Hi all, I see that there are many entries on barf and have read quite a few, I also see one thread currently running.

I was going to add my question to it, but I have a more specific question and would like your thoughts.

I have a giant breed (Bullmastiff), adolescent and am currently feeding RC giant junior.  I have been researching and wanting to change her to a barf diet and am really keen on it, have a great local butcher etc...... 

My only concern is the stage of growth that she is in - 13 months, would changing over to a barf diet suppy the correct amounts / enough to maintain a healthy growth, especially regarding joint etc.  The RC mentions Glucosamin and Chrondoitin.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dawn R

(Just ordrered a book from amazon - give a dog a bone, seems to be recommended)

Dawn - I changed my large breed to a raw diet at 8 months old. For me the most important part of changing to a raw diet is to research the subject thoroughly in advance of any change. The website BritBarf has been the biggest source of knowledge and help that I have found - the site owner has vast amounts of information on the subject which he is more than willing to share and has been feeding his own dogs successfully in this way for many, many years. It is fairly unique site in the world of raw feeding in that he welcomes all comers no matter what they feed- raw, kibble, home cooked etc - and does not knock other owners whatever they feed.

Once you have joined the site the archives will probably have the answers to whatever questions you wish to ask but there are always helpful, friendly members who are willing to answer  anything and everything  :-)

Hi Dawn,

I have large breed/fast growth dogs and both of mine were started on BARF the minute that I got them home ;-)

My male was nearly 4 months when I got him and when I got Callia 2yrs later, she was only 7 weeks when she had her first chicken wing. I did introduce gradually over a couple of days, more so because I didn't want to have a dramatic change of diet immediately other than worries about BARF. I was already feeding it to my old Shepherd though so had experience.

There are some really good books out there, have a look on Amazon. I have (somewhere) 'grow your pups with bones' by Dr Ian Billingshurst, amongst others, google him and see what comes up. And, as has been mentioned, BritBarf is excellent and really does answer most questions :-)

It's brilliant that you have a good local butcher. Where I used to live my butchers were also an abattoir and were thankful that I took away a lot of their 'waste' as they used to have to pay by the kilo for removal of it.

Incidentally, my male has just recently had lots of in-depth X- Rays done and the Vet commented that his skeleton was very strong looking with good calcium sufficiency for a large breed 6yr old.

Good luck,

Jo

Thank you for your replies.

I have just registered to join Brit Barf.  Filled out all the info to join it and am now waiting to get accepted.  Can't wait to get on there and have a good read.

Dr Ian Billingshurst seems to be a 'name' - have to get back on Amazon.

Thanks for letting me know your experiences - I just want to make sure I get it right. 

I'll let you know how I get on.........

Also Ann ridyard the dogs dinner and Website krisanrio gsd
Good luck I have found it great (or rather the dogs have)