Puppies can be weaned directly to the raw diet. The diet is the same as for adults. If you notice that your puppy cannot or will not crush a raw meaty bone (a chicken wing for example), you may want to either switch to the pre-made minces and patties sold at http://www.barfworld.com, or invest in a food grinder for the bones. I used the pre-made minces with my golden retriever when she got much older, and one package lasted nearly a month with her ($78.00). The pre-made minces and patties have ground bone in them, as well as all the other important ingredients of the raw diet, in a ground up form. These in addition to recreational bones, and other raw foods makes a very healthy diet. But if he will eat the raw bones, then you should have no problems at all.
Keep in mind that puppy digestive systems are far more sensitive than healthy adults, so switching may temporarily upset his stomach. Also keep in mind that puppies raised on the raw diet grow much slower. This is because the excessive protein and preservatives found in processed puppy foods are not present in the raw diet, so they grow at a more natural rate. When large breeds grow too fast, their bones become more brittle and the joints more faulty. Puppies raised on the raw diet will still reach their maximum size, and when they do, they will have stronger bones and healthier joints than those raised on processed food. Not to mention better eyesight and a far less chance of contracting debilitating ailments like cancer and hip dysplasia.
I can't stress the books enough for anyone interested in the BARF/raw diet. Dr. Ian Billinghurst has a books specifically for raising puppies, called "Grow your pups with bones". "The BARF diet" is also really good. The latter explains the health benefits of every aspect of the diet.
Keep in mind that puppy digestive systems are far more sensitive than healthy adults, so switching may temporarily upset his stomach. Also keep in mind that puppies raised on the raw diet grow much slower. This is because the excessive protein and preservatives found in processed puppy foods are not present in the raw diet, so they grow at a more natural rate. When large breeds grow too fast, their bones become more brittle and the joints more faulty. Puppies raised on the raw diet will still reach their maximum size, and when they do, they will have stronger bones and healthier joints than those raised on processed food. Not to mention better eyesight and a far less chance of contracting debilitating ailments like cancer and hip dysplasia.
I can't stress the books enough for anyone interested in the BARF/raw diet. Dr. Ian Billinghurst has a books specifically for raising puppies, called "Grow your pups with bones". "The BARF diet" is also really good. The latter explains the health benefits of every aspect of the diet.