My dogs are on a raw diet (Takeia since 5 months old and Dakari since he arrived). It is mostly the prey model,
with occasional fruits & veggies. It is cheaper than the high quality kibble I would have had them on. However,
I have been looking for a way to diversify what I feed them at a reasonable cost. They get a lot of chicken, and I need
to give them variety so they can get all the appropriate fat, nutrients, etc. to keep them as healthy as possible. Burger
meat gets way to expensive, and even turkey necks (at $1.42/lb at WalMart) can add up.
So, I put an add on craigslist trying to hook up with some other "raw feeders" so we
can order some bulk and split the expense. Well, my first response was from a GSD breeder (gorgeous dogs she has) who
feeds totally raw. She mentioned that some of the local ranchers near her call her when they have an older animal or
one that has gone down (broken leg, etc.). She picks them up ... and she butchers them. (She grew up in Alaska
and has been butchering animals since she was a kid when her father brought something home from hunting.) She also goes
to the local livestock auctions and picks up sheep, llamas, cows, goats ... whatever really. (We can get a 400-lb. llama
for $15 or $20. Talk about a deal!) She told me she picked up an 800-lb hog for $50, 1200-lb. cow for $50 ...
You get the idea.
So, I am learning how to butcher animals for
both human consumption and dog food. May 30, 2009 was my initiation. We started with a 200-lb. goat. (I
found an ad where someone locally was getting rid of all their farm animals, so picked up a goat, sheep and 4 geese for $75
... and we split the cost and meat two ways.) It is very humane ... she puts the animal down with one shot to the head
from her 22 so there is no suffering. (I'll admit I couldn't watch the actual shooting.)
I will say it was not nearly as bad as I thought it might be.
And, as strange as some of you may think it is, I am excited about it because my dogs will get a variety in their diet and
it will save me a ton of money. I mean, I can get hundreds of pounds of meat, bone and organs for pennies compared to
WalMart and the supermarkets (even with sales). [I did tell her that she can keep all the heads ... just can't see
myself walking out in the yard and seeing a cow head laying around ... I do have some quirks!] As for organs and inners,
I've got to work my way up to some of the stuff and will start with the typical stuff - kidneys, lungs, heart, liver and
tripe.
Jen is also a source of tremendous information
on raw diet, breeding, vaccinations, breeder legislation, etc. How lucky am I!!! How kind she is to share this
with me so my dogs can benefit. I will not take that for granted!!!
Tonight I prepared the geese since they were whole, less the heads (removed the feathers, cut them up, etc.) so
that my dogs can start on their new food experience tomorrow. [For inside dogs, which mine are, you should let the meat
sit for 3 days before feeding, otherwise, I'm told they get terrible gas. ... Told you I was learning a lot!]
So, I am having a freezer delivered tomorrow. My dogs will
now have their own refrigerator/freezer and freezer [more than most people].
I've also gotten involved with some of the forum groups on Yahoo with locals who have the
connections to get emu, chicken, lamb, tripe, etc. at a very reasonable price. Another valuable source for diversity
(I'm getting meaty emu bones for $.50 a pound, etc.).
I will take pictures of some of the butchering. I am undecided if I will post them here or just send some upon
request. If they are posted, there will be a warning at the top for those with a queazy stomach.
I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED ....
KIM "THE BUTCHER" 
10/16/09 UPDATE: Well, to date I have helped butcher llamas, sheep, turkeys, goats and
cows. BUT, as of 9/29/09 ... I am "official" ... I did my first animal on my own ... a 300-lb. hog.
And just this week, we did a 600-lb cow. But, what has made it even more official, is I have made a kill (never killed
anything before without hitting it with my car). Yes, I did it. And, it takes something out of you, I'll admit.
But, it's also good to know that if I had to, I can. The 5 turkeys I did were quick and easy ... (won't describe
it, but I used a knife). The cow we just did, I used my gun (a Bersa .380, concealed carry, self-defense pistol).
And I'll admit, I was so nervous and hesitant, but I had to keep reminding myself that it was humane and there was
a reason for it.
So, I have thanked all the animals that have
given their lives so that mine can live well.
In the "holding tank" (we are now stocking up with breeding animals to raise our own) we have pigs, llamas,
emus, turkeys, geese, chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. Next year, we hope to add ostrich to the mix.
UPDATE 11/26/09: Well, I never thought that putting 'butcher'
on my resume was in my future, but it has worked out really well. Turns out that Takeia has very expensive tastebuds.
She loves lamb and rabbit (of course, the more expensive meats!). So I am grateful to be able to provide her with that
at a low cost. [Dakari will eat anything.] I also now know that I can 'kill' on my own as well.
So, if times ever get tough ... you know where to come for good! hahaha
1/23/10 -- Another 800-lb cow
done! This was so much easier though because we hung it on a winch ... an no major back aches this time!!!
