ARF4Westies
last updated Oct 9, 2007
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ARF4Westies has been an email discussion List on the Internet since 1999 for Westie owners to exchange information about how “to practice" and "benefit from" feeding a species-specific appropriate raw food (ARF) diet, including raw animal and poultry meat and bones. Its name was recently changed to NaturalWesties to formally recognize and encourage greater inclusion of discussions relating to alternative, holistic health care. However, in order to avoid total confusion, we are not changing the name of this website to preserve the sense of continuity.In the late 1990s, the founding members of ARF4Westies were quietly exchanging views about feeding their Westies a raw food diet on an email group list, when one of them “discovered” Internet lists and thought that utilizing one might broaden their exposure. Eight years later, it is difficult to realize how “revolutionary” it was then to organize such an Internet forum. And for those who have been with ARF4Westies from Day One, the rather broad acceptance that raw feeding now experiences has been most rewarding.
Feeding a fresh ARF diet makes sense. In their natural habitat, neither the ancestors of Westies nor their cousins today have their food cooked or processed; nor do they eat any grains, the major ingredient of processed dog foods. The ARF diet is based on foods that nature designed for dogs to thrive. It will better develop and maintain the condition and health that was intended for them and to which they are entitled. ARF helps build and support stronger and healthier immune systems so that Westies will have better opportunity to be free of the likes of allergies, cancers, ear infections, and other afflictions. This enables them to have a longer, more active quality of life than what is often seen today. Practitioners believe that ARF provides optimum nutrition in comparison to what is provided by unnatural diets such as kibbles and other processed pet foods that are high in carbohydrates, for which dogs have no dietary requirement. Many nutritionists agree that the continued feeding of a processed pet food diet results in impairment to the immune systems of dogs, increasing their susceptibility to allergies, illness and disease that result in less than ideal health, increasing the potential for shorter life spans.
At page 18 of the Fourth Edition of his classic on the West Highland White Terrier, John Marvin wrote:
Members of the genus canis are basically carnivorous animals; that is, they are primarily meat-eaters. The dog is equipped for such a diet with an excellent set of forty-two teeth, including twelve incisors (small front teeth) that are adapted for cutting and seizing; four canines (the long pointed tusk-like dentition) which are for tearing, stabbing, or for "fixing" the struggling prey; and twenty-six premolars and molars (the broader, heavy rear teeth having substantially flat complex crowns) that are used as grinders for crushing food ...
The dog tears its food and often bolts large pieces with little or no mastication. The stomach is of simple structure capable of digesting this unchewed food, and the intestines are of length medium between the short ones of the true carnivora and the long ones of graminivorous animals.
That rather clearly describes what the Westies’ dentition, jaws, and digestive system were designed to do. Should we not help our Westies use them for what they were intended?
Along with learning about ARF, the List became aware of the burgeoning growth of the practice of “wholistic” health care (complementary/alternative medicine) being in lock step with diet. Modalities such as homeopathy and acupuncture, the use of herbs, Chinese Medicines and other natural substances, and recognition that the emotional and spiritual level of each animal is unique and important for good health, came under the umbrella term of “Natural Rearing” (NR) that was coined by the “Mother of Natural Rearing,” Juliette de Baircali Levy in the 1940’s. However, true “NR ways” mean much more. It also means eliminating the use of any product that contains toxic pesticides or chemicals (flea/tick/heartworm, etc.), as well as not using chemicals in the yard and house; avoiding the use and overuse of antibiotics, steroids and other allopathic drugs, and eliminating vaccinations that have a great potential to cause more harm. NR supports natural immunity. NR ways SUPPORT HEALTH because NR practitioners know what true health is and should be. NR has been around a very long time and over the last decade these practices came to the forefront as guardians became more educated. NR has always included ARF as the foundation in the attainment and maintenance of the good health of Westies.
So, we thought the time had come to change the name of the email List from ARF4Westies to NaturalWesties to reflect this change and prompt List members to freely inquire about and discuss all aspects of better health for Westies.
