Quote: JessicaKromer

Read up on those pages we gave you

.... before trying to devise the diet.

Ask any questions you want and we will help.

It's important to know what you're doing first, especially with a puppy. Feeding raw is not hard, but there are crucial ratios to know about and adhere to.

Anyone know this breed well?
<7 lbs at 9 weeks of age seems on the very thin side, especially for a male.

Not my breed though, so I could be wrong.

Thanks again; I'll read now before I go to the store. The ratios are the thing I'm most worried about I think; and making sure Dublin has the nutrients he needs. He's going to be a big boy (85lbs. ish) and I worry about his bone growth.

You have to be cognizant of the ratios but not meticulous in the portions for each and every meal. Over time they raitos will be in proportion.

Feeding raw is easy once you get the hang of it - my dog Kaiser LOVES it and he's only been on raw now for little over a month.

Start slow, I wouldn't mix both kibble and raw in his gut - it MAY cause an upset. I started mine by just stopping kibble and moving to raw. There are mainly 2 schools of thought here from what I've been able to gather, slow progression to raw or immediate. I think, and this is MY opinion, that moving to raw immediately will probably save you some intestinal issues during the transition.

There are MANY folks here that are highly capable and willing to help you as you go, we could even help you meal by meal if needed for a few days until you get the hang of it.

Dogs love this diet and were born to eat this way.

Portion sizes - you mentioned that his ideal adult weight is around 85 lbs so that mean that on average he'll be eating from 1.7 lbs to 2.5 lbs per day of food. You'll need to watch his ribs to make sure that you aren't seeing them all - the last one is ok and adjust the amount you are feeding accordingly.

 Quote: Peter Marek

... my dog Kaiser LOVES it and he's only been on raw now for little over a month ....

Yes, but the O.P. is probably feeding an Earth dog.

To the O.P., about the dog's weight, when did he last see the vet and what was the vet's opinion of his weight?

Most likely Connie - but Kaiser can't help but slurp down a few chick necks, 2 or 3 ground beef meatballs with yogurt dressing, and then chomp on a couple chicken backs. Must be the Mars in him!

We got him on April 18. He was 8 weeks on the 21st. I took him to the vet (whom I wasn't impressed with) who didn't say much of anything. He did say Dublin looked healthy. I read the 2 articles ya'll suggested, and I have more stuff from Leerburg due to be delivered today; I'm heading to the store to get food. I figured on canned sardines, salmon, and macarel. Do I get it in oil or water? I'll also pick up chicken guts ground turkey, ground beef and a big bag of chicken wings. I have salmon oil, but not Vit E (except what I take myself). I've ordered Probiotics. What else do I need. I'll be going back to work this week end. Any ideas on how I package this so my husband can feed him easily? He's worried that Dublin isn't getting fed right (and he probably isn't right now, because I don't know what I'm doing). i am a flight attendant so I'm gone three days at a time. Dave will be taking Dublin to work with him during the day whle I'm out of town. So, we can do this if I do all the homework and show Dave what needs to be done.

I would really like to get him on the raw diet ASAP, because it simply makes more sense! And I honestly think (after we get this down) it'll be cheaper... especially if you include vet bills that we are hoping to all but eliminate.

 Quote: Linda L Ward

I'm heading to the store to get food. I figured on canned sardines, salmon, and macarel. Do I get it in oil or water? I'll also pick up chicken guts ground turkey, ground beef and a big bag of chicken wings.

Bone in breast (with a little cut off) or back are best as a starter food. They kinda come in the correct ratios, so cuts out much of the worry. Wings are mostly skin and bone and that is a lot of ground meat that will have to be weighed. Also a lot of fish (but always buy it in water...)

To make it easy, all you have to do is make up a few days worth of meals, and store them in individual plastic baggies. Throw them in the freezer and leave out a few thawed meals to feed in the 'fridge. When you feed one, pull another out to thaw.