I went to the vet today about an ongoing problem with my oldest staffies back right leg.
they're not 100% sure what's wrong with it, but think it might be early signs of arthritis.
i asked if he thought a raw diet might help and what he knew about it.
after reading a bit on this forum about vets not recommending it i was surprised when he said it was a ok diet, if done properly.
he didn't think it would help her but had no worries if i wanted to try it though.
he said i had to do all raw or all normal dog food as switching between could cause her to become ill.
i've read on this forum that some people feed raw only 2-3 times a week and normal food for the rest.
i don't want to do a complete raw diet because i'm not confident i'll give her all the nutrients she'll need.
is it all or nothing , or can i feed raw a few times a week without any problems?

Thanks in Advance

I've always fed raw and kibble on alternating days and never had any problems whatsoever.

For my dogs at least, it gives them the best of both worlds,- they get the raw which is great for them and they absolutely adore, and then the kibble which they enjoy too, and is a complete feed so needn't worry about balancing everything. Just don't feed both in the same meal/day, that can give funny tums.

Just make sure the kibble you use is good quality - what one are you using/have in mind?

Sorry to hear about your girls arthritis, a supplement may help her - I use Mobile Bones by Pooch & Mutt on my Mastiff with HD and highly recommend it.

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''Dogs are like chocolates, you can never have just one!''

From what I have read, your vet is correct

I have no proof of this but I am a member of a forum dedicated to working dogs. There are a few people who I have a lot of respect for that post on the raw feed subject.

The theory is that kibble takes much longer to digest than raw. The fast transit of raw is why they have no I'll effects for salmonella etc.

If you mix it with kibble you are slowing the transit time through the gut which can cause problems.

Like I say it's only what I have read from well respected people so if in doubt, dont do it and feed one or the other.

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Feeding kibble and raw in the same meal, or too closely together, can cause problems.

Feeding both, but at different times or on different days, won't cause any trouble at all and is perfectly safe.

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''Dogs are like chocolates, you can never have just one!''

One of the things you'll notice about raw feeders is each has their own "method" of feeding. It is imperative that that you feel comfortable with how you are feeding your dog. Two things which should be noted... Don't introduce too many meat types too quickly and do not overfeed. If you haven't already I would investigate Raw Feeding: everything you need to know!

Any questions feel free to keep asking.

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Some people feed kibble some days raw on others but I must admit it is not something I would ever do. Potentially I would do a wet food and raw but for me kibble with raw a few times a week is not something I would like to do.

It is better than kibble 24/7 though

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Raw is fab, but to help your dog's arthritis, add tinned mackerel or pilchards (not the ones in salted water or tomato, both bad for arthritis) to kibble. Alternatively, add salmon oil (available from online canine pharmacies such as Hyperdrug).

I echo the Pooch and Mutt mobile Bone supplement: I use it and am sure it's helping.

Ultimately,if the dog has arthritis, you might want to discuss pain relief. Search on here for threads on Trocoxil-ruddy marvellous!

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Transplanted Geordie
RIP Jake, my best dog. 10.8.10
RIP Boomerang, beautiful horse. 27.5.08

thanks for the replies.
has anyone switched to raw food and seen improvements with joints?
i know i need to do alot more research before i potentially change to raw, either fully or partially, but want to know if it actually makes a difference or if it's like people who eat organic food and just believe it makes them feel better. (i used to do the organic thing but figured out i felt better from eating a healthier diet, organic or not).

Well to my knowledge my dog doesn't have joint problems. He was struggling energy wise on commercial but since being on raw has improved hugely and I think has muscled up much more but that's about all I can say on that front I'm afraid

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My older dog has arthritis in one knuckle. He has Trocoxil anti-inflammatory, so hard to say if it's improved with raw food. The reason I think most of us feed raw is because it's perceived as more natural, better for the dog and it's teeth/digestion. I haven't ever heard of it being used as an arthritis aid. Raw food is not necessarily organic, in fact I sincerely doubt that the suppliers known on here are organic!

The best thing for relieving arthritis is an anti-inflammatory medication and ensuring that the dog is lean so less pressure on her joints. Salmon oil and/or oily fish may help, as may supplements.

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Transplanted Geordie
RIP Jake, my best dog. 10.8.10
RIP Boomerang, beautiful horse. 27.5.08