed 200 grams lean kangaroo mince (high in iron) 200 grams pureed vegetables, fruit, grains & seeds plus 200 grams chicken wings. I feed a fish meal (whole frozen/thawed Australian sardines) instead of the red meat once a week.
I feed vegetables & fruit in season including: broccoli; spinach; watercress; cauliflower; celery; parsley; carrot; sweet potato; beetroot; banana; pears; stone fruits & apples. I feed 1-heaped teaspoon of alfalfa sprouts (vitamin K iron & iodine) sunflower seeds (rich in vitamin E) kelp (calcium & vitamin K) and pepitas (pumpkin seeds high in zinc) daily. I usually put (one of) yoghurt (calcium & probiotics); apple cider vinegar (improves the immune system function & fat absorption) or an egg yolk (high iron - only once a week) in the puree to facilitate mixing.
I feed my dogs twice a day AM and PM as Curly Coated Retrievers are considered to be susceptible to bloat due to their physical conformation (thoratic region deeper than it is wide). Research has shown that feeding smaller meals decreases this risk substantially. I have never owned a dog that has suffered from bloat; published articles show a genetic trait could predict susceptibility.
I feed an uncooked unprocessed diet, as I believe that this is the natural diet for dogs that have evolved from the wolf. I feed fruit, vegetables and grains because dogs are opportunistic omnivores and I feel the added fibre, vitamins and minerals are beneficial. I find my dogs physical health and natural immunity is optimal, since I began feeding a BARF-style diet in 1998. Previously I fed a diet of a bone AM and a local high-quality processed food PM.
Processed dog kibble sourced from overseas have to be irradiated at high temperatures before it enters Australia, this is why I reccomend you use a locally produced product; for example Bonnie.