[rawfeeding] Re: How risky is raw, farm-raised Tilapia from China?

Kristin K from Salt Lake City wrote:

>I've had my corgi (7 almost 8 yrs
>old) on raw since November 2006. He loves it, and his energy and joie
>de vivre are GREAT. BIG PROBLEMS with skin allergies for 4+ years
>though, so much so that I went to a holistic vet this spring. She
>suggested that it's probably somewhat environmental, but probably also
>a bit of a food allergy, and that for dogs, meats are a common
>allergen.

From what I've read here and in the archives, most dogs who were tagged as
having food allergies when fed commercial food do NOT have the same reaction
to pure, raw meat of the same kind.

>ANYWAY, she suggested a real, honest-to-god elimination diet
>of just fish and vegetables, since fish is the only "meat" that he
>hasn't really tried (he's had raw chicken, beef, lamb, venison, all in
>the Natures Variety patties, which has ALL SORTS of raw stuff,
>including yogurt and eggs, etc.).

Bingo. Nature's variety patties are a mix, and therefore you have NO idea to
what he may be reacting. it also includes fruit and vegetables, which are
basically undigestible for a dog.

>SO. He's currently on Halshan raw fish and veggies

No, no, no, no, no.

"Fish & Vegetable Mix
Pollock fish, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and peas."
>http://www.halshan.com/products.html

Before I answer your question about tilapia, I STRONGLY suggest you adopt a
prey-model diet for your dog. Feed nothing but animal protein. Meat. More
meat. Even more meat. A little bone. Then more meat. A little internal
organs. Then more meat.

Start with one animal protein. Many choose chicken because it's easy to get
and relatively inexpensive. Buy a whole chicken. Cut it up. Feed him a leg.
Then feed him half of the breast. Then feed him a thigh. Continue until the
chicken is gone. Then repeat.

Continue this for 8 - 12 weeks and then review.

>(I struggle to do
>food prep, barely even for myself), but I am concerned he isn't
>getting bone or organs with the Halshan fish. SO: I did see Chinese,
>farm-raised Tilapia for a great price at my grocery store this
>weekend, whole fish, with eyes and all. Maybe this is the answer! But
>considering all the scary stuff coming out of China lately, I'm
>hesitant, wondering if this product is safe. Any ideas or advice
>appreciated!

Any farm-raised fish is suspect. Because of the conditions that the fish are
raised, they are inundated with antibiotics to offset the diseases they
acquire due to the crowding and stress. Relative to other fish, though, it's
fairly safe in terms of contaminants and ecological impact. Additional
information on tilapia (and many other fish available for human consumption)
can be found at
>http://www.oceansalive.org/eat.cfm?subnav=fishpage&group=Tilapia

Lora
Evanston, IL

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