Raw food for 12 weeks old puppy

ovistomih

I've started feeding my puppy GSD only raw food (chicken carcases, necks, wings) and so far he seems to love it.

I am a little bit worried though that it might be dangerous for him at such a young age. I'm also worried that it might not contain all the nutrients he needs to grow properly.

What do you think?

Thank you!

Criosphynx

You need to also include organs in the diet, and possibly som' supplements...

I don't see a problem with his age, I think raw purist type people put pups on raw right away.

Heres a basic FAQ type page for the Prey Model diet...which is the one I would recomend.

RAW PREY MODEL GUIDELINES - Raw Food Diet Forum

ovistomih

thanks criosphynx

ToyPom

Hi
Sorry if I seem to ask a stupid question... I was just wondering why you would give your dog raw food, is it good for them, because this is the first time in my life I have heard of doing this. I must also say that I am fairly new to all of this. Although my parents have had dogs all my life.
Thanks

Criosphynx

Lots of people are switching to a more natural diet after all the dog food recalls that were poisoning pets... dogs are very capable of eating raw food and it actually helps to keep teeth healthy...also you know exactly what your dog is eating...no hidden fillers like wheat and corn

ToyPom

Thank you, Criosphynx, I just have one more question.... I have a 4 month old toy pom, is it a good idea to give him raw food now, or should I wait?

Criosphynx

Alot of people will tout raw as a perfect diet...perhaps.. I wont be one of those people that say its easy and for everyone...though many raw feeders insist its easier than dog food....research the living daylights out of it before you begin is my advice, and make sure its right for you. You have to balance meat/organs and figure out portions...not to mention buying/storing meat.


there is a "detox" period where the dog may vomit and personally I found it a bit disturbing, several of my dogs will not tollerate raw chicken and its hard to balance the diet without it IMO... so I now only use whole prey (rodents and birds )

anyway...the age of your dog is fine I would just make sure its right for you first, before you jump in on it. Does that help?

frost hollow

does he still have his baby teeth at 12 weeks? I would be a little cautious about his possibly choking on a bone. do you have access to a meat grinder? I invested in one because I wanted to grind up turkey carcasses and I can freeze it more efficiently in a patty form.. also, if you google "puppy on raw food diet"; I found a husky kennel website that offered their feeding regime for puppies and adults. Providing a good vitamin/mineral supplement along with the food would be wise.

gershepsmyfav

I have always started my puppies on the raw food. But I have always had big breed puppies. It would be best to grind up or smash the the raw bones until they get their permanent teeth. And some small breed dog's digestion doesn't work with the raw diet. My daughter's Boston Terrier got Salmonella from the raw chicken. Her vet said some dogs,especially some small breed dogs digestion doesn't destroy the germs from raw meat. Sometimes dogs that have had immune problems can't eat raw either. I have never had any problems with the BARF diet.

gershepsmyfav

I forgot to say, I do supplement my fur kids with vitamins and minerals. I also give them Brewer"s yeast/garlic tabs. It helps against fleas and ticls. I use Nupro supplement usually once a week. I have used the BARF diet for 14 yrs. Most of my dogs that I have used this diet for has been German Shepherds. But I have been left with other dogs and started them on the diet too. I have never had any problems with them either.