BARF for Foster Dogs

[Marylee]

I foster boxers and generally have one or two along with my "permanent" two, Bodie (2 years) and Katie (almost 1yr).
I've been researching and think I'm ready to begin. My questions are around my foster babies. Do you think it is "worth it" to switch them to BARF knowing that when they are adopted in a couple of weeks to a couple of months they are likely to be switched back to kibble by their permanent home?

Also, one of my current Fosters, Palmer, comes with severe itching and of course no one knows his history. How soon could BARF help him if we go that way with him?

Thanks!

 

[nanabear]

Hey Marylee! Just want to say "Hi" and it's good to see you here.
I don't BARF, but I go through a little bit of the same thing with the fosters I have had. I homecook for Mack and all the dogs love it - but I'm always afraid I'm setting them up to be picky eaters if their new homes just want to feed kibble. So I do both....some high quality kibble and the good things I make for Mack.
I hope you can help Palmer....I know he's kind of a "mess".
Marlene

 

[vasha]

Hey Fellow NCBR-ers (I'm on the Texas side of the country)!!

I don't think it would be fortitous to feed BARF to a foster simply because they might experience tummy issues once they are adopted, or they may just refuse kibble altogether.

What issues is Palmer having? Kaiser had constant itching and diarrhea - found out he was allergic to chicken - switched him to a Lamb and Rice formula food and he's fine.

Good to see ya here!

vasha

 

[nanabear]

Originally posted by vasha
Hey Fellow NCBR-ers (I'm on the Texas side of the country)!!

I don't think it would be fortitous to feed BARF to a foster

vasha

Is that how they talk in Texas! ROTF. Off to look up fortitous in the dictionary. :D
Marlene

I'm back...it means "lucky" - and they would indeed be lucky (especially getting Marylee for a foster Mom:p )

 

[vasha]

*scratches head*

*mumbles to self* "What was I saying?!"

Hey! It was past my bedtime ok?! I can't guarantee the validity of what I say before six am and after ten pm!

And no, we don't talk like that in texas y'all!

vasha

 

[myrocky]

Originally posted by vasha


And no, we don't talk like that in texas y'all!

vasha

~faints at the thought of V saying "y'all"~


I have a different view. If you have a dog with allergies and an awful coat it might be in his best interest to go to an all natural meal. You could even start homecooking for him. You can make it part of the adoption requirement that the new parents follow the same diet regimen. It might take longer for him to get adopted that way but it would be worth it. This is why I suggested homecooking. The new parents might be more willing to accept a homecooked diet over a raw foods diet.

Good luck!

Andie

 

[vasha]

Originally posted by myrocky
~faints at the thought of V saying "y'all"~


I have a different view. If you have a dog with allergies and an awful coat it might be in his best interest to go to an all natural meal. You could even start homecooking for him. You can make it part of the adoption requirement that the new parents follow the same diet regimen.
Andie

Good point Andie!

And I do say y'all at times. *hides* But don't tell ANYONE I told y'all that!

vasha

 

[Marylee]

Andie,

I like your idea of "home cooked" being easier for prospcetive owners, but can you say more? I'm not sure it is just as nutritious. Bones are out, of course, since they cannot be cooked. Right now he is on a "Duck and Potato" kibble, because he has not likely ever eaten those things and developed an allergy. In Ca-lee-fornia, lamb is really expensive! I make "doggie stew" to add to my dog's kibble now, consisting of chicken, beef heart, rice, flax seed meal, and veggies. Do you suggest I feed that alone?

Finally, Ya'll quit teasing Vasha! Ya'll is a perfectly good part of speech! It is "you" plural. Ya'll Yankees just don't know how to talk good! I grew up in Florida, my hubbie is 7 generations Southern, and my kids are Crackers! We've lived in California, the land of fruits and nuts, for 15 years now and we've not lost this useful part of speech yet.

 

[SammynDqtz]

Originally posted by Marylee



Finally, Ya'll quit teasing Vasha! Ya'll is a perfectly good part of speech! It is "you" plural. Ya'll Yankees just don't know how to talk good! I grew up in Florida, my hubbie is 7 generations Southern, and my kids are Crackers! We've lived in California, the land of fruits and nuts, for 15 years now and we've not lost this useful part of speech yet.

LOL! :p My family and I are from Pittsburgh PA and up there it's always 'you guys' and here in Bama everybody says y'all! I think I like y'all better.


O yea,
Though my own dogs don't eat barf.Here's my 2 cents.
I wouldn't see it as much use, since they will most likely be switched to a kibble diet with their new homes.

 

[myrocky]

Originally posted by SammynDqtz
LOL! :p My family and I are from Pittsburgh PA and up there it's always 'you guys' and here in Bama everybody says y'all! I think I like y'all better.

I'm from the 'burgh too, and its "yinz guys". :D

*rushes off to grab her cold Iron City*


Yes, homecooked can be just as healthy and nutritious as a raw diet. There are some folks here who homecook and are doing quite well that way. There are also books geared towards homecooking specifically. If you do a search here you should find some helpful info. Your doggie stew sounds right on! And you could totally give that alone as a meal.

Andie