Debbie

I don't disagree with the Raw Meat Bone [RMB] diet to pups but if my experience of a dozen guide dog lab pups is anything to go by i'd stick to a meat and mixer diet introducing to a marrow bone and chicken wings every so often. Build this up over a year to RMB is that is your intention.

I have used a guideline for many years
2 parts meat : 1 part veg-mix (1/2 veg and 1/2 mixer) for dogs of all ages but quite honestly you can go for quite a bit of variation. A good start is feed 2% of the bodyweight and this is good for a RMB diet or what i call raw meat and mixer. So weigh your pup every month and adjust accordingly.

My lurcher came to me end of Feb and won't eat something like a chicken wing or touch bones. Now he has got used to me and knows he's with me longterm he is growing in confidence.

For a pup you can overfeed as they'll burn off a fair bit with exercise. Whether you stick with my diet or go RMB will transpire as the pup develops. This will allow you to have a good stable regime and identify like/dislikes as you go along. What is important is to stick to raw meat (or tinned Chappie or another decent one) rather than kibble to avoid health problems. Importance of a bone is keeping their teeth clean which you should get for nothing from a decent butcher. It definitely pays to find one that has their own dog! I get given quite a bit for free and he's is only too happy to help with a RMB 80-10-10 diet later. When i say meat i include fish... for a pup a tin of pilchards with soft bone is good or cod fillet - contrary to RMB fans fish is excellent for dogs, they love it and is easily digested - 100% safe should your pup have the odd upset stomach.

The ideal is to have a lurcher who'll provide all meat for the household! [free]. I got a bit annoyed with the fanatical 80-10-10 brigade - i believe in natural feeding and natural provision.