BARF and aggressiveness...

[oneRottsmom]

Okay I've read alot on what you all have discussed about BARFing and it's effects on a dog all being good from what I read.

I've also researched other areas and found the same things. I'm comfortable with the facts I've found on dogs turning aggressive from feeding raw meat, not being true.

I've got a girl friend that is flipping out about this because I'm feeding my Rott and my Pit raw meats... she's refusing to bring her daughter to my home any more and said she doesn't want to hear about it when my dogs turn on us and bite my 5 yr old.

I guess what I'm asking is for some reassurance that I'm doing the right thing by switching to BARF.

Chell

[Teena]

Yes, that's an old tale. NO it doesn't make them mean. If they had no food issues ( guarding or being aggressive over food), before barf, they won't after feeding it.
It's like saying all rotties are mean. Now, we KNOW that isn't true. Just another myth out there is all.

[Barbara Surplus]

Chelll, I have two of the sweetest dogs I've ever met - they are a living testament to the benefits of BARF. The myth that eating raw meat contributes to aggressiveness in a dog is sheer nonsense. The only thing that will do that is lack of training and socialization, and poor ownership. If anything, BARF is a major contributor to my boys' healthy mental state - no crummy additives, questionable ingredients and toxic chemicals to send the poor animals around the bend!

We are a household of two adults and two young children, my youngest being a two-year-old. She loves her dogs and they show her the respect due to her because of the work we've done to ensure that they do.

Your friend is simply uneducated. There's an old saying: Prejudice wasn't reasoned into a man; it can't be reasoned out. The same rule applies here. Perhaps one day your friend will have an open mind. Perhaps also up to you as her friend to show her by example what a good dog is all about. Might take a while though.
Barbara

[rottnkidd]

Chell - I'm in 100% agreement with Teena and Barbara. The absence of additives, fillers, and preservatives actually has a
calming effect on a dog. This is the way nature intended for the
canine to eat! You can't do any better for him then providing fresh foods that you prepare.
kathy

[Judy Chrusch]

Chell, I feed Barf too and my 13 month old male is soooo sweet. I get the same thing and my inlaws won't even come near Czar bc of the whole raw meat thing, hey that's their problem, they're missing out on a wonderful relationship with my boy. They loved my other rotties but I didn't feed them Barf either. It really doesn't bother me what people say, it works for us and Czar has never been happier, in fact after he gets done eating he runs into my husband as if to say, "mommy just gave me some really yummy food" and I'm sooooo happy! And when he's waiting for his food, :D Yikes, that stub never stops and he dances around the kitchen floor like he can't control himself until I make him stand and wait. It just makes me smile each and everytime he eats:D I don't know what to tell you about your friend otherthen trying to reassure her. You might not want to offer the info about feeding your dogs raw bc of the reaction you'll receive. I don't volunteer it but if and when someone asks what I feed him and I tell them, sometimes the reaction is funny I've already had someone ask me and I told them I feed Barf and their comment was, I thought so, they could tell by his body. Well don't stop doing what you're use to doing just bc people make their comments and are opposed to the way you feed. I hope all works out.

Judy

[Homerhomer]

it's a myth and unfortunatly many people believe in it.

[oneRottsmom]

I'm not going to stop feeding BARF because of reactions to it. I was just thrown back a bit by how my friend acted. My daughter who is 5yrs old had mentioned it in front of her and then all heck blew up.

I actually had to call my pet sitter this morning to set up for her to come do feeding and walking for me on Sunday. I told her the dogs are on a new diet and had to tell her where and how to feed them. I was so shocked when she said "oh I have 3 other clients that feed BARF" and boy was I relieved to know I wouldn't have to defend my feeding choice to my pet sitter. As I know I will the vet...

Thanks again y'all I really just needed a little reassurance I wasn't creating monsters by feeding raw. My gosh my guys love it already and it's only been a week but I have happy eager dogs at dinner time. :D

Chell

[Teena]

I know what you mean. I was going to have to kennel my dogs overnight. I dreaded calling the kennel & talking to her. I just knew she would give me a hard time about feeding barf.
She was great about it & she said yeah i have other clients who are interested in feeding barf. I have a nice big fridge for the dogs, so it won't be a problem.
So, some accept it others won't. Oh , well that's the way it is i guess.

[Nancy Estes]

I've always found the rationale behind this idea quite funny myself. The reasoning is that somehow the dog *knows* that the raw meat he eats would be equal to *eating* a person... Now, if you dog went out and killed and ate chickens, squirrels, etc., I'd expect the dog to know the relationship between the live animal and what he ate when he killed it, but just how does this translate into biting (i.e., *eating*) a human? I think that calls for a BIG leap of the imagination!

Nancy

[Teena]

I'm always debating with my boss about the barf diet. He has an old dog & just got a puppy today. It's some kinda little fluffy dog. It is 8 weeks old & weighs a whole 2 lbs.;)
I think i heard a new twist on it tonight!
He was saying feeding them raw meat will make them maneaters.
I said if that is the case mankind wouldn't be here today, as the dogs would have ate us in the caveman days.
He says no, they are loyal to their owners. They are more likely to take a bite out of a strangers leg, because of feeding raw meat.
He's HOPELESS!!!!

[SarasMom]

My therapy dog has eaten raw meat for over 3 years. That should debunk this silly myth. :)

[German Vanegas]

According to pseudo-experts, who based their assertions not in scientific studies and consequent data, but on "ol' wives tales", they alleged that protein induces aggressive behavior... And that's it! With no other valid and legit explanation for such wild especulation, they just throw that statement "up in the air" It's something like the savages that suggest "feeding your dog with gun powder and meat to make him mean". That is simply stupid and absurd!

The truth is, dogs are primarily carnivorous, therefore, they need protein rich sources like animal meat. Meat contains essential amino acids and nutrients not found on other food sources. A dog's diet must include, as a primary protein source, good quality animal meat (whether be beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, fish, etc. or a combination of them). Lack of animal protein will not allow a dog to develop to his full potential, and will have a detrimental effect on the dog's overall healthy well-being. Trust me ;) :)