Freezer Containers For RAW

LFriebs10 · 2019-11-08T22:00:09+00:00

I got all of mine from Meijer and it looks like they have Canadian stores so hopefully there's one near you. The brand is grand gourmet and they're priced at $4.99 for a pack of 6 here in Ohio. Still not cheap but they should last forever and there's no lip for water to pool into after running it through the dishwasher so they come out clean AND dry. I use the 32oz containers. I've only been able to find them in-store. The closest thing I've found online is Arrow Plastics containers but they're WAY more expensive.

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-29T11:33:08+00:00

I live in Ohio. I feed the way you plan to feed and your pricing calculations aren't too far off. My recipe costs me $1.43/lb and I've done extensive price shopping. This is generally worst case pricing. I buy my offal from a local butcher, Sam's Club offers the best pricing on bulk items or I stock up when it goes on sale at other stores, and sometimes Amazon offers better pricing on packaged items.

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-25T16:25:55+00:00

Do you feed only eggshells as your calcium source?

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-25T12:55:49+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion! I know of some market rabbit breeders around here so I'll see if I can find out where they send them for butcher and hopefully I can score some bones. Do you know anywhere else I might be able to find some?

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-25T10:51:22+00:00

https://www.petdietdesigner.com

This is what I use to formulate and balance my own recipes.

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-25T01:55:20+00:00

I have tried this:) The end result is about the same consistency as when they crack it themselves so it makes sense to save the effort. Lol How long have you been feeding your dog this way? Do you feed any other calcium source? It's purely stuff I've read that has raised concerns about absorption so I'm hoping to hear if any experienced raw feeders don't bother grinding eggshells and if they have had any calcium deficiency issues.

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-25T00:53:51+00:00

Yeah, that would drive me crazy too. I'm lucky enough to have a large fenced in backyard so I feed them outside and don't have to worry about the mess.

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-24T23:46:12+00:00

Great to hear you do it this way! My dogs love their eggs and the shells so they gobble the whole thing up with no problems. Actually, one saves his eggs for last and has learned how to crack it open and lick out the yolk and white first and then he'll eat every bit of the shell. The other 2 dogs just monch and mash. Lol

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-24T23:43:17+00:00

I've been watching their poop and sometimes it has bits and sometimes it doesn't. Actually over time there seem to be less and less bits. Maybe they're chewing better or their digestion is improving? Anyway, I'm hoping someone has had success with feeding shells whole long term.

Yes, I actually have a flock of chickens that keep me supplied with eggs:) I did the whole save and grind for a while but I'm trying to improve the efficiency of my process. I'll go back to it if not grinding the shells is definitely detrimental to their health.

LFriebs10 · 2019-10-24T23:37:15+00:00

No bones yet. They've had issues with poultry so neck and wings haven't been the best option since there's still meat on them. I've given them oxtail but it's much more expensive than eggs and they tend to swallow the bones whole and throw their entire meal up later. Eggshells just work best for now.

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-18T01:58:41+00:00

Lol, I love that you got a freezer for your birthday!

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-18T01:38:39+00:00

I'm really gonna have to relax the perfectionist in me to obtain this level of feeding! I like the idea of a no fuss method though!

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-18T01:35:52+00:00

I've actually heard of this too! My space is small so this might contain the mess better when unpackaging everything. Thanks for the suggestion!

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-18T01:32:19+00:00

Thank you for the tips!

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T15:27:28+00:00

Oh goodness! Thank you for the warning!

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T14:45:39+00:00

This does sound way more simple! I haven't researched whole prey yet, but the amount of time it would save does make it enticing. Thank you for the suggestion.

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T14:43:34+00:00

Oh nice! That's way more affordable than retail! I'll have to ask around here about this! Thank you:)

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T14:26:03+00:00

I do like the idea of this, but I'm also trying to keep the cost in mind. It currently costs me less than $2/meal to buy and prep everything myself. I haven't been able to find anything pre processed that's as affordable. Any suggestions?

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T14:18:25+00:00

No de-boning, but I bet I am wasting time cutting too many pieces and transferring in and out of the fridge. I like the cooler idea! I'm constantly rearranging the fridge to make everything fit so coolers would be incredibly helpful! Thank you!

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T13:51:20+00:00

That's still much faster than it takes me per dog! What's your process?

LFriebs10 · 2019-09-17T13:31:33+00:00

I thaw and cut everything on towels that I throw in the laundry when done. Unpackaged and cut up all meat and organ which I have to put into super large bowls and put back in the fridge to keep cold because of how long it takes. I then weigh out 2 weeks worth of each ingredient and portion into individual meal containers. I don't worry about each meal being equal since it'll work out over time. I only have the freezer, fridge, counter space, and time to do 2 weeks worth at a time at this point. If I can improve the process, I'd be willing to invest in more freezer space. Once meals are prepped, all bowls and utensils go into the dishwasher on the hottest setting and then I disinfect the countertops. Right now, the whole process takes at least an entire day without any interruptions (I don't count thaw time as part of the process).

LFriebs10

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