Can Puppies Eat a Raw Diet?

 A head-start on health

Bringing a new puppy into the family is a very exciting time. Along with soaking up those adorable sleepy snuggles, tiny tail wags and cute puppy playtimes, there are also a lot of big pet care decisions to make, from training to walking schedules and choosing the right diet.

Puppies thrive on a raw, natural diet, just like older dogs, and we believe at Top Dog that this is the best option for optimal health and well-being. A balanced, raw diet is full of benefits and helps set them up for a long, healthy, and happy life.

Baby steps

Puppies can start their raw journey when they are weaning (around four weeks old), ideally starting with lean, plain meals such as turkey, fish, and chicken and adjust the traditional raw ratios. If your bundle of joy started on other food before you rehomed them, you can also safely transition them to raw food gradually.

Why feed your puppy a raw diet

A nourishing, raw diet mimics what puppies would eat in the wild and provides everything they need to support their growth and development. Raw meat, healthy fats, offal (organ meats), bones and fresh fruit and vegetables provide all the nutrients for your furbaby to thrive. 

High-quality protein packed with vital amino acids is critical for growing muscles, and essential calcium and phosphorus support bone and joint development. An unprocessed, fresh, raw diet is also great for the immune system, reducing allergic reactions and is gentle on the digestive system, promoting gut health and enabling the body to absorb more vital nutrients.

Top tips for starting out

• Handle your pet's food carefully and follow good hygiene practice and frozen guidelines to ensure the meat is freshest for young tummies. Once defrosted, keep refrigerated and use within a couple of days.

• Bone should make up around 17% of your puppy's diet. It is a great source of calcium and essential minerals and helps with dental care. When pups are young, stick to soft or ground bones while their jaw is still developing and hold off from offering larger, meaty bones until they have all their adult teeth at around six months old.

• Keep mealtimes as peaceful as possible. Give them space, keep things relaxed and calm, and remember to top up the water bowl, too. Don't be alarmed if they seem to drink less; they get hydration from their raw food.

Feeding patterns and amounts 

• Puppies are little growing machines that need various nutrients to support their development. As they mature, aim to offer a wide range of nutritious food and rotate proteins.

• Puppies need a regular feeding pattern to keep their energy up. They are constantly moving, learn new things, and grow at a rapid rate, so they need to eat more frequently and have more calories than an adult dog. As a guide, the younger the pup, the higher the percentage of its body weight it needs as food.

• Monitor your pup's growth regularly and keep track of their weight gain so you can tweak their diet accordingly and adjust portion sizes to help maintain a healthy weight.

• It's also important to remember that every puppy is unique. When customising the perfect feeding plan for your growing pup, consider factors such as breed, genetics, activity levels, and any medical conditions. Consult your veterinary team for more advice.

Raw Feeding Guide for Puppies

Method 1: Feed 2-3% of ideal ADULT weight

Method 2: ( preferred) Feed according to current weight and age

Percentage to Feed of Ideal Body Weight:

7-10 weeks - 8%-10%

10-16 weeks - 7.5%- 8.5%

16-20 weeks -  6.5%-7.5%

20-24 weeks - 5.5% - 6.5%

24-26 weeks - 4.5% - 5.5%

36-56 weeks - 3.50%

68 weeks +  -  2%- 3%

How Often:

Under 4 months - split into 4 or more meals per day

4-6 months - split into three meals per day

6 months + - split into 2 meals per day

( please note that this feeding guide does not replace veterinary advice.)

Real life raw: Golden wisdom on puppy weaning

We love hearing from our Top Dog community on their raw feeding journeys. Denise of Francalia Retrievers shares her Golden Retriever raw weaning story here.

Feeding your pup raw is a natural way to jumpstart their health and set them up on the path to thrive. We are always happy to provide product recommendations or answer any questions about feeding during those precious puppy days and beyond. 

Feel free to get in touch at ✉️ woof@topdogfoodandsupply.com 📱 203-345-0350