Raw feeding has come to a lot of peoples attention recently in light of all the recalls! Im hoping people will stick to it even after the danger has "passed" (speaking of the contaminated foods that is.... but there will always be danger associated with feeding your doggy euthanized pets and roadkill :D)  It is a little intimidating at first, but once you dive in and get the hang of it, its really easy!  first Ill answer some questions you may have, then Ill show you my Maxie's feeding routine!

My first thought was "She will get salmonella!!!"

A dogs immune system is made to handle things like this! First, they're digestive systems are shorter, move faster, and are more acidic. At first when you start feeding- you may notice flulike symptoms. Only in some dogs.... not all will show this. This is the immune system getting a taste of the bacteria (if you've always fed cooked food, or kibble, and your dog has never had anything raw) kind of like a vaccine. My dog never showed this. Ill get into some transition symptoms a little later on this page. Anyway, your dogs body was already made to be able to handle bacteria like salmonella, e coli, etc., its just an initial response! Ive heard that some people use fulvic acid to help get rid of salmonella, but I've never used it and I don't want to! I would rather her body be well equipped than to deprive her of a strong immune response!

Second, I HATE switching foods (as anybody with inside dogs probably does!) Since normally when you make a switch they have diarrhea or loose enough stools to mess up an ivory carpet :D 

simple answer. Probiotics! We used a simple acidopholus to help her digestive system make an abrupt switch (after I learned what is in kibble, I did NOT want to feed her that way ever again) Maxie's first raw meal I did sprinkle half of a handful on top and a little less her second meal- then her third meal-none. We use Jarro-dophilus with FOS. (found at our local health food store) This kind has 3.4 billion organisms per capsule. I give her one capsule on her breakfast everyday, and sometimes I give her one at night as well. Feeding a raw diet itself keeps stools small and compact, as they absorb most of what they eat! The use of probiotics just ensured us a smooth transition (no pun intended! hah!) Her first bathroom breaks was nearly perfect, just a little softer than i wanted, no diarrhea! Every one after that has been healthy, small and compact. Just like it should be! Shes no small dog either.... I recommend giving probiotics a try, even just the first few days. We still use them though because they are good for her anyway!  :D

Salmonella and other bacteria in the environment

A raw fed dog will excrete any salmonella and other food bacterias that it ingested. If you have small children I would make sure your dog is house broken to use the bathroom outside! I love Maxie kisses- for atleast a few hours after she eats I do not let her lick me in the face. If she did- it wouldn't really be enough to hurt, but again, especially if you have children, it's good to steer them away from the face! Maxie always goes for our mouth....i don't know why dogs always want a kiss on the lips. :D

but.... you can't give a dog chicken BONES!?!

Yes you can... cooked bones splinter. Raw bones are way less likely to splinter and harm your dog. Bones ensure your dog is getting enough calcium and is getting its teeth cleaned! If you want to give a bigger bone a try then just stick with neck bones. They aren't small like wings and legs, but will still benefit your dog the same way! Turkey necks are a little meatier and a little cheaper too. Maxie LOVES turkey neck bones. She gets one twice a week and once a week she gets a pork/beef rib bone. I  would really like to put her on the back porch for this- as she usually takes them on and sits down to eat it, but for some reason Maxie hates the porch. To remedy this, I let her take it where she wants but i follow her and lay a newspaper or towel under her in case she drops it. I don't want turkey juice on my carpet!
For small dogs I recommend a small rib bone once or twice a week, or a raw chicken drumstick 2x a week. You can give your dog too much bone... it will constipate them!