May 24, 2011
We started our litter of pups off on a raw diet. Everything was going great, until they recently began scratching and some losing fur. What do you make of this and what do you suggest we do?
Full Question:
Dear Mr. Frawley,My husband and I are new to feeding a raw diet with our competition Rotties. Our trainers, Steve and Melanie, turned us onto your website for specific menus and supplements. So far, we have purchased Salmon oil, kelp, and alfalfa from you. We were feeding Canidae to our litter and didn't like the condition of their coats or their growth. However, once we switched them to raw their coats shown, their growth picked up, etc. However, in the last month their coats are growing dull and 2 of the male pups are actually losing hair and are very itchy. The pups are now 5 1/2 months old. We feed mostly chicken using backs, leg quarters, and necks. We supplement with vit C, E, salmon oil, kelp, and alfalfa.
Could you please give us some suggestions?
Thanks,
Marie
Cindy's Answer:
I would discontinue the kelp and alfalfa for now. Alfalfa can cause scratching in some dogs.
I would also try adding more variety in the diet, and add red meat like beef or venison when you can. Some dogs can scratch on a chicken heavy diet. I would also look at the labels on the chicken you are feeding and make sure there is not a lot of added solution. Some of the leg quarters I see for sale in the store are up to 12% added solution, and I am not sure if that couldn't be aggravating to certain dogs (depending on what is in the solution).
If you don't have any of the raw feeding books we carry , I would highly recommend several of them.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I would also try adding more variety in the diet, and add red meat like beef or venison when you can. Some dogs can scratch on a chicken heavy diet. I would also look at the labels on the chicken you are feeding and make sure there is not a lot of added solution. Some of the leg quarters I see for sale in the store are up to 12% added solution, and I am not sure if that couldn't be aggravating to certain dogs (depending on what is in the solution).
If you don't have any of the raw feeding books we carry , I would highly recommend several of them.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
100% (1 out of 1)
respondents found this answer helpful
Can't find what you're looking for?