A lot of people interested in feeding a raw diet want to know how and where raw feeders acquire meat to feed. Most raw feeders – especially those of larger breeds/multiple dogs – buy in bulk.
- Cases containing turkey necks, chicken leg quarters & pork neck bones
I buy most of my raw meaty bones (RMB) from a local restuarant supplier, Potthoff Foods, in Des Moines. Most of the items I purchase there need thawed enough for repacking, then refrozen in meal size quantities until needed.
My last trip to Potthoffs (3/12/09), I picked up one 40 lb case of chicken leg quarters ($.49/lb), one 30 lb case of turkey necks ($.79/lb), one 40.10 lb case of pork ribs ($1.69/lb), and one 30 lb case of pork neckbones ($.69/lb), for a total of $131.77.
For a point of reference, my previous trip to Potthoffs was on 1/23/09 and consisted of: one 40 lb case of chicken quarters ($.49/lb – prices can vary from trip to trip), one 40 lb case of chicken backs ($.59/lb), one 30 lb case of turkey necks ($.79/lb) and one 30 lb case of pork neck bones ($.69/lb) for a total of $83.60.
I am feeding two adult Great Danes, but keep in mind that I do feed more than just these RMB.
After I get the meat home, I typically let it sit outside to thaw. If the weather is too cold or hot, I bring it into the basement and let it thaw in a plastic tote. I prefer not to do this as I have to lug it downstairs and then back up to the deep freezer in the garage!
Usually I feed the dogs in a x-pen set up in 0ur basement, but they were “helping” me while I was bagging the meat, so they just ate their dinner outside.
