Raw Pet Food

[Aquattro]

Raw (as in prey model) has a few benefits that I like. Crunching through bones is great for the teeth, no plaque build up. The inut ratio is way higher (this is the ratio of food going in the sharp end vs: the food coming out the wagging end). Cleanup is a breeze, and if you forget, it just dries up and goes away.
Overall, coat and skin are in better shape, no doggy smell especially on one of my girls, and overall increased vigor.
Cost of Orijen kibble, even with a discount, is roughly $150/month. Raw costs me about $80/mo, so a huge benefit there. I do get a huge discount on chicken backs though, so not sure how price measures up for the average consumer.
Overall though, if one has the time for it, I think it's a great diet, and better than kibble can ever be. Kibble isn't bad, it just isn't as good, IMO

[Nanoized]

I considered the BARF diet, but with young kids around and potential health risks and questionable benefits I decided to buy a quality commercial dog food.

http://www.workingdogs.com/vcbarf.htm

[Myka]

Seeing as we are all self-assumed "professionals" on the subject this thread will go around in circles unless by some coincidence a canine nutritionist pops by.

Steve, you can find a tonne of information if you Google "fruit on empty stomach". Of course you will find all sorts of varying information on the internet (like any other topic these days). I see I did say fruits and veggies...it's just fruits. I didn't mean to put veggies there. My thoughts are not with the forums these days...

For the record, when I fed raw I used a "Prey Model + brown rice" diet, not BARF (Bones And Raw Food- raw food being small amount of fruits and veggies, but still no grains or carbs). Some people will also do BARF + brown rice, or just Prey Model. I found my dog needed some carbs to burn off (I chose cooked brown rice) or she would become too lean on the raw diet (read: very skinny).

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Myka

Seeing as we are all self-assumed "professionals" on the subject this thread will go around in circles unless by some coincidence a canine nutritionist pops by.

I'm looking for an online course, hopefully I can be a "pro" real soon

Hopefully the theme of my comments comes through, in that feeding raw is a personal choice, AFTER one has done lots of research and comes to their own conclusions. And since thoughts and opinions vary widely, one needs to accept that what they might believe today is certainly up for review tomorrow.
Everyone should do what they feel is best for their dog, and if their is any doubt, keep researching to fine tune your choice.

The differing opinions in this thread are great, it gives anyone interested lots of sides to look at.