Livin with the Pack

Mullet are high in protein, fat, micro/macro nutrients, vitamins, and omega-3. They are low in mercury and are a hardy and healthy fish. These fish are very common in the gulf coast and can be purchased year around, but it is cheapest to stock up when they are in season. They usually range between 1/2 lb to 2 lbs each, making them a perfect size meal for a medium to large dog. Finger mullet can also be purchased as a whole fish option for small dogs and puppies, although they are usually more pricey and are seasonal. Mullet are an excellent addition to your dog's diet. They can help strengthen the immune system, support joints, and improve heart, skin and brain health. As always, it is recommended to freeze wild caught fish for 3 weeks to kill potential parasites. 

Okay, so you have decided to switch to a raw or lightly cooked diet. Now what?  From my experience, it is better to switch cold turkey then to slowly transition them over the period of several days or weeks. However, each dog's reaction to new foods varies, and for some dogs, a slower transition may work better.   Find out what meats are available in your area. Supermarkets, asian markets, butchers, fisherman, hunters, and local farmers are all great places to find a variety of animal foods.  A raw diet should contain 80% meat, 10% organs (including liver) and 10% bone. The ratios can be adjusted slightly depending on the needs of your dog as an individual.  Start with one protein, beef for example. Ground beef is a great meat to start with as many dogs love the taste and texture. For those that don't, it's easy to lightly cook until your dog adjusts. After a few days of eating muscle meat only, add an organ. If your dog tolerates...

For thousands of years, dogs lived alongside mankind eating the scraps and raw meat leftovers from hunts. When food was scarce and when extra calories were needed, they would hunt for rodents and small game nearby.  Kibble was first created in 1860 out of wheat, vegetables and beef blood,  a recipe that has only gotten worse. It took quite a few years before it (unfortunately) became the normal diet for our canine companions. Since then disease has skyrocketed, with over half of dogs getting cancer, and many more dying from heart failure, kidney disease, liver issues, obesity, and many other health problems rarely seen in wild canines. Flea/tick pesticides, vaccines, medication, and lifestyle can also be partially to blame for this, however, diet plays an enormous role in the health of any animal or human. Many owners are realizing this too late, after the damage has already been done and they are left dea...