Three of the founding members of ARF4Westies wrote about their early involvement and experiences with the ARF diet. Their articles were published in the Westie Imprint, the official quarterly publication of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America in the Summer issues of 1999-2003. They are personal and well-documented accounts of the authors' sincere belief in promoting the good health and wellness of Westies. While the articles focus on ARF, the reader will be pleasantly surprised to find them already recognizing a broader approach to the healthfulness of Westies, since one of the authors is a recognized pioneer in practicing NR. You may access the articles by clicking on the links below. Their titles and the years they were published are:
2001 - Two Years Later: Understanding the Best Diet for Westies
2002 - Three Years Later: ARF Under Attack
2003 - ARF at Four Years: Silent Spring to Lively Summer
The following are three lists of Benefits of Feeding ARF that have been compiled from the experiences of various members of NaturalWesties, while it was known as ARF4Westies, and a closing list of Benefits of Practicing NR.
Benefits Observed Almost Immediately (within 3 weeks of feeding ARF)
More than 50% reduction in stool production (within one week) – and what is produced is firmer and has less odor.
Cleaner teeth – a clearly noticeable reduction of tartar without brushing or scaling. Eventually, tartar can disappear altogether.
Breath becomes like “puppy breath” – no more “death breath.”
All show more vitality.
All eat much more enthusiastically – they LOVE their new diet!
Benefits Observed Over Time
Their immune system is strengthened, leading to greater wellness.
They become more allergy resistant.
Coats are in better condition and color.
A Westie, about two years old, was returned to her breeder due to severe allergy reactions. No hair at all on her body, swollen and infected skin and ears and terribly afraid. As a testimony to the ARF diet, she quickly became allergy free, her skin totally healed, and ear infections a thing of the past. Her coat is thick and luxurious. Her attitude has changed from one of fearfulness to that of a typical Westie. She has been placed in a new home, and her breeder was getting her ready for the showring! (Archives, Messages 51 and 936)
The immune system can become stronger and healthier, leading to greater wellness.
The overall condition and body of the Westies become near perfect. Lean and muscled with no excess flab. The ripping and chewing required to gnaw, pull, mouth, rip and crunch meat and bones are both great physical and mental stimulation for them The jaw and neck muscles get a workout - the leg muscles get a workout - even the back and shoulder muscles need to work hard.
Bitches have a greater opportunity to whelp easily and pups are normally robust.
Benefits to Owners
Having our Westies around to love for a longer time! Our companions of double-digit age become as active as younger dogs.
The satisfaction of knowing we control the quality of foods fed to our Westies.
Being able to truly observe the joy with which our Westies look forward to and enjoy their meals.
A member reported that when her Westies “escaped” through an open gate, they selectively blocked any calls to stop until she tried her “ARF dinner’s ready” call. The Westies stopped immediately and returned home. (Archives, Message 169)
Fewer visits to the vet and reduced or nonexistent vet bills, because our Westies are healthier! Lower to no dental bills or tartar accumulation, so little or no need for scaling!
No more malodorous emanations from our otherwise perfect companions. Vile and obnoxious exhibitions of halitosis and breaking of wind become things of the past.
Benefits of NR
Knowing that YOU are giving your Westie the best opportunities for a long life of wellness and well being.
Instead of trying to prevent disease, you are SUPPORTING HEALTH, which equates to a happier and healthier companion.
Westies have a greater opportunity of avoiding ear infections, eye infections, allergies, illness, GI problems, cancer and disease.
Westies have a greater opportunity to live a long life: 19-20 years of age, which should be the average if the animal is “truly healthy”.
Knowing that with a little knowledge and continued education, along with “wholistic” supports, you can handle most of the minor health situations other people would run to their vet for, you can save considerable dollars.
Watching Westies over 14 years of age act like they were young adults instead of geriatrics.
Having the blessing to see your Westie take longer to age naturally, and when the time comes, to pass on due to old age and not disease or cancer. NR dogs age with grace.
While caring for Westies the true NR way requires 100% commitment for optimal long-term effect, everyone can use their “informed choices” to utilize whatever they feel comfortable doing.
How To Join the NaturalWesties Email List
NaturalWesties is a Yahoo! Group List. To join NaturalWesties, please click button below and follow instructions.
DISCLAIMER - PLEASE READ!!!
This website is intended to be an informational source regarding a breed-specific, species-appropriate raw food diet and other nutrition-related issues. This site is for educational purposes only and information is offered to help you make responsible choices regarding the health of your Westies.
While we hope that you will find the website helpful, we cannot accept responsibility for any use of the provided information independent of any professional veterinary advice.
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