[jenp]

When I rescued Houdini (little escape artist, don'tcha know) from the SPCA two months ago, I had already gone 50% raw myself. And three months ago I had the misery of losing my 14-year-old cocker, who had numerous health problems (which I believe if I had put her on better food instead of pellets would have lived a much healthier life). So I vowed that I would give Houdini a better shot, now that I knew better. I give her about 95% raw at my house, mixed with some non-raw treats. My boyfriend, when he has to keep her because of my travel, gives her the same meals, but many, many more treats (he's a softy). I'd say that drops her to 90% raw, as he does love to give his dogs and my visiting dog many treats. Mostly I alternate her between beef ribs and chicken, so she gets some bone in with the meat, and she seems to quite enjoy that. I will admit, however, that when she's visiting and sees a dog dish filled with pellets, she'll have a few bites (not clean it out though). At dinner time, she doesn't attack her food like she's starved, but rather is dainty about it, and leaves the meaty bones for later, if she's not really hungry at the time. (I do pick up anything she hasn't touched in 15 minutes though.) She will eat a little fruit, usually sweet banana but sometimes some apple if I share. She has filled in quite nicely from the thin dog I rescued from the SPCA without porking out. She also does get a decent amount of exercise.
So far, I haven't considered giving her any supplements, but if I notice anything about her health that makes me nervous, I will consider it.
And SnowBunny, I agree, as a vegetarian I hate the meat section of the grocery, but I go there for my sweet dog. In fact, there's only one area of the grocery that I enjoy, the rest is a direct assault on the senses (especially the meat and chemicals aisles)!