AIBU - To suggest she moves her dog onto a meat based diet??

[Likelookinginamirror]

I've no idea if I'm off base here, but this is really bothering me.

(I'm putting this in the Dog Kennel because you'll know about dogs, and hope less trolls).

Background: On a fb group related to a particular dog supplement. My dog was showing signs of stiffness, an area of spinal pain, not wanting to run and jump anymore. Not unusual for her breed, but she's only 4.

Find a fish oil supplement, give it a go, and we've got our old dog back. Stay in group for gorgeous doggy photos, and advice on dosing etc.

Actual point: Person has just posted, wondering if the fish oils will help their dog that constantly has sores on its skin. Has tried everything the vet could suggest, and also listed diet, to show what it's currently having the might make the supplement redundant etc.

Apart from the obscene amount of money she's spending on this diet, I can't help wondering if the dog would benefit from some meat.

I don't think bone jelly is enough.

Would I be rude to ask if this diet also includes meat? Having seen the photos I'm thinking vitamin deficiency, but maybe everything is available in the diet given?

Sorry, too long, I have to think out loud.

Do you have some expertise in this area? I doubt they'd be interested in your opinion if you don't.

I would take that to mean he's on a raw meat diet with all those things added. I'm on a lot of dog groups and usually 'raw fed' means a (hopefully) balanced raw meat diet.

Raw normally means raw meat.

Non-meat diets are normally only done by especially committed vegans, and if they're including fish and bone jelly this cannot be the case here.

I read that post as the dog is on a raw diet, she's mentioned balanced so I'm thinking she knows what she's on about hopefully and the dog is getting the correct nutrients (My dogs used to be raw fed too ) :)

I should add yes she will mean a raw meat diet! It's usual to say things like "my dogs fed raw".. if that makes sense ?

He’s raw fed with those things added.

Ah, I see, thank you. As to the first reply, the whole point of a group is to make suggestions.

I'm telling you I think her supplements are over the top, but I'm not telling her. But thank you for the sneer, hope it made you feel good!

We all have years of experience with dogs, and I've previously owned a breed that has similar problems. Thanks again for explaining the term is specific, if that's the case, then I really have nothing else to suggest!

As to the first reply, the whole point of a group is to make suggestions.

Yes, but suggestions based on some knowledge, surely? You admitted you have no idea if the supplements she listed provide complete nutrition or not.

I wasn't sneering. Just suggesting you think about whether you had anything useful to add in this case, especially as she said she'd been to the vet. We've all seen those FB groups where good information get lots among piles of absolute shite posted by people who have no idea.

If the dog hasn't got any meat in its diet, that would be a reasonable suggestion. Many skin issues are found in vegan dogs.. and for lots of other reasons, obviously.

Also, I adore our vet, and he's made some excellent calls over the years. But all he could suggest for our dog was anti inflammatories. They don't necessarily have everything in their arsenal, and, just sometimes, the hive mind/ experience brings up some useful stuff.

If you post there, you're not expecting veterinary advice.

Her message says 100% raw diet. That means 100% raw meat (usually on bone, with organs etc). What would you adding ‘feed your dog meat’ add when it appears she is doing so as the entire portion of diet which would then have the supplements added? Also, why would her vet not have asked her what the dog is eating when you have mentioned her vet has gone through it with her? Failing to see what expertise you would add here.

OMG, are you being obtuse on purpose? That's why I writing here, to get some advice, and now I don't have anything to say, so I won't.

That dog sounds like it's on a bloody excellent diet to me.