1. When Ariel came to us, she was on Eukanuba Puppy. We switched her diet a couple weeks later to Canidae All Life Stages. She's been on Canidae for about 2-3 months now. Will changing her diet again so soon be harmful?
No, it should be fine.
2. She's getting spayed in a couple days. Is changing her diet a couple days before her spay something I shouldn't do? Would this even affect it at all?
I def. would not change a thing until she is recovered from the surgery.
3. When she was Eukanuba, she scratched herself a lot. Switching her to Canidae seemed to lessen the scratching, but she still does it every so often. Would going raw stop the scratching, or escalate it?
It could absolutely stop the itching IF the allergen is eliminated. If it were me, I would feed NV's venison to start - wait a month or so, check itching, then add in lamb, rabbit and see how she does.
4. Out of all the NV options, I read that Venison would be the best to start off with first because it's "cleaner" than the other meats. Which meat would be second best?
Venison, lamb, and rabbit are less likely to be allergenic than beef or chicken.
5. My non-yorkie is 15 lbs, and is moderately active. According to the NV feeding calculator, I should feed her 4.9 oz of raw each day (approx. 5 medallions). However, others have posted that they feed their dog 4 medallions each day, but they're 6-8 lbs [almost half of my Belle's weight]. Is 5 a day really enough to sustain her appetite?
Each dog is diff. but yes, it could def. be enough depending on desired weight and activity level. I follow NV's recommendations and then watch their wt. and feel their ribs, and feed accordingly.
6. Do I need to add any supplements?
You don't have to, but I like to supplement w/ fish oil and vit E (need to give vit E if giving fish oil); I use Eicosaderm from Vet America.
7. By switching to raw, do I have to change the treats I usually give them as well?
Well, not really. I still give dentabones, bully stix, RMBs on occasion. You may not want to give a "kibble-y" type treat close to when you feed raw - some dogs have a harder time digesting the 2 together.
Good luck! I just love NV and my guys are positively thriving!