Weaning A Puppy On to Raw

[blimeyzawn]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm new around here and have finally found the border collie of my dreams. I'm picking him up tomorrow and can't wait, but I DO have a question:

 

I have a 1-year-old German Shepherd who has been on a raw diet most of her life and is doing great! I would like for the border collie to be on a raw diet as well. The problem is that he is not yet weaned. He was abandoned at the shelter and they're adopting him to me at 4 weeks. He was just switched from a bottle to wet cat food, and I'm not sure how to make the transition to raw foods. Should I start right in with it or wait till he is six weeks old? What kinds of bones are appropriate?

 

Also, the general rule of thumb I have read for puppies is that it is best to feed 10% of the pup's body weight. For this pup, that will only be a half pound of food a day spread out over four meals. This translates into about two ounces of food at each meal, and I was wondering if this seems roughly appropriate. Any advice about how to make the transition would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

[Miztiki]

I wish I knew the answer to your question but I just don't. I believe that puppies need more than just meat at such a tender young age. Maybe formula and meat? I just don't know. Have you asked your vet or one of the raw lists?

 

I don't think moistened cat food will supply a pup with what it needs to grow. I hope someone else chirps in on that.

 

If your vet isn't supportive of a raw diet, then I could ask my vet when I see her tomorrow. Or at least I will try really hard to remember! If you'd like me to ask for you, then I'd need any other details you might think are important.