Less than a week in - need some advice

[Phrixus]

I switch Phrixus over on Thursday to a raw diet. In the last 3-4 days he's eaten intentionally fed -

3lbs of chicken leg/quarter
2.5lbs of deer neck
4lbs of ground beef
2 eggs
half a lb of liver/gizzards/hearts
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as of last night he had also eaten (in a 2 hour period)

a 5lbs bag of cat food
a whole 30 day supply of doggy multivitamins
a whole 12 oz bag of beggin strips

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and that's the problem. He acts like he's freakin STARVING - he's 75#, 2 days from 6 months old, and I think I could feed him 20+ lbs a day and he'd still want more. On kibble he was never full, and would drop multiple pounds a day. I've never before had him steal bags of food, or take bags of treats from the shelf where they have stayed his whole life.

I'm pushing between 2-3 lbs a day on raw. Should I increase this, or will he calm down given a little more time? Is this just common and I'm freaking out?

Other than the hunger, and recent separation anxiety he's a freaking awesome kiddo. a little too large to be a young pup - but that's only gonna pay off big in the end. Just daddy getting worried I'm sure - but advice would only help =)

[Mac's Mom]

Hi, I haven't read any of your previous posts so I'm not sure what research you've done or what model you're using. I personally used this link to calculate the amount to feed Calculate. I feed no more than 5% OM, and roughly 45-50% RMB and 45%-50% of MM...depending. I'm a poop watcher and adjust the percentage of RMB & MM accordingly. But never feed more than 5% OM because it causes loose stools for my dogs.

I'm not an expert, but I really don't think you should feed cat food, that many treats or that amount of supplements. I know its hard when the dogs act like their starving and its tempting to overfeed. If you are feeding the amount you have calculated they need for their age & activity level, then you should be ok. Watch their poop & weight and adjust the quantities accordingly.

One other thought...when I first started feeding raw, Mac loved it so much he wanted more more more...not necessarily still hungry just wanted more of that good stuff.

Good luck.

[Phrixus]

LOL - I did not in any way shape or form INTEND for him to eat the treats nor the cat food. He forced his way into the pantry and tore it up. He ate the treats and cat food in the span of less than two hours while I was gone. The issue is that for his whole life he's never once even considered stealing food that he knew was there all along.

[Phrixus]

just an update - his coat is no longer dry, he has not shown any raw spots or itching behavior from his back half. Also he is doing better now that I'm feeding 3lbs minimum a day.