Handling anti or ignorant raw owners...

[GreenOpal]

I was at a 4th of July party last night and ofcourse I brought up my puppies in conversation. I found out someone else has two boxers too. So we started talking. After the fireworks and a few beers on both our parts we started talking about feeding. Well, I may have gotten a little preachy and passionate, but the conversation ended with me feeling a little silly.

I know I'm feeding the best for my dogs. But these people would not have the idea of feeding raw. "I have three kids, a husband, and two dogs. I can't afford to feed them raw" "We have to feed Science diet because of the kidney problems our white boxer has" I really felt like they thought I was crazy for feeding raw, which is fine. People can have whatever opinion they like. But, after the conversation I just felt like it was all a waste of time. I made a rash decision last night that I just wouldn't talk about raw at all. Now I think I'm just not going to try to convert people. That was probably my problem in the first place, I think - trying to convert rather than inform.

Anyway, I was wondering what all of you do? Do you bring up that you feed raw? Do you wait for someone else to bring up feeding and then talk about it? Do you not talk about it at all? I just feel like I have this great information and that I should share it, but it's not always readily accepted. Sorry it's long, but I kinda needed to vent and get some great advice. Thanks for reading.

 

[totallyhip]

LOL.....it depends

It depends on who it is and how the subject was approached. My hubby and I feel strongly about feeding raw and swear by it! But saying that....not everyone feels the same way and alot of people are misinformed (who do not feed raw). Raw vs. Kibble to us is one of those topics that you must tread lightly with. Alot like relgion and political views. hahaha..... different topic for a different place

We don't try to convert people unless they really are interested in it. And even still don't try to convert. If they seem geniunely interested we tell them about our experience and why we switched. But then we always tell them that they need to do their own research (and alot of it) before they make their own decision. I do offer advice and help if they want it by suggesting some sites or reading material. I do this because it is a personal decision and if your not committed to it 100% the diet will probably not work for you.

 

[MomofMillie]

Anyway, I was wondering what all of you do? Do you bring up that you feed raw? Do you wait for someone else to bring up feeding and then talk about it? Do you not talk about it at all? I just feel like I have this great information and that I should share it, but it's not always readily accepted. Sorry it's long, but I kinda needed to vent and get some great advice. Thanks for reading.

It sorta depends for me too, I usually wait until a related subject comes up. I wouldn't say "Yes we have been to puppy class and oh by the way we feed raw" HAHA. But I have had people who think they know the best care for dogs tell me I should give Millie dental chews to take care of her teeth. At that point I would say, well she doesn't need those because we feed her raw and that is the best teeth cleaning she could get. Then I drop it, if they are curious or balk at me, I will answer questions and give facts but I try not to get defensive. Also when people compliment her coat, I will mention it. So mainly I try to educate based on the health concerns people talk to me about, make sense?

 

[daisykaye]

I personally tell anybody that will listen. The amazing changes that Brody went through when I switch him will always have me rallying a charge. Yes, there will be people who don't understand the choice I made, but I say my piece anyway.

Even if I can not get them to grasp the idea of raw feeding, I will try to get them to change to a better kibble. Science Diet!!! Yuck!!!

 

[tesster]

I've found through having several of these types of conversations that people feel the same way dog food advice as they do about advice on how to raise their children. They think they know best and neither want, nor are interested in anyone else's opinions on the subject.

My take is, care for your dogs to the best of your ability, make no secret of the how you do that, and then just let it be.

You're not going to change anyone's mind about what they choose to do anyway. BUT, you give those who are open minded and curious about it an opportunity to come to you with questions.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

I avoid saying I feed raw at all costs. I did TONS of research before switching my dogs and I am THRILLED with the results. I do not want to hear every Tom, Dick and Harry's opinion.
I know it is weak of me but I hate confrontations. I have no desire to convert or be converted.

 

[nswain]

I get asked all the time what I feed Grumpy... usually it's something like, Your dog looks AMAZING! What on Earth do you feed her?
I do tell people that I feed raw but I don't make a big deal about it. I wish I could convert the world, but most people don't want to hear it, so I try to accept that. If people are genuinely curious I'll explain why we switched and what a difference it has made.
Most of the time I just say that Grumpy had loose stools and allergies on every kibble we tried, but is doing great on raw, so we're happy with it. And when people start in with the "Science Diet saved my dog's life..." stories, I just listen politely. And say something like, "Isn't it amazing how each dog is different? Mine does better on raw, and yours is doing so well on Purina. I'm so glad we both found what works for our babies." Most people will quit the anti-raw tirades at this point. The ones who don't, well, me and my fabulously healthy dog just walk away.

 

[Tagsmom]

Funny this thread was started. Not too long ago, my dad offered to kill me a deer this coming hunting season (knowing that I was going to feed my baby raw). Now yesterday when I asked him about his grinder and whether it could handle grinding chicken backs (I fear my baby will be too little...not too young, but too little to handle backs on her own at first) he starts giving me sh*t about feeding her "that stuff". Says kibble was always good enough for their dogs (used stuff that wasn't ANY good at all, don't want to give a name, but it was like $10 for 40 lbs). And all their dogs always lived outside. They thought I was crazy when I had dogs in the house. Until they met my Rottie......loved her, thought she was the best dog ever.

At this point, I pretty much only deal with it as much as I have to. So many people out there say oh, you can't feed your dogs chicken bones, they'll die. And I tell them that it is when you cook the bones, you change the molecular structure and that is how they become brittle and splinter. For the most part they just kind of humor me I think and let it go. I just tell them I have done a whole lot of research on the subject and there are thousands of people across the world who feed their dogs this way and have had no problems and very good results.

The only thing that really matters to me is that I feel I am doing the best thing for my baby (that I don't even have yet) and the breeder is with me on feeding raw. From there, I will do what I think is right and ask lots of questions as necessary. BTW, I gave away all my hoofs to my neighbor and my sister who feed (in respective order) who knows what and Science Diet.

 

[RachS]

I usually lie about what i feed. I dont feel like dealing with the comments that raw meat can cause salmonella poisoning and that they can choke on the bones. I probably would have the same reaction if i didnt do months and months of researching, so I can't blame people. I just dont feel like going into it every time. The times when i have told people i feel like i end up defending myself. My husband and I know that this is the best way to feed our dog but I dont feel like annoucing it to everyone. If it does come up with someone who is genuinly interested, well, then it's hard to get me to shut up ; )

 

[dhernandez]

LOL.....it depends

It depends on who it is and how the subject was approached. My hubby and I feel strongly about feeding raw and swear by it! But saying that....not everyone feels the same way and alot of people are misinformed (who do not feed raw). Raw vs. Kibble to us is one of those topics that you must tread lightly with. Alot like relgion and political views. hahaha..... different topic for a different place

We don't try to convert people unless they really are interested in it. And even still don't try to convert. If they seem geniunely interested we tell them about our experience and why we switched. But then we always tell them that they need to do their own research (and alot of it) before they make their own decision. I do offer advice and help if they want it by suggesting some sites or reading material. I do this because it is a personal decision and if your not committed to it 100% the diet will probably not work for you.

Sorry if this is elsewhere, but can you give me some recommendations of reading material?