I think I basically know the answer to my own question. But I'd like to hear any advice from others out there. Our ten-week old puppy is fed on kibble. I would ultimately to change her diet to RMB - what is the best age to start with this? And I understand it is best to go cautiously and introduce different meats etc one at a time - has anyone already done this, and can offer advice? Can / should puppies have meaty bones to chew, for instance? The situation is made more complicated because my old dog has a very sensitive stomach and cannot be switched from commercial food (I've tried and it really did not work for him). So this will involve feeding them separately, and getting two different types of food ready each day. So - would it be best just to continue with the commercial food for both dogs as long as the old boy (13) is still with us, or is it ok to start introducing other foods to the puppy? I have also to add that the other half is very nervy about introducing the RMB diet, while I am very keen to go ahead. Any advice or experiences would be gratefully received.
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Hi Karen I wrote an article on this topic a while ago, you can find it here Switching to Raw When I switched all my dogs over, my youngest was about four months old. I have also raised a litter on raw. Not only can puppies have meaty bones, they need them. Fast growth requires calcium. Have a read and let me know if the article answers your questions. Pippa
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Thank you Pippa, that is indeed very helpful. Most interesting. Quick question - I have frozen chicken wings in the freezer at home. Will it be ok to give one to the puppy this weekend, perhaps instead of one of her kibble meals? I also have oxtail pieces in the freezer - would these also be appropriate?
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Hi Kate, You can feed chicken wings. I haven't fed oxtails, you need to think about how big the bones are?. Introduce raw gradually a little at a time, and one type of meat at a time. You can buy minced chicken in large pet stores, that has been minced with the bone still in it. This can be a good start for introducing a puppy. Then think variety, eggs, fish, green tripe and so on. It is a good idea to make a plan, before you begin, especially with a puppy. You need to be sure you are giving him the right nutrients. Be very careful to give him fresh (or previously frozen) clean meat. And to get as much information as you can before you start. Check with your vet if you are not sure. Have a look at Tom Lonsdale's diet guide: Diet guide for domestic dogs and cats He give lots of other info on his website too. Once you have read through it you should be able to work out a week's meal plan for your pup. That way you will not run out of what you need once you have started Here is another good source of information Rawfed which also has links to a support group. Hope that helps Pippa
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Many thanks, that's super. Will take a good look at the websites you name, and not rush into anything before I know what I am doing!
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Hi Karen I feed a complete raw food to my boys - I had no idea there was any other feasible way of doing raw until recently - I feed them a raw meaty bone twice a week. The place i order from has a puppy range which you might find a good option to help you in the short term. I fed Rusty on this from about a week after I got him and he thrived on it. www.naturalinstinct.com
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Oh thanks Carole, that looks great! Wonder if they can deliver to Germany, or whether there is something similar here... Will have to take a look. In the meantime, the pup was sick this morning - vomiting and diarrhoea - and this has scared me, so the raw food diet will probably take a back burner for a few more weeks.
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Thank you, I hope so too. It's amazing how much poop can come out of such a small dog! I spoke to the vet, and if she's not better by this evening will take her in. However, my partner says she's perked up and he's thinking of giving her a light lunch, as she seems hungry... natch!
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Karen , sorry if you already know this but boiled chicken ( minus the skin ) or white fish with rice is the best thing to feed pups and adults after a tummy upset, its easily digestible for them, hope she does well today .
Re: Advice on changing diet??? Thanks Kate, my partner is busy cooking up some rice for her, and we have some chicken left over from yesterday evening. I told him just to give her a small amount of rice for lunch, and if she keeps that down then she can have some chicken with more rice later this evening.
