hi there,
I've started researching raw diets for dogs a couple months ago. I have a 6 year old great dane x german shepherd (Hunter) and a 5 year old pomeranian (Nina). Hunter is showing signs of muscle lose in his back end and he developed a limp about 6 months ago. He has no trouble eating, sleeping, playing, etc he just has a very sad looking rear end. He's been on liquid glucosamine for the last 3 years for this exact reason. He's also been fed grain free kibble his whole life (Core Wellness). His partner in crime Nina has no issues except eating frozen poop out of the yard while no one is watching.
I would like is to switch them both to raw. i don't expect the dane to have a miracle story and to do a complete 180, but i would like to give it a try.
- From what i understand ( because there are so many different resources on the internet) they will need to fast 24hrs before we start the raw diet, how important is this step?
- I've also read to give meat bone-in like chicken thighs or beef ribs, is there something I should be giving to the 9lbs dog that I shouldn't give to the 110lbs dog and visa vera.
- I've read I should give about 3% of their weight to maintain their weight, should I give Hunter a little more as he has lost weight over the years?
- if I'm feeding him 3.3lbs of raw food, is that just bone-in meat to start? will they need some veggies and grains/starchy veggies?
- how many meals a day should I give them, 1,2,3?
I've done the math and graphed what one site said their diet should look like which included 20% boneless meat, 25% grains/starchy veg, 2.5% liver, 2.5% fish, 50% raw meaty bone does anyone agree with this or is there another method thats working for your large breed dog and has the ability to sustain a toy breed as well?
If there is anything I am missing please let me know! if there is an easier way to do something please let me know! I am open to all feed back and would love to hear about your pets