new puppy on raw diet how to switch ro reg

[tnsteelerfan]

Hi to all! we will pick our new dobe puppy feb 5th. The breeder has been feeding him a raw diet the Barf diet...does anyone know how to switch from this diet to reg dog food and also which dog food is best? also do we need to give supplements or vitamins??? thank you in advance we are so excited to be getting our new puppy!

[jelly8bean]

Well, on the supplements I would get recommendations from your breeder. But with a good diet I don't know that you need anything more. To switch foods you have two choices it seems to me. First, go cold turkey.. just switch. Expect some stomach issues the first few days (soft stool and maybe gas). Second is to ease it over.. do a couple of days with 1/3 of the new food mixed into the old, then a couple with 2/3 mixed.. and finally move it over completely. Vets are not always the best source of info on food.. it all kind of depends on how you feel about grains vs meat in the food.

Everyone has their own ideas on the best dog food and you have to decide what you think about the whole food issue. And be sure to discuss it with your breeder,clearly they like raw and can give you all the background on why that choice. Whatever you choose I would certainly suggest keeping the baby on a puppy food for several months. It should have most of the supplemental requirements covered. However, I would be careful of too high protein in this early growth stage since some have linked to much protein with growth spurts that end up with wobblers and other bone disorders.

I'm happy or you as well... it is a very fun, but busy time to raise a young puppy. You have years of loyalty and love and fun ahead.

Wanted to add from another thread... The kibble I have heard most recommended is Canidae, Blue buffalo, Innova Evo and Eagle pak. Good luck

[Lauregen]

It's really too bad you don't keep the puppy on raw. I raised at least 10 puppies that way and it is absolutely the healthiest way to raise puppies. It pays for itself over and over by saved vet bills.

Laura

[tnsteelerfan]

Well Brody is doing well...have had some inssus with different dog food he has a sensitive stomach!!! We finally found one he is doing well on. The raw diet I admit I just could not handle. I know that is awful. We all have to do what we feel is right.