Making fun of feeding BARF!

[Michele Baxter]

Yesterday I took baby girl Irie in for her check up and her parvo shot. While in for our visit I wanted to discuss all of my plans and guidelines I am trying to follow with this special little girl. Don't get me wrong--my vet is a FANTASTIC vet. But all the vet techs there (our favorite wasn't working yesterday) were making fun of the BARF diet I am feeding! I made a list out so that could be included in her chart. I should have known something was up when I mentioned the BARF diet and they had no idea what I was talking about. Hummmmm. Anyway, I overheard them talking in the back saying "there is no way I would feed all of this--and FOUR TIMES A DAY! No way!" Along with "she's crazy!". Did you hear her asking about breaking the shots up? and wondering if it was a killed virus or modified live?"
Well, HELLO! I've been in rottweilers (seriously exhibiting, etc.) for 10 years. I think I know just a little bit about what's best for my dog!
I got a little bit upset too. Then to top it off--I made them do a fecal test--which turned up negative. This is her second test (two weeks apart) that has turned up negative. But they still suggested treating her with Strongid. NO WAY! If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If she doesn't have worms--then why would I invade her body with the toxins to kill worms? And yes, I understand about eggs, larvae, etc. But even the vet conceeded that as long as her next test was negative also--we could be 100% sure she doesn't have worms. He said he's 95% sure right now given the two negative samples so far. 95% is enough for me--thank you very much!
How have the rest of you who feed BARF been treated when detailing this to your vet? I was just a little unprepared for the reception given by the employees at our vet. But it obviously is working wonderfully for Irie. She has gained 5.6 lbs. in the two weeks since her last check up. Her coat has turned slick and shiney--she just glows! I am more than impressed with the results I have seen.

[Mojave's Mom]

Hi Michelle,

I don't feed exclusive BARF...it's more of a variation where I add some meat, veggies, and other stuff to his Canidae. What I can relate to is the fact that I had two vet techs laugh at me when I said I fed him Canidae mostly with some variety. One of them actually asked me WHY I bothered paying more money for a food that is just like Science Diet!? :o The other said "I wish I made enough money to feed my dogs and cats better than I feed myself" I couldn't help it and said "well maybe if you fed yourself a little better, you wouldn't be so out of shape" and I walked out never to return. Found myself another place that I like much better. I feel your pain....{{HUG}} :)

[Burnsway]

Vets are not a big fan of Barf, Nor am I. Im more like Mojaves mom in mixing some with Canidae. Well they could never tell me Canidae cost more. I pay less for my 40 pound bag of Canidae then I did the 40 Pound bag of Science Diet.

Although Im not a big fan of Barf I do think its a personnal choice and your vet should not make fun of you unless they can come up with documented proof that it is a bad Diet.

When I was interested in Barf none of my vets staff made fun of me or belittled me. They told me how they felt about it and then pulled out charts of dogs that got sick from it. But they also pulled out charts on dogs that had gotten sick from certain kibble too.

I couldnt imagine my vet ever treating for worms if the test came back negative...

[Troy]

Michelle if I were you I'd speak to the vet about the techs attitude toward you.
I feed Innova, not BARF, but still get questions from the techs at my vets practice who claim to be "nutritionists"...they aren't familiar with a single super-premium food! Obviously clueless.
Now like you I love my vet...but sometimes the assistants like to act like they're the experts.
Good for you in standing up to them. :D

[Barbara Surplus]

Michele, they say ignorance is bliss so those techs must be in a perpetual state of euphoria.

There is simply no excuse for their attitude towards you and what you've chosen to do for your dogs. If more people would educate themselves and insist on having a say about what's right for their pets, we'd all be a lot better off.

