Feeding a raw diet to dogs

If you had told me a year ago that I would find myself up to my wrists in bloody chicken backs, I would have told you, you were crazy. I don't do raw chicken. It's slimy and you can get sick. So, what do I do? I fall in love with a man who feeds his dogs raw chicken. I didn't even know people fed their dogs raw food. I thought everyone went to the grocery store and bought a bag of dog food. But, it turns out feeding a raw diet is something quite a few people do, especially people who do a lot of dog sports.
Once Batman found out there was an option of raw chicken on the menu, he never looked back at dry food. I have learned a lot about raw diets, but can't claim to be an expert. To read more, see my friend Laura's Canines in Action website in my links list. I do know you have to feed raw bones, not cooked. Cooked bones can splinter. Also, you have to give the dogs some vegetables to mimic the food they would have found in the intestines of an herbivore. We make something we call Veggi Goo. It is actually something I should probably eat. We take Collard Greens, Kale, parsley, carrots and lettuce and mix it into liquid in a blender and put a generous dollop on the dog's feed each day.
People often ask me know about Batman's coat. How do I get him so shiny? How do I get him so soft? It's the raw diet. It also makes his teeth nice and white (crunching the chicken bones) and it strengthens his jaws. Feeding raw also helps eliminate a lot of odor problems with dog waste and there is less to clean up in the yard. For those who don't want to mess with raw chicken, there are raw diets that come in a package. Laura has a lot about the Bravo diet on her website.
I do have to admit that the first time I stuck my hand into a thawing mass of raw chicken backs I gagged. And, if Curt leaves them out thawing too long, the smell is awful. I did insist on a few changes. The raw chicken can only be in one spot in the kitchen and absolutely nothing else ever goes in that area. Before I moved in, I discovered Curt would sit other food or dishes on the same counter as the raw chicken. Ick. Now, all surfaces must be wiped down with antibacterial, bleach wipes too when raw chicken is moved in and out. I also wear latex gloves when I bag up the chicken. We buy in bulk frozen, so we have to thaw it and then repackage it in freezer bags.
Batman, who is a little guy at 35 pounds, eats one chicken back a day. (OK and sometimes he might get treats). My dog sport friends say he is still a little on the heavy side, but I like him the way he is just fine. I have tried getting treats with fewer calories though. Although Batman says they aren't as good.
So, if you haven't tried a raw diet for your dog (or cat) you might consider it. It is very good for dogs with allergy problems.
Connie