Wild game can have a large part in the dog’s diet. Hunting season is upon us and some caution on some meat choices is necessary information.
Remember, wild game meat is far less fatty than the animals we raise for meat. If you switch to wild game, it is important to remember you may need to feed more of the wild game than usual of domestic beef, pork, chicken, and turkey.
One of the most common game meats is deer, or venison. Most parts of the deer are fine, but the head (brain) and spine need to be avoided. This can also be true of Moose and Elk. It is called Chronic Wasting Disease and causes death in deer, moose, and elk. This disease settles in the brain spine. Muscle meat is fine, and I avoid feeding all bones to dogs from these 3 due to the severe hardness of the bones. These can splinter and break teeth in dogs.
Rabbits can carry parasites and these are mainly wild rabbits. Domestic rabbits are fine. There are two kinds of tapeworms in Rabbits that can affect dogs. It is recommended to cook any wild rabbits that you may choose to feed to your dogs, to kill these parasites. More on the types of parasites wild rabbits can carry.
Trichinosis is a parasite that used to found commonly in pork. The United States has not seen trichinosis in pork for over 40 years. This is because after processing the pork, it is frozen hard for a few weeks. This kills this parasite. However, trichinosis is found commonly still in bears and wild boar (wild pigs). I do not recommend ever feeding bear meat, but if you do, freeze this meat hard and then cook before serving to your dogs. The same is true for wild boar.
Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, Revised: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals!
Lew Olson's newly revised book is filled with an abundance of new topics and information. Whether you are new to home feeding or a seasoned raw feeder, have a senior dog or a new puppy, a pregnant mom or a toy breed, this book presents all the information you need to make the best nutritional decisions for your dog.
Flukes or parasitic flatworms are found in Salmon in Northwest Pacific. Symptoms are a rise in body temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and/or rapid weight loss. If signs of the disease appear, promptly take your dog to a veterinarian. Salmon Poisoning Disease is treatable if caught in time. If catching salmon for your dog in the NW, PLEASE COOK THE SALMON THOROUGHLY! Canned salmon is fine (it is cooked) and salmon from the East coast.
Some cysts formed by tapeworms can be found in Moose organs. Here is a good chart with pictures on what to look for, to avoid.
I feed venison muscle meat successfully, as well as moose, elk and bison. I do recommend inspecting organ meat carefully as this is the most common place for parasites (cyst like). Do NOT feed venison, moose or elk backbones or brains.
The best supplements for your dog’s health and immune systems include:
Bertes Immune Blend. This contains vitamins A, B complex, C, D3 and vitamin E. It has a good assortment of Probiotics and some Digestive Enzymes. D3 is wonderful for the immune system, helps fight cancer and keeps bones healthy. It is easy to mix with raw or home cooked meals, and for kibble I suggest mixing it with some yogurt or ground meat!
Fish Oil Capsules. These are liver, heart and renal protective and assists with fertility. It will make coats shiny and is helpful for dry skin. Give one capsule per 10-20 lbs of body weight daily.
Liquid B Complex with extra B12. The B vitamins are excellent for nerve and brain health and helps with concentration and energy for performance events. It also helps with skin and coat pigment. A few drops is given in the gum line daily. Small dogs about 3 drops, medium about half a dropper full and large dogs get a full dropper full!
HAPPY HOWL O WEEN!
Halloween is around the corner! Keep pets safe and indoors, and remember chocolate is poisonous to dogs! I use treats like string cheese, baked liver, plain yogurt and cooked chicken strips.
I do consultations on dog nutrition. This consists of a 30-minute phone call, and you give me detailed information about your dog, your dog’s health, and your dog’s past diets in an email. You may include any blood work and veterinarian diagnosis and past treatment. This includes two follow ups. I can help people just starting raw or home cooked, or for dogs with health issues such as kidney disease, liver issues, cancer, seizures, Cushing’s and Addison’s disease and thyroid issues. The consult is $75 and will help you understand the easy steps to meals prepared at home and will help your dog’s health, appetite, energy, and stamina! I look forward to hearing from you! Email me at lewolson AT earthlink DOT net.
See you next month!