I've been going recently to an holistic vet so no problems there. Even my regular vet of 20 years has been completely acceptant of my decision to feed BARF, not to vaccinate or neuter, and not to give my dogs harmful pharmaceutical remedies, i.e., Rimadyl, etc. It's amazing what a clear head and a forthright attitude will do for you. Good for you, Michelle. Time for you to find a new vet!
Barbara

[godfreyc]

I don't know where you're from but I'm in a very small area and my guess is that most(not all) of the techs at my vet are some kind of intern. There have been times that I've known more than them. Some of them I love though and wish I could know when they were working. I don't feed barf either and when I said BARF to the veteranarian he gave me a look but when I explained the principle he just knew the diet by another name. He wasn't a fan but neither he or the techs who were there made fun the only stupid question is the one you don't ask was what he told me the first time I ever walked in his office and believe me I put that one to the test :)

[Judy Chrusch]

Hi Michele, you know we have great success with the BARF diet and luckily my vet is supportive of whatever I choose. When I go their I'm the boss so to speak, and I want what's best for Czar, as for breaking up the shots, my vet was more then fine with it and even admitted it was a very good idea. Hold out as long as you can with the rabies shot, if you can, Czar did get a bit weird with that one though all the others he did fine unless it was a freak thing. I feel so bad that you had that kind of treatment with the vet techs, how professional is that, talking about a patient where you could hear it. Don't pay any attention to what people say, you go with your gut and your heart and what's best for that beautiful litle girl of yours. I have had many many smart remarks from people but boy they sure do comment on Czar's body and coat and of course when they ask what food he's on then it all starts but hey, it works for us, we're happy and that's all that matters. So girlfriend, hold your head up high and keep doing what your doing for that precious little girl. I'm gonna e-mail you, I have the results of my MRI. Take care hon, and have a great week. Give Irie a great big kiss from auntie Judy.

Judy

[Sansano]

Originally posted by Burnsway:
<STRONG>Vets are not a big fan of Barf, Nor am I. </STRONG>

Not all vets are agains BARF. Many enightened or holistic or at the very least indifferent vets out there. Why are you not a big fan? I understand why someone can't do it full time( I follow a semi barf diet) but do you realise it is the best diet you could give your dog? Why not be a fan of a good diet option? Don't have to do it.

<STRONG>

Although Im not a big fan of Barf I do think its a personnal choice and your vet should not make fun of you unless they can come up with documented proof that it is a bad Diet.
</STRONG>

Vets or vet techs should not 'make fun' of you regardless of proof. Maybe try to inform, but not make fun.
<STRONG>

When I was interested in Barf none of my vets staff made fun of me or belittled me. They told me how they felt about it and then pulled out charts of dogs that got sick from it. But they also pulled out charts on dogs that had gotten sick from certain kibble too.
</STRONG>

Most of the time the claims of sick dogs from Barf are acually dogs that got a hold of cooked, bones and had problems. Not ones who followed the proper BARF diet.

Michele,

I would never go back again to a vet that had techs who made fun of me. Especially when they were being completely ignorant. I mean they don't know the adavantage of seperating the different type of shots?!

I would run not walk to another vet. They don't have to completely agree but they do need to be professional. Good luck.

[Carina43]

Michele, that's very unprofessional behaviour. One wonders how often they make fun of other clients for various reasons like that! I'd definitely have a word with whoever is in charge...Let them know why you are leaving their practice. Could be good that they're made aware. I would have definitely said something right then & there.

My vet is a very "old school" country vet. He is accepting of BARF, although he was a little concerned when I started Cooper on this diet that he might be deficient in some nutrients...but he is quite impressed with my dogs now.

Although he & I do vaccinate, he is quite conservative with meds & vaccinations...he does not think an older dog or cat should be vaccinated, and suggests medications as a last resort.

[Amy Davidson]

Hi Michelle,

I just wanted to offer a little supprt from a 100%-no-kibble BARFer. When I first started researching the BARF diet I asked my vet about it and he said "I really have no idea, let me ask the groomer" (he was serious). He is very upfront and honest about the fact that he knows very litte about nutrition. I decided I would do just fine without the help of my vet. I don't go to the doctor about everything I put in my mouth I figure I don't have to talk to the vet about everything I put in my dog's mouth. I educate myself and do what I feel is best for my babies.
As for those vet techs, blow it off and chalk it up to ignorance. You just have to know that you are doing the absolute best for your baby girl, no matter what anybody says. All that said, it still irks me to hear someone belittling another because they play an active & knowledgable part in the health of their dogs. Personally, it would make me feel better to say a little something to the vet techs about their behavior.

Good for you for standing up and taking part in the care of your girl!

