Starting raw diet for 3yr old?

[moburda]

Hello all,

We rescued a 3 yr old boxer about one month ago. From what we have noticed Patrick has a very sensitive tummy. He has been eating Nutro since we've had him but any treats we give him upset his stomach. I can't help but think that he would absolutely benefit from a raw diet (treats included). Can a three year old adapt to a raw diet? Also any suggestions for raw treats? Treats are essential for us as Patrick is training for confidence (severe anxiety).

[gmacleod]

Yes, you can switch any age of dog. Raw is usually much easier on the digestive system than unnatural dehydrated foods, so it is usually a case of the older or the sicker a dog is, the more apparent the difference real food makes.

At 3, your guy is far from old, of course. But that doesn't lessen the likelihood that he'll do well on raw or adapt quickly to it

As for treats, you can use anything you like. Many dogs enjoy bits of raw fruit as treats. For those that don't, it doesn't stop you making your own stuff - for example, cubes of cooked chicken (just grill some chicken, then dice it up), or liver treats - which is basically just cooked bits of liver cut up. You can do the same with any meat, irrespective of what diet you feed. I don't personally recommend raw meat as treats - very messy and hard to keep in your pocket

[Jan]

For treats you could use freeze dried treats. Wal*Mart has a new line of treats. I can't think of what they are called, but they come in beef, chicken, cheese and fish. They just contain the one ingredient and would be great for dogs with allergies to grains etc. You can also get those dried chicken strips. They also come in duck.

[moburda]

Thank you both. I ordered the freeze dried treats online. I'll let you know how it goes. I appreciate the help.