March 26, 2025

Raw Feeding for Puppies: A Guide to Starting Them Right

Feeding your puppy a raw diet is one of the best ways to ensure they grow up healthy, strong, and full of vitality. Puppies have unique nutritional needs as they grow rapidly in their first year, and a raw diet can provide the optimal balance of nutrients required for their development.

Here’s everything you need to know about raw feeding for puppies.

Why Raw Feeding is Ideal for Puppies

A raw diet closely mimics what dogs’ ancestors would have eaten in the wild. For puppies, it offers:



  • Balanced Nutrition for Growth: High-quality proteins support muscle development, while natural fats provide essential energy.
  • Better Digestion: Raw diets are free from fillers and artificial ingredients that can upset sensitive puppy stomachs.
  • Improved Immunity: Fresh, unprocessed ingredients support a strong immune system during critical growth periods.
  • Healthy Teeth and Gums: Chewing on raw bones and whole ingredients promotes dental health from an early age.

How to Start Raw Feeding Your Puppy

1. Choose the Right Supplier


Look for a trusted raw food provider that ensures:

  • Balanced, pre-portioned meals.
  • High-quality, human-grade ingredients.
  • A commitment to safety and nutrition, like Natural Raw Dog Foods.


2. Understand Puppy Portioning


Puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to support their rapid growth. Here’s a general guide:

  • Feed 2-3% of their expected adult body weight per day.
  • Divide meals into 3-4 feedings daily for puppies under six months.
  • Transition to 2 meals per day as they grow older.

 

Use tools like an open-source raw feeding calculator to determine the exact portions for your puppy’s weight, age, and breed. These resources are incredibly helpful for ensuring accuracy and confidence in your feeding routine.

 

3. Transition Gradually

 

Introduce raw food slowly to avoid digestive upset:

  • Days 1-2: Mix 25% raw food with 75% of their current diet.
  • Days 3-4: Adjust to a 50/50 mix.
  • Days 5-6: Move to 75% raw.
  • Day 7: Feed 100% raw.

Common Concerns About Raw Feeding for Puppies

1. Can Puppies Handle Raw Food?


Yes! Puppies are biologically designed to digest raw food. Starting them young helps build strong digestive systems and healthy eating habits.


2. Is It Safe?


Raw feeding is safe when you:

  • Source food from a reputable supplier.
  • Handle and store food properly.
  • Keep feeding areas clean.


3. How Do I Know If They’re Getting Enough?

  • Monitor your puppy’s growth and energy levels. Adjust portions as needed and consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure.

Benefits