RAW for Puppies

[NYfrenchie]

We are feeding Nutro to are 12 week old pup, but she has watery eyes which might be a sign of some mild allergies,so we want to make the switch to raw and wanted to know if it is to soon? Will will be using Bravo.Also what would be a good start, just meat, or a mixed meat with veg. Thanks.

[gmacleod]

It is not too soon for raw - many pups are weaned straight onto raw food :) I've fed my own dogs on raw food from the day they arrive home with me.

If you're switching to raw from kibble, then it is best to start initially on a single food item (eg. lamb) and feed that for a while. As the pup adjusts to a raw diet (might be instant, might take a couple of weeks) then you can gradually start to add new items to his diet *one* thing at a time. The reason for that is that it enables you to easily identify anything that doesn't happen to agree with your pup. Save the veggies for later - it won't hurt your pup in the least to be without them for a few weeks.

[NYfrenchie]

It is not too soon for raw - many pups are weaned straight onto raw food :) I've fed my own dogs on raw food from the day they arrive home with me.

If you're switching to raw from kibble, then it is best to start initially on a single food item (eg. lamb) and feed that for a while. As the pup adjusts to a raw diet (might be instant, might take a couple of weeks) then you can gradually start to add new items to his diet *one* thing at a time. The reason for that is that it enables you to easily identify anything that doesn't happen to agree with your pup. Save the veggies for later - it won't hurt your pup in the least to be without them for a few weeks.
Thanks thats just the answer I was looking for, any idea what meat source I should try first. I was thinking turkey or lamb, but not sure. Thanks again

[franp]

I like using chicken or turkey as a first food. Lamb is the fattiest food of all.And that can be the hardest to digest.

IMO, I would use the BRAVO with bone and without veggies.Mix in your own veggies or use something like Urban Wolf; this way you have control of what your dog is eating.


fran

[NYfrenchie]

I like using chicken or turkey as a first food. Lamb is the fattiest food of all.And that can be the hardest to digest.

IMO, I would use the BRAVO with bone and without veggies.Mix in your own veggies or use something like Urban Wolf; this way you have control of what your dog is eating.


fran Sounds good, going first thing tommorow to a local retailer, so will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again for your help..

[gmacleod]

What are the meat sources (in kibble) that your guy has had so far? Thing is, if you suspect allergies, then it will be better to choose a different meat source to start him on raw with. Because if those allergies happen to be to the meat protein in the food, then you're going to see it get worse not better on raw - since he would have pre-existing antibodies against that protein.

Obviously, if it's just the grains in the kibble that are the problem, then feeding any type of meat won't hurt at all - but unless you've narrowed down already the possible causes, then it's still possible that it's the meat source...

So if he's been eating a chicken-based food (the most common), or turkey-based (next most common) then these are not necessarily the best choices for the initial food he eats raw. You need that to be something that doesn't cause any reaction, so that you can assess other food items against it ;) If you don't want to feed lamb though, it would appear that Bravo has plenty of other options - venison, duck etc.

[NYfrenchie]

What are the meat sources (in kibble) that your guy has had so far? Thing is, if you suspect allergies, then it will be better to choose a different meat source to start him on raw with. Because if those allergies happen to be to the meat protein in the food, then you're going to see it get worse not better on raw - since he would have pre-existing antibodies against that protein.

Obviously, if it's just the grains in the kibble that are the problem, then feeding any type of meat won't hurt at all - but unless you've narrowed down already the possible causes, then it's still possible that it's the meat source...

So if he's been eating a chicken-based food (the most common), or turkey-based (next most common) then these are not necessarily the best choices for the initial food he eats raw. You need that to be something that doesn't cause any reaction, so that you can assess other food items against it ;) If you don't want to feed lamb though, it would appear that Bravo has plenty of other options - venison, duck etc. Not sure if it is allergies, but she does not like the food that much, only if I put a bannana in or a tiny piece of turkey will she eat it all, but her eyes are a little watery. So I figured it can't hurt, plus I know all the benefits raw has to offer. Just got back from the retailer, and they only had a turkey blend, so I got it and am going to wait. Only problem is that I called almost every retailer in ny and new jersey and they also only carry the blends. Is that to much for her to start out with? Thanks again for your help.

[gmacleod]

Not necessarily too much, no. And only one way to find out. The only major issue with going straight to a blend is that you're more likely to have loose stool issues with the vegetables (not guaranteed, just more likely) and *if* she has any allergy issues at all, it won't be possible for you to tell what the cause was.

If it were me, I'd probably feed it anyway :) And just keep a close eye on things. If necessary, you can always get some ground turkey and bone meal from the supermarket instead.