If I were going to feed something that in turn would be fed to the dogs it would be chickens. As close to free range as possible, not that free range and organic factors all that much for me, but a chicken can find something to eat as he roams. Feed bill for the chickens would be reduced vs. having them pen raised. If I had enough space and land with grass I would feed sheep, as they eat the least and grow the fastest in comparison to cows/goats/pigs, etc..

For me, the time investment involved is where I would fall short. After working a ton of hours during the week, it is tough enough to fit everything else is as well, and adding feeding or raising something else would be a stretch. Time is the reason I search out the butchers and deer processors in out area. For me it works out better that way. I seldom buy cases of chicken anymore and when I do buy by the case it is usually chicken backs. They are cheap, and fatty, with some bones material as well. They are not the ideal 'meat meal' but they are cost effective and are an easy feed in the dark, as I do not prepare a perfectly balanced meal every day. Some nights when it is late and dark I just cruise thru the dogs and toss out a few backs or quarters as I walk thru.

I have been back and forth with RAW over the years and the time involved (based on the number of dogs) has always been the constraint. Even when I used bags it was only a few days a week. The dogs I have now have seldom seen bag food and a couple look at me like, "You gott'a be kdding me, right?". But they get the hint. Everyone's situation is different and there are always adjustments along the way. It is finding that happy median that makes it work for each individual. EWO