Hugs to you and Irie from me and my gang,

Amy & The BARFing Six

[Burnsway]

Quote by Sansano

Not all vets are agains BARF. Many enightened or holistic or at the very least indifferent vets out there. Why are you not a big fan? I understand why someone can't do it full time( I follow a semi barf diet) but do you realise it is the best diet you could give your dog? Why not be a fan of a good diet option? Don't have to do it.

Reason one was certain questions I had were not answered in my research!I could not find proof that it was any safer or better for your dog than high premium food. Yes I hear a lot of individuals praise the diet on the internet but when I researched it off the internet with people I came up with this: I asked 20 people on the diet. 5 were still on it and happy. 5 peoples dogs had died and the claim it was due to the diet and 10 had since stopped the diet due to illnesses they had come across. Now granted I give a lot of thought to weather they were doing it right! And that goes to reason 2.

2. Preperation and time to do this diet right is somthing I dont have when I feel Canidae gives her everything she needs.

3. I will not put my 2 older dogs on it since one is 16 and the other is 13. And I think its unfair to set their dishes down with kibble while I throw chicken backs to my pup!!

I said I wasn't a fan of barf do to my own personal reasons and life style but in no way do I belittle or judge barfers... :D

And yes some vets actually practice it. but a huge majority are against it!

And I also do a semi diet. She gets raw eggs, canned tuna fish in oil, fruits and vegtables. Just no raw meat or bones!... ;)

[ July 31, 2001: Message edited by: Burnsway ]

[Sansano]

Originally posted by Burnsway:
<STRONG>


Reason one was certain questions I had were not answered in my research!I could not find proof that it was any safer or better for your dog than high premium food.
</STRONG>

Did you read any books? What type of proof are you looking for? I think it has been proven that a properly fed BARF diet is a better diet than high quality kibble.

<STRONG>

Yes I hear a lot of individuals praise the diet on the internet but when I researched it off the internet with people I came up with this: I asked 20 people on the diet. 5 were still on it and happy. 5 peoples dogs had died and the claim it was due to the diet and 10 had since stopped the diet due to illnesses they had come across.
</STRONG>

I have to question the validity of this. There is no way only 5 people who were doing this diet stayed on it and the rest stopped due to death or illness caused by the diet. I am sorry I don't buy it. Where did you find these 20 people that you conducted your survey?


<STRONG>

And yes some vets actually practice it. but a huge majority are against it!
</STRONG>

Never disagreed. You said that "Vets are not a fan of it" and that is wrong. And the huge majority is getting smaller and more accepting everyday.

<STRONG>

And I also do a semi diet. She gets raw eggs, canned tuna fish in oil, fruits and vegtables. Just no raw meat or bones!... ;)
</STRONG>

A Semi-barf diet must include Bones and Raw Meat(thus the name BARF). What you are feeding is not a semi-barf diet. And there is nothing wrong with that. Canidea is a great food. Nothing is wrong with what you are feeding here. I just don't want people posting with questions about BARF to get innacurate information.

[ July 31, 2001: Message edited by: Sansano ]

[Burnsway]

Sansano It's just a personal preference of my own not to feed my dogs barf! No punt against people who do and in no way do I think they are wrong. It is just a decision I made. I feed my dog Canidae and am very happy with it.


My Dog My decision.... ;)

[Sansano]

Originally posted by Burnsway:
<STRONG>Sansano It's just a personal preference of my own not to feed my dogs barf! No punt against people who do and in no way do I think they are wrong. It is just a decision I made. I feed my dog Canidae and am very happy with it.


My Dog My decision.... ;)</STRONG>

Who is questioning your decison to feed Canidea. I never did. I just asked that we, as members refrain from posting misinformation.

[Burnsway]

I dont believe what I posted was misinformation. How is that Im not a big fan of barf misinformation. How is that most vets not all but most vets are against barf misinformation. The original poster even posted due to her expierience. How is that I did my own survey misinformation. It is not misinformation. It is information you choose not to agree with and that is fine.

This thread was not a thread of Kibble Vs. Barf. It was a thread on how someone was very mistreated by vets office because they fed barf. WHICH IS VERY WRONG!!!!!

If you would like another barf vs kibble debate open a new thread.... ;)


I personally feel when someone pulls a persons post apart because they don't agree with them is just another attempt to turn a thread into an argumant. I posted no mis truth!! I posted my opinion and my findings and what I chose to do.... ;)