Timing feedings correctly

bunkermom · #1 04-01-2009, 06:15 PM

Hey guys, a couple of quick questions for you:

I have fed raw previously to my 4.5 yr old boxer but she had a couple of issues; she would vomit bile every morning and occasionally vomit bone fragments. I know that many have experienced this but honestly, I am not okay with cleaning yellow bile out of my carpets every morning before work!

I know this is because a raw diet is digested much faster than kibble, therefore her stomach is empty for much longer. Is it best to split her evening meal into two smaller meals...one early (around 6 PM) and one later (around 10 PM), or would it be best to just feed the entire meal later? In this case, I would have to feed all of the dogs later because I am certain they would think she is getting something extra!

I am not home in the middle of the day to feed a meal then.

Ideally, I am not feeding late in the evening...due to the fact that I enjoy my sleep and I would rather be in bed by 10:30 PM! Are there any 'tricks of the trade' that might help her empty stomach...besides me losing my beauty sleep?!?

One more thing: Our frenchie inhales his food...its amazing really. When we first start raw, should I try to make his meals slightly more 'bite sized' or should I let him go to town? I thought making the pieces small at first, as he adjusts to the exciting new foods, might be a good option. If I leave it whole, I would need to hold one end to slow him down...in which case, I fear for my fingers!

Autumn

**gmacleod** · #2 04-02-2009, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunkermom

When we first start raw, should I try to make his meals slightly more 'bite sized' or should I let him go to town?

No - the opposite. If he's a gulper, giving him "bite sized" food will encourage (actually teach him) to inhale it. And he's far more likely to choke in that case. Any dog with a tendancy to inhale his food should be given large items that he cannot swallow without chewing, so he is forced to learn to eat properly. Once he has learnt that, you may find you can later get away with feeding smaller items (though some dogs will always try to gulp).

Don't worry about him being a small dog. A Frenchbulldog has larger and more powerful jaws than a boxer, and can deal with large items easily.

As for the bile thing - I'd suggest feeding twice a day, as close to 12 hours apart as you can get. If that doesn't do the trick, and its morning tummy upsets you're dealing with, then trying to give the evening meal as late as possible is wisest. I guess conceivably that could mean a snack at 6pm and the main meal at 10 (though I'd try just the 10pm feeding first). The point is to try to keep the starvation time between the evening meal, and breakfast, as short as possible.

bunkermom · #3 04-02-2009, 08:05 AM

Excellent. I will push the night meal back and see how that goes. Since we are starting over, I will begin with chicken for a week or two.

All of my dogs love to eat but my frenchie is desperate about food. He truly behaves as if he hasn't been feed in days every time he eats! I have never seen him chew anything! I must say that I am quite excited to see what he does with a back or breast...he loves bully sticks or nylabones!

Since I am back to BW after a bit of time away, I have one more question. Is there a specific thread, sticky or forum that has information regarding raw feeding co-ops in specifc areas? I am located about 1.5 hours from any large city, a co-op seems like it could be helpful!

Thanks again!

Autumn