Definitely read and re-read the rawfeeding articles on Leerburg.
You should look into the rawfeeding books they sell, too. They're inexpensive and will more than pay for themselves the 83rd time you dig the book out to double check something in the diet.:smile:
I agree with Michael 100%,you can do no wrong in reading everything you get your hands on about feeding raw.
These books are completely worth the money as I have referred back to them time and again to check one thing or another.
Also, trying to duplicate the diet here at Leerburg, you can't go wrong there either.
As Barbara has said, you don't want to mix any kibble with raw as they have different digestion rates and can be a recipe for disaster,ie; diarrhea.
Here is just what I did when I started two years ago, when I found LB.
At the time, my Kaia was 6 months old, and I decided that I wanted to go raw. I knew I need to read up before I could start making my own home made meals. But I wanted her on raw immediately, so I decided to try feeding the premade raw patties that "Nature's Variety" brand makes. They are expensive, but for me, it was worth the money until I had sufficient knowledge to make the switch to making my home made meals.
You want to make sure that when you do start, to start simple.
Removing most of the skin from the parts as well as trying to make sure you have easy bones for the dog to digest.
Most people use chicken backs and necks to begin with.
The ratio of meat to bone being approx 50/50. Then adding some muscle meat to add a bit of balance.
(Note: chicken wings are mostly fat and bones, with very little meat, so they are not a first choice when starting a raw diet.)
Once you have some normal poops( firm logs) for a couple days, you can then start to slowly add a bit more of the skin.
Once you have again, good stools you can slowly add tiny amounts of new items. I liked to add chicken hearts and gizzards during this time,and if no issues present, then on to tiny amounts of organs. Most start with liver and this needs to be very small because it is rich and can result in diarrhea if not introduced slowly.
I think everyone of us, who has started raw, has at one time over fed liver and had to back up to smaller amounts to insure firm stools.
Also, I found it very helpful to buy a food scale so I could weigh the amounts of food, to assure the proper amount of ounces being fed. Over feeding any dog can also result in diarrhea.
You want to try to feed for a puppy approx 5-10% of their body weight in ounces. Divide that amount into how many times per day that you want to feed. Usually, at 12 weeks, most feed either 3 to 4 times per day. Several smaller meals are usually better tolerated and growing puppies need lots of nutrients.
So, this is just a small bit of info to see how it all starts.
But I really think that if you want to go raw, read, read, read until you have a good basic understanding of how to begin and of course to have all the necessary beginners food to start with.
I found a raw bulk supplier whom I get all my orders from.
It is the most economical way to feed raw. But before I had found him, I used to feed right out of the grocery store.
You might find more parts at Walmart then you thought possible.
I still get turkey necks there for a decent price.
I know that they also carry chicken livers, beef heart and liver too. Most organ meats are still fairly cheap at certain grocery stores.
If you do find a bulk supplier, you will need plenty of freezer space, so that is a consideration.
So all this said, the reason why so many suggest reading as much as you can first, is because there are many out there who think that giving raw hamburger meat is feeding raw.
The most dangerous kind of diet there is , is one where they omit many of the needed nutrients. RMB's (raw meaty bones) are the basis for a solid raw diet. Muscle meat, organ meats a small amount of vegetables, salmon oil and Vit E make up the rest of the diet.
While it is simple, there is more to it than simply feeding raw hamburger. Especially for puppies who need calcium and phosphorous as they grow.
Joyce Salazar
Re: Diet for 12 week old Puppy with diarrhea
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Re: Diet for 12 week old Puppy with diarrhea
He is alot happier too!! 
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