Tips for a Safe Raw Food Diet

Feed your dog the way nature intended

Before starting your dog on a raw-food diet, explore our tips for planning a safe, well-rounded menu of protein-rich meats, vegetables, and dairy products.

Once dismissed by many as a transitory fad, the practice of feeding dogs a raw-food diet is now embraced by millions of pet owners across the world. Widely known as "BARF" (an acronym for "Bones and Raw Food"), the diet caters to canines' carnivorous side with a nutritional regime of raw, protein-rich foods, including chicken, beef, fish, and lamb, among others. Raw bones, eggs, and dairy products are also components of the diet.

Advocates of BARF herald the many benefits enjoyed by dogs who partake of the raw-food diet, including:

A reduction in food-related allergic reactions
A decrease in flatulence and an overall healthier digestive system
A glossier, more lustrous coat
Cleaner teeth and more pleasant breath
Fewer carbohydrates, which can help to reduce weight gain, diabetes, and other problems
A preservation of beneficial nutrients that are often removed during the cooking process
Before implementing a raw-food diet for your dog, observe the following tips to ensure your pet's safety and well-being:

Start out slow. Introduce small amounts of raw food in combination with cooked meat at first, and then gradually increase the ratio of raw to cooked. This gradual introduction will help eliminate potential digestive problems.
For best results, opt for organic meat and vegetables. Remember that pork should never be served raw.
Serve raw meat in small, easily digestible pieces.
To ensure that you're always serving your pet the freshest possible meat, freeze it in small pieces and defrost only as much as you'll need for each meal.
If raw meat is discolored or has a questionable odor, never feed it to your dog.
Eating sessions should be kept to a maximum of 15-20 minutes. Any unconsumed portion of the meal should be disposed of immediately.
To prevent allergies and keep your dog's diet interesting, try feeding him different raw foods each day. Provide samples of various meats and vegetables for a healthy, well-rounded menu.
Supplement your dog's raw-food diet with a daily multi-vitamin that provides the recommended amounts of minerals. Be sure to choose a vitamin tailored to your dog's age, size, and activity level.
With a little foresight and planning, you can dramatically increase your dog's appearance, energy levels, and overall health by sticking to a raw-food diet. It may take a few extra minutes each day, but your pet's well-being is well worth it.

The Basics of Electronic Fencing

Protect your dog with the an outdoor containment system

Keep your dog within his boundaries by installing an electronic fence-but be sure to educate yourself on the basics of this innovative technology

We've all seen the signs posted in neighbors' yards marking the presence of an "invisible fence" to contain the resident dog. But how exactly do these fences work? And what should a pet owner know about them before making the decision to install one?

Electronic fences have been on the market for more than three decades, although they've seen several changes in design and technology since then. An underground wiring system is installed around the perimeter of the lawn, and your pet is outfitted with a transmitter that attaches to his collar. When the unit is activated, the dog will receive a mild electronic shock if he crosses the pre-set boundaries. Most models also include an audible signal that serves as a warning before the shock is administered.

For many pet owners, electronic fences provide a quick, cost-effective solution for pet containment. Building a physical fence can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor, and some communities require permits and paperwork before construction can begin. An electronic fence can usually be purchased and installed for less than $500. There's a benefit for the dog, too: they enjoy the freedom to roam within their own property without being tethered by a leash.

Below are some things to consider before and during the installation of an electronic fence:

If the pet's collar is removed, or if the transmitter is detached from the collar, the electronic fence won't work.
Keep in mind that passersby won't initially know about the existence of the invisible fence, and may become startled by your free-roaming dog. Do your best to post a sign in a prominent place.
Be sure to engage in the recommended training methods before trusting your dog to remain within the boundary. Different dogs exhibit different reactions and sensitivities to the signal and shock. Carefully read the installation and training instructions that come with your system. Some dealers offer free training with your purchase. It's recommended to keep the initial sessions brief-a few minutes a day for 7-10 days. Small flags are used to mark the boundaries around the yard so the dog knows where he needs to stop.
Keep in mind that although your dog can't cross the boundaries, other animals can enter and leave your yard as they please, so you should take measures to prevent fighting and confrontation.
Electronic fences are generally most suitable for larger breeds of dogs, as the mild shock is less likely to cause injury.