Ril-Mas

Technically Mason is my dog, but he chose my parents. I know I've stated that multiple times before, but figured I'd start with it again. We discuss everything about him as a family and treat him more of a family dog than my dog if that makes sense. Even when it was just Riley and Mason he was more my parents dog and they did most of the care work for him including feeding him. Well, seeing how well Logan and Abby are doing on raw we're starting to talk about switching Mason over to raw. We've been hesitant for a few reasons.

1. One being his age. He's 9.5 years old and I know that switching to raw is sometimes harder for older dogs. Is this more so regarding the initial transition or is it a lengthy transition process for seniors?

2. He's had at least 7 teeth pulled, mostly molars. I don't think he'll be able to handle chewing bones. I'd prefer not to go the hammer route to break up the bones because I've read that this can cause some sharper pieces of bone when they break. I've also heard the same thing about grounded bones. Do any of you feed ground bone? Any issues?

3. He's VERY VERY VERY picky! I'm not sure he'll even be willing to accept raw! He's rediculously picky about what he'll eat and what he won't. He does not like change, but at the same time he may love this change for all I know. I guess we'd have to try to find out. If he doesn't eat it though, I'm not sure I want to make him starve until he does accept it. I know some people will do that, but I just feel guilty.

Mason has always been very healthy. He's only had three vet trips that I can remember that weren't considered his annual check up. Once was when he was stung by a bee and his eye was swollen, once was when he and Riley collided and cut his side (he needed staples), and the other was when he broke a nail and needed it trimmed. Overall he's always done very well on kibble although seeing Logan and now Abby's soft and shiny coat Mason's just doesn't compare! His is dull and not very soft. His stools are quite large and bulky too so I know that would improve on a raw diet. I just worry about changing something so drastic with such an older dog. Would you do it?

One other question. I remember seeing somewhere that dogs with anxiety (which Mason has) respond well to a raw diet. Have any of you dealt with anxiety in dogs and did it get better with a raw diet?

__________________

Wyatts_Momma

I'd stick with kibble for him. Seems like too much of a hassle to break bones and find something he would like. If he's been gone on kibble thus far why change. Why fix something not broke!


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

2manydogs

I switched Thea when she was 11 yrs old. She always showed interest when I was feeding the others so I figured, if the old bird wants a freaking chicken leg, why cant she have one? One morning I passes her an entire chicken back and let her go to town. If she ate it great, if not then she can stay on her kibble.

She loved it!! and we went from there.

__________________
Kari ~ Keeper, servant and mommy to the following crew



**Proudly Raw fed since 2010**

Ril-Mas

The main reason I want to change is because I've seen such a drastic change with Logan in only 3 months of raw feeding. His overall health and appearance has improved more than I ever imagined it would from his kibble days. Even Abby who's only 5 months and has only been on raw for a couple of weeks now is already showing signs of improvement. Seeing how they're changing right before my eyes has convinced me that raw is healthier than kibble. It just makes me wonder if Mason could benefit from it, especially the anxiety side of things. If his anxiety alone would be helped at all, it would be worth it to switch. I just worry (what else is new) that it might to late for him at his age to switch

Did you notice any changes with Thea? Did you have to do anything special for her (ex: was she missing any teeth which made bone chewing difficult)?

__________________