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We are living in unprecedented times and I'm watching the news daily for an announcement from our Governor that we're under a mandatory shelter in place. I'm not going to panic and empty store shelves of supplies I don't need, but I do need to make sure that we have plenty of supplies on hand for our dogs and cat.
So, what do the grocery stores look like in your town? Here in Marysville, the shelves and freezers are bare, which can suck for raw feeders who source their meat from the grocery store. Our dogs are solid and I want to share what I'm doing to make sure that we don't have to break into that emergency bag of kibble I purchased during a weekend of stocking up in anticipation of a Shelter in Place order.
Where to Shop for Raw Pet Food
If you're like me, then the grocery stores are bare and buying commercial raw is out of the question because it's too expensive. I'm lucky because I'm a member of a local raw food co-op and I can source 99% of what I need through the co-op. Everything else I get from the grocery store, ethnic market, and a local pet store. If you're having trouble finding food, here are a few ideas for those of you who can order in bulk:
- Restaurant Meal Supplier – I know that restaurants only offer take out at the moment; their suppliers have meat to sell. Find out if there are any meat suppliers in your area. If you have a friend who works for a restaurant, find out what companies deliver meat to their door.
- Local Farms – another industry that's impacted by this pandemic are local farmers. Are there any farmers or homesteaders in your area who need customers?
- Local Pet Store – ask your local pet store manager if you can order a case of a product. I ordered a case of fermented fish stock and raw goat's milk from my local pet store and because I was ordering in bulk, I was able to save a little on the retail price.
If buying in bulk isn't a possibility, then consider buying in bulk with friends.
My Raw Food Shopping List
We have four big dogs and one has protein sensitivities, so I have to shop carefully to make sure everyone has enough food.
80/10/10 Plus
I feed my dogs a diet that I call 80/10/10 Plus or FrankenBARF. This is basically a raw food diet that has a base of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat. The “Plus” includes vegetables, fermented fish stock, raw eggs, and a handful of supplements my dogs need. When I was placing my orders, I made sure to only buy what we would need over the next few months. Thankfully, I make a point of keeping my freezers and pantry stocked, so I didn't have to buy too much.
SUPPLEMENTS
When I was new to raw feeding, I made the mistake of going overboard with supplements. I see a lot of people asking “what supplements do I need to balance my dogs' diet?” and I run away from those discussions because I don't believe that there is any single supplement that can magically balance a dog's diet. And, if you follow me, then you know how I feel about balance. *insert eye roll here*
Instead of trying to achieve balance, I strive for feeding a nutritious diet. All of my dogs are different and what would be “balanced” for one dog may not work for the others. And who decided on what represents balance anyway? Ahh, don't get me started.
For supplements, I focus on what each of my dogs needs in their diet based on what I know is missing or what I know they need (for support), like a joint supplement, for example. I no longer share lists of supplements, because the lists changes as my dogs' needs change.
Stocking Up on Dog Treats?
Thankfully, a few months ago, I came across a deal and stocked up on bully sticks, so we're set for chews. But I didn't want to spend money on dog treats – they go too fast with five dogs. So, instead, I purchased all of the chicken hearts and gizzards from the grocery store and I'm dehydrating treats (stay tuned for recipes). I can spend $20 and have enough treats to last a month or I can buy two bags of freeze-dried treats that are gone over a weekend (or sooner).
Don't have a dehydrator? You can make treats in the oven. While my dehydrator was busy, I baked oysters in the oven for the dogs. It's super easy.
If We're Stressed, They're Stressed
I don't know about you, but I'm stressed the hell out over this pandemic. I've had to stop watching the news and unfriend loads of people who are sharing maddening conspiracy theories. My anxiety level is high and I know if I'm stressed, my dogs are stressed too. So I stocked up on CBD oil.
- Canna-Pet CBD Oil Capsules for Dogs
- Canna-Pet CBD Oil Dog Treats
- CBD Dog Health – Ease (great for inflammation, allergies, and anxiety)
- King Kalm 600mg CBD Oil
Is Your First Aid Kit Up to Date?
Thankfully, our first aid kit is up to date. We have various bandages and wraps, hydrogen peroxide, a thermometer, and I ordered a couple of Must Have items for our dogs:
- DGP for Pets is a natural pain killer that doesn't impact the liver and kidneys the way some prescription medications do. We have active dogs and sometimes they overdo it. CBD oil can help, but it's expensive, so I like to alternate with DGP for Pets and save the CBD oil for bigger ouches.
- Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Wound & Skin Care Pet Spray – and injuries happen and having this spray on hand is a lifesaver. A couple of sprays and the wound heals right up.
Don't forget the Cat…
We have a cat and he was easy to take care of; a lot easier than the dogs. I stocked up on…
- Freeze-dried food – Small Batch and Quest by Steve's Real Food
- Treats – he loves Ziwipeak (the food, but he thinks it's a treat) and freeze-dried minnows
- Feline Pine kitty litter (several bags)
So, that's my list.
Take care of yourself, try not to stress out, and if you find that you need to return to kibble temporarily to get you through this pandemic, then do it. You will never get judged by me. I purchased two big bags of Nulo just in case.
