When I give my dog a grain meal, i.e. 'Rolled Oats' (suggested as the better grain food on Page 203 'Give Your Dog A Bone') - I only feed this particularly meal once every two-three weeks, and include Pilchards in tomato sauce.

However, I used to just soak the oats in hot water for a few hours, BUT on Page 270 of the same book, it says the grain should be cooked. Do you therefore bring to the boil in water or milk, then simmer for 10 minutes? - Would that be correct?

Hopefully, someone who follows the BARF diet will clarify this for me.

One last question, apart from chicken wings and rabbit what other meat (with bone) do you use. I have been hesitant on feeding certain cuts of meat due to concern that if the bone appears too thick and strong, it may break or damage a dog's teeth - There is a limit to what is good exercise for their teeth, gums and health and what could perhaps cause too much pressure on their teeth - (I noticed this with 'breast of lamb' and wondered if the bone was too strong)? Your comments would be much appreciated.

Grateful thanks,
Sara.

Hi,
It would be a good idea if you where to become a member of Champdogs, then u can answer more questions.

I feed raw, and i dont bother feeding oats, i dont really think its necessary. As far as i understood it, when i read the book, i think he was saying, you dont have to feed grain, but if you must, then feed oats. I think soaking for a few hours, or simmering for a few minute will have the same effect anyway.

As to meaty bones, my lot get chicken wings, necks, and sometimes carcasses, as recreational bones they get loads of weird looking offcuts from the butcher, lamb shanks, ribs, and lots of unidentifyable bits!!!! i havent had one broken tooth yet, even when Dill was just a couple of months old, his baby teeth coped perfectly well and didnt break.

I wouldnt worry about it, i think you will find that providing your dog has enough opportunity to chew, and its not a rare thing, so he wont go mental at it, then he will stop before he breaks a tooth.

Em

Hi em
When you say chicken carcasses are they whole birds, or frames which the meat has been filleted of I use these but there is quite a bit of meat on them.

i get chicken carcasses free off my lovely lovely butcher (wot a lovly man) an yeah, they are just frames, iwth lil bits of meat on them.
Also, my neighbour she will take the meat of a chicken and give me the frame too.

I have only occasionally given a whole chicken, when they have been on offer in the supermarket, one of the tiny ones each, an i give that with a small amount of veg as a whole days food.

Em

Hi Sara

In his later books he changes his mind about grain and does not use it at all!

Christine