How much raw meat should I feed?

[yellowdog5]

I have been given a lot of frozen beef and venison for my lab mixes. How much should I feed to an 80 pound dog? They now get 1 1/2 soup cans apiece of Diamond Lamb and rice. Any advice?

[mmorlino]

The general rule of thumb is 2% of their bodyweight per day to stay at the weight they are at. If you feed 2% and see a weight increase or drop (and you don't want to see it), then adjust it accordingly.

I am SO glad that I have mini dachshunds :-) I feed my whole pack as much as your lab will eat in one day!

[BabyDane]

Have your dogs been fed raw before?

[yellowdog5]

Originally Posted by mmorlino

The general rule of thumb is 2% of their bodyweight per day to stay at the weight they are at. If you feed 2% and see a weight increase or drop (and you don't want to see it), then adjust it accordingly.
I am SO glad that I have mini dachshunds :-) I feed my whole pack as much as your lab will eat in one day!

Yeah, they go thru 2 large sacks a month, but they're worth it. Thanks for the recommendation.

[yellowdog5]

Originally Posted by BabyDane

Have your dogs been fed raw before?

Not as their regular diet. They have always had their dog food.

[DanL]

I wouldn't feed them only that meat as their entire diet. You need a balance between bones and meat to get proper nutrition. As a meal once or twice a week? Sure, but not as the only source every day.

mmmorlino I bet a week's worth of food here would last you a month!

[yellowdog5]

Originally Posted by DanL

I wouldn't feed them only that meat as their entire diet. You need a balance between bones and meat to get proper nutrition. As a meal once or twice a week? Sure, but not as the only source every day.

What if I mix it with their dog food? Coud I feed it every day that way? I have bones to give them, but not enough to feed every day.

[DanL]

read the sticky at the top of the page about feeding raw. It's not rocket science but you have to do some basic things to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs.

[ihartgonzo]

The problem is that (most) beef and venison bones aren't even edible, so the dog isn't getting calcium. I would feed it as a supplement to a good kibble... or buy a dehydrated food like the Honest Kitchen and add fresh meat to it, as that will make it nutritionally balanced.

[yellowdog5]

Thanks, everyone, I think I can go from here. The dogs sure like the fresh meat!