I have decided I will definitely start feeding raw. I have already somewhat started, but I bought a food processor, and it didn't work, so I will have to take it back. My question is, how heavy duty of a processor do I need? And where is a good place to get one? I got mine at Walmart, but it was the only one they have, and doesn't seem like it would be able to process the chicken whole, with the bones.

So far, this is what I have been feeding them twice a day (btw, these are chihuahuas):
1 chicken quarter (cut up into pieces)
2-3 chicken livers
A handful of baby carrots
1 egg

They have been doing pretty well with it cut up, but i think it will be a lot easier once i have a good processor and can prepare it ahead of time.

No more than 2 baby carrots, and I would start with one but FANTASTIC!
Here is a good processor. You can get it at walmart.. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2593958

Would a meat grinder be about the same thing, or is a food processor better? Oh, and I am planning on adding some gizzards to their food soon as well. They are doing really well, they love the food so far. I am absolutely amazed by how much cheaper this is than buying a good dog food!

Not really because it doesnt mix it all together..

And keep this in mind- the one I have is like 20 years old.. lolllllll.. Cheap investment for what it does does daily- twice a day.)

Will a food processor chop up the bones as well? Or do you have to de-bone the chicken?

Oh, and I had a hard time finding tripe at the grocery store. Are there other things you could substitute for this (possibly things that are more readily available in Texas)?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hobbitcutie,

I'm in Texas too, and can't find tripe either. I had a similar question a few weeks ago. Menudo (sheeps stomach) would make a good substitue, I think. I'm sure borzoimom will correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, I was thinking about giving them gizzards, does that sound like kind of the same thing? I know it's not exactly a stomach, but some sort of digestion does go on in it...I'm sure dogs in the wild would eat the gizzard. Also, I'm probably going to stick to mainly chicken parts, because I hear that Chihuahuas can be notoriously picky, and mine don't seem to like a lot of beef-flavored things, but chicken is their favorite.

You can give them gizzards. Hottie doesnt care for them, but the other 3 do. Hottie will eat them if they are run in the processor, where as the others will eat them by themselves.

quote:

Originally posted by texgurl:
I'm in Texas too, and can't find tripe either. I had a similar question a few weeks ago. Menudo (sheeps stomach) would make a good substitue, I think. I'm sure borzoimom will correct me if I'm wrong.

Tripe is beef tripe. If you cant get it, Menudo is just fine.. Very good texgurl!

By the way ya'all- I wish I had the internet when I started raw. It sure would have made it easier. It took a ton of phone calls for me, alot of reading and talking to people that knew. It sure did take alot of time and effort. In anyway I can help, I am totally willing to do so! The one that told me about tripe was here- on animal planet- and the members name was Trubee... I could tell it was a great additive and did better than beef liver too.. !