Me again --
I started my puppy on raw immediately after bringing her into my home. She took to it immediately (chicken backs for 1st 2 days and now chx back + quarters). She had the runs for about a week, but with the change in diet plus the stress of leaving her litter plus interaction with new humans and new environment that was to be expected. I'm starting to see more solid results now.
The puppy is a So African Mastiff and at 11 weeks is currently 30lbs. I took her to the vet on Saturday and he said to expect her to gain approximately 20 lbs in the next 3-4 weeks (wow
)
Now to my question - since I am transitioning, my plan is to stick to chicken backs and quarters for at least one more week as has been recommended. My concern is whether or not she is getting the proper nutrition with this limited diet during what is clearly a significant growth period in her young life?
From what I read here, the purpose of food source limit is solely to make it easier on the dog's digestive system.
I could (should?) accelerate the introduction of organ meet to meet her nutritional demands?
I could (should?) accelerate the introduction of protein variety to meet her nutritional demands?
If I have 100% "treats" (ie they are dehydrated) will this suffice in meeting the nutritonal value of organ meats for now?
What about supplemental vitamins to replace the consumption of the actual organ and other proteins until I slowly add the real deal into her meal regime?
Any additional advice from other large breed owners who took their dogs through puppyhood is ALWAYS appreciated.
thanks much!
Carol
I started my puppy on raw immediately after bringing her into my home. She took to it immediately (chicken backs for 1st 2 days and now chx back + quarters). She had the runs for about a week, but with the change in diet plus the stress of leaving her litter plus interaction with new humans and new environment that was to be expected. I'm starting to see more solid results now.
The puppy is a So African Mastiff and at 11 weeks is currently 30lbs. I took her to the vet on Saturday and he said to expect her to gain approximately 20 lbs in the next 3-4 weeks (wow
Now to my question - since I am transitioning, my plan is to stick to chicken backs and quarters for at least one more week as has been recommended. My concern is whether or not she is getting the proper nutrition with this limited diet during what is clearly a significant growth period in her young life?
From what I read here, the purpose of food source limit is solely to make it easier on the dog's digestive system.
I could (should?) accelerate the introduction of organ meet to meet her nutritional demands?
I could (should?) accelerate the introduction of protein variety to meet her nutritional demands?
If I have 100% "treats" (ie they are dehydrated) will this suffice in meeting the nutritonal value of organ meats for now?
What about supplemental vitamins to replace the consumption of the actual organ and other proteins until I slowly add the real deal into her meal regime?
Any additional advice from other large breed owners who took their dogs through puppyhood is ALWAYS appreciated.
thanks much!
Carol