The German Shepherd is considered a Deep chested breed of dog.  These dogs are prone to stomach twisting called "Bloat". Some dry food, kibble, increases the potential for bloat.  Kibble is digested slower-up to 12 hours, therefore can cause increased gases in the gut, and once the stomach has twisted over on itself these gasses become deadly.  Here at Kridler's we feed our dogs a Raw Diet.  Where I do NOT profess to being an expert, I do feel I am feeding my dogs correctly and many people ask what and how I feed.  This web page is to explain how I feed, and can be printed and used as a recommendation only.  Unfortunately, there are no 100% guarantees.

For Professional guidance, we recommend the site; http://www.aplaceforpaws.com , and speak to Dani. Another Great site for Raw Diet is www.threecheersrawrawraw.com , which I use, too. 

WE DO NOT FEED RAW DIET to our Puppies.  We feel the need in pups for special vitamins and growth is a bit too difficult to monitor with Raw Diet.  We feed Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy up to 6 mths then Gradually ad Raw Diet by the time the pup is 12 mths old. 

Many people want to know how I switched my dogs over from Kibble to Raw.  Here is how I did it.

Day 1- 1/2 regular kibble and 2 raw chicken backs- yes, bone and all.  Add Fastrack, a beneficial digestive bacteria similar to acidopholis in yogurt.  Chicken Backs are best, as they have proper amounts of fat, bone, and meat.  Each dog should be regulated on feeding amount depending on their metabolizm and size.  Feeling their sides, chest, and belly daily will help you to know who needs more or less.  Our 10 yr. old Nala spayed house dog only needs 2 chicken backs daily now.

Day 2- 1/4th regular feed and 2 chicken backs.  Fastrack again.  This seems like a small amount even for the big boys here, but changing them over day 2 should be your most difficult adjustment day.  Couple of my dogs did get diarrhea, a soupy yellow , but most were fine.  Dani from A Place for Paws helped me thru this time.  She said hang in there as some have a harder time with the raw chicken.  The extra Fastrack helped these dogs.

Day 3- 3 -4 chicken backs.  The dogs with normal stools, which expected small round very firm, about 1/4th the size stool with kibble fed and can even turn powdery white in minutes, is normal. Almost all the dogs here had normal stools by this day. 

Day 4 on, we do use either Veges or 1 cup kibble.  Kibble I am currently using, which by the way, all pups are given Beef n' Bone purchased from A place for paws, along with kibble of Canidae.  They do not start on solely raw feedings until 6 mths old.  Veges include- Carrots, zucchini, green beans, peas, broccoli, yams, garlic, apples, blueberries, parsley, romaine lettuce and spinach.  You can use any combo of these veges.  It all goes into the food processor until ground small.  I will add Tripe or Beef n' Bone, to these meals.  Tripe adds alot of wonderful digestive enzymes.  Our dogs are healthier, happier, and more energetic since feeding the Raw Way.  Quno is 10 1/2 and sired a litter thru his 10th year.  Angie whelped 6 pups easily and quickly at 9 yrs old.  My pregnant girls do get alot extra food along with alot of Tripe.

We really do not use much or any Vitamins.  Occasionally I give Kelp, and salmon oil.  I also use Dogzymes CCM+ which is purchased from www.naturesfarmacy.com , a supplement given 2-3 times a week for the showdogs(coat improvement) and for the elderly/or pregnant dogs(Glucosamine/condroitin) as vitamins this time is necessary.  Apple Cider vinegar and whole fresh eggs can be added,too. 

Don't make a fuss over exacting amounts.  Their digestive system does better with occ. changes.  We give raw beef bones when I can get to the butcher.  Those are given on a "Fasting" day.  We also use Turkey Necks, Fish, and Venison.  My dogs don't do well with Pork, but yours may.  I would say my feed bill has dropped in half since changing to raw.  The kibble we do feed is Canidae. I will occasionally feed 1 cup kibble 2 x a week along with Veges days, ...tho it is Reccommended by most Raw Professionals to feed only Raw and do not combine the Raw & Kibble. 

*** This website is to be used as a recommendation only.  Permission to print and use after discussed with Tari Kridler - email chsweetsun@aol.com

*** The pictures from this website are owned by Kridler's German Shepherds.  NO photo may be copied or reused without permission from Kridler's ***