Starting Raw next week

[CapturedByDanes]

So, we have decided, after much research, to put our 2 danes on the raw diet. Our newest (15 weeks old) came to us last week having only been on a raw diet (his previous mom is from Europe where they strictly feed this way). So, long story short, today he went to the vet for his last shots and weighed 54 lbs. When we picked him up last week he weighed 55 lbs. We are now believers in this way of feeding. Anyway, if you had seen the outstanding condition of this breeder's danes, you would be an instant believer. We were.
So, we will be starting with chickens (stocking up right now). Our grocery store has a sale today and tomorrow for 78 cents/lb on whole chickens.
My question is, since both are young pups, should we start out at 10% of their body weight? they are 40 lbs and 54 lbs.

[silentskream]

The general rule is between 2 and 3% of their body weight. 3 if they need to bulk up, 2% if they're just maintaining weight.

[kmoore24]

In addition to the general rule. Just watch the weight - you can always add if they are to thin or visa versa...

[DebinSD]

The general rule is between 2 and 3% of their body weight. 3 if they need to bulk up, 2% if they're just maintaining weight.

I believe that's 2=3% of their ESTIMATED ADULT body weight...not their current weight.

If you search the raw food threads about feeding puppies you'll find more information on the %. It is a little different than when feeding adults because they need the additional calories/nutrients to grow properly

[DebinSD]

if their breeder feeds raw, I would definitely suggest contacting them. They will know best what works for their pups.

[CapturedByDanes]

OK, so apparently I read that completely wrong. So, if my 15 week old male pup who weighs 54 lbs has an estimated adult weight of say 180 lbs, I would feed 4% of 180? But, my 17 week old male pup who is underweight at 40 lbs should start at the 4% of ?

[isa aldawolfa]

OK, so apparently I read that completely wrong. So, if my 15 week old male pup who weighs 54 lbs has an estimated adult weight of say 180 lbs, I would feed 4% of 180? But, my 17 week old male pup who is underweight at 40 lbs should start at the 4% of ?

4% of the weight he should be as an adult. weight gain should happen slowly, and will happen at a good pace, on a raw diet.

[kmoore24]

4% of the weight he should be as an adult. weight gain should happen slowly, and will happen at a good pace, on a raw diet.

And they also grow at an even rate - so no teeter totter of the hind/front end.

[rahime]

Generally, it's recommended that for a puppy you feed 10% of their current weight until that equals or exceeds 2-4% of their expected adult weight, at which time you switch to the 2-4% amount.

[CapturedByDanes]

thats how I understood it. Do you suggest I start a little less on the 17 week old that is underweight and never been fed raw? Maybe 6-7% for a couple days?

[isa aldawolfa]

17 weeks is over 4 mnths old.. is it still appropriate to feed 10% of current body weight at this point? i was under the impression this rule was for young puppies only?

[CapturedByDanes]

I can't find anything that says when they are no longer considered a puppy

[Jackielyn]

Whoa...4% of 180 is 7.2 lbs of food a day...that seems like ALOT of food for a pup...now if you bumped it down to 3% of 180 we go down to just under 5.5 lbs...that seems a tad more realistic. Now I've never fed a small puppy raw but I would maybe start out at a little over 5 lbs and reassess...if he seems too thin bump it up. You don't want to overfeed. I would feed the 40 lb pup about the same...maybe a little less and then reassess. I don't even measure anymore, I just watch their body condition and bump it up if I need to or slow down...best of luck!!

[rahime]

10% of 55lbs is 5.5 & 2% of 180 (really?) is 3.6 lbs (4% is 7.2)

I think 4% is usually high...for VERY active dogs (and a 4 mo. old puppy shouldn't be). You'd want to start on the low end--2% anyways and add from there if they're losing weight. Just like with kibble it's better to err on the side of a lean dog, so you start with the low estimate and increase if/as needed. Since 10% has far exceeded 2%, you should probably be feeding closer to 3.6-5.4 lbs. (2-3%)

I also think 4 mo. is a bit old to be using the 10% estimate anyways.

For what it's worth, my 2 yr. old girl has a quite high metabolism. She eats about 3% of her body weight--4 lbs. per day. My puppy (who is almost 8 months old now) has been eating about 3-3.5 lbs. per day since she was about 15 weeks old--about 2-2.5% of her estimated adult weight. Both walk/run/play at an off-leash park about 2 hrs. a day, and my 2 yr. old swims, so they're quite active.

[CapturedByDanes]

Thank you sooo much, that really helps. I think I will use this as a starting point, as you suggest, and add from there if need be. The 10% sure seemed like a lot! Just a bit confused with the estimating their adult weight. I mean, really? A dane's weight has such a large range as an adult. Oh well, I will just start with the 2-3% range and go from there. Thanks so much for your reply. It really helped.