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I have a question I'm asking for a friend who doesn't have internet access OR access to a vet at this time.
Okay, so my friend was laid off of her job and is currently getting unemployment which doesn't even cover all her basic bills. She's applied for (and is receiving) food stamps... all while looking for another job.
I do NOT want this to turn into some food stamps/welfare discussion, please. She asked me for advice and I'm trying to get info for her, that is all.
She has a dog and in her current situation is having a hard time affording dog food. She has a large dog (I think it's some sort of lab/GSD mix) and does NOT want to give him up due this temporary situation. She of course has every intention of finding work soon and is looking and participating in a job search thing for the UI office... but in the mean time, she wanted to know if I knew what kinds of foods she could safely feed her dog that are officially "human foods"?
The food stamp amount she gets is enough for her to purchase "human" food and feed it to the dog, as well as feed herself... but obviously she can't buy dog food with food stamps. So she wanted to know what kinds of things she could buy (with food stamps) and safely feed her dog a reasonably balanced diet until she's out of this bad situation.
Hmm, I occasionally give my dogs some slices of whole wheat bread just to stem their appetites between meals. I can get this bread for 99 cents a loaf. I would add in some meats and vegetables - maybe carrots, tomatoes, celery ... not sure what to recommend for the meats though ...
Since it appears that your friend understands that feeding human food long term is probably not a well balanced meal, I will assume that is the case and offer some foods that are at least safe. You can cook up some chicken and rice which is often recommended as a bland diet for dogs with GI upset, so it's safe but by no means a permanent diet as it isn't a good balance of nutrients. You can also use turkey. Add in some vegetables and fruits for snacks, those are good. DO NOT FEED grapes, raisins, onions, brussel sprouts. Also, nothing too fatty/greasy...like buttered bread or something. I guess my point is, just because the dog is getting "people food" doesnt mean it should be prepared like people food. Another thing to consider is portion control. It will probably be tough to gauge how much a serving size should be since it's not all mashed into a little kibble, so I would suggest really watching the dogs weight and cut back if he starts gaining any weight.
I am sure others have some good advice too, this is just my initial thoughts. Good Luck.
I dont know anything about "raw diet" for dogs, but this is a website that someone on the other forum I am part of suggested to someone else. It might be helpful. http://www.rawfeddogs.net/ Your friend is in a tough situation, best of luck to her - and her fur baby.
I'm no expert on this, but when my father was a kid his family was poor. They'd eat their meals and anything left over would go in the dog's bowl. They never bought dog food. This was their standard operating procedure for feeding the dog throughout my father's childhood. I also know our neighbor cooks chicken, rice, and kale for their dog to eat. My dogs will eat most people food. As others have said no grapes raisins, chocolate, onions, and brussel sprouts. I wish your friend good fortune.
I make a crock pot stew & when its cool enough I share with Katie! My problem is not what to feed but how much!! Anyway tell your friend to mix some with dog food so the change wont upset the tummy. O another thought...could buy her dog food & in return she could buy you a few groceries.....
I would go your the local Petsmart and talk to the Rescue group leader there on Saturdays. Between 11 and 4pm. I would go early before they get busy. I do not know her living situation but maybe offer to foster a cat or kitten for a week or two in the future or a puppy. Petsmart donates all bags of food that have tears in them because they cannot be sold. Explain to the rescue group people and they may give up a bag or two. I know mine would have. Good luck and let us know.
The raw diet is a healthy diet. Chicken leg quarters can be had cheaply and can be the foundation. She can make a glop of canned pumpkin, green beans, and throw in some sardines or herring and have a real happy healthy dog - I don't feed it right now because I have big dogs and don't have enough freezer space to store the food I need.
Typically you feed 2-3% of the dogs body weight a day.
Katie is a 25lb dog? Don't forget dogs weight is in pounds, food you are measuring is in ounces.
For a 50lb dog 2% of body weight = 50lbs x .02 = 1b =16oz
For a 25 lb dog 2% of body weight = 25 x .02 = .5lbs = 8oz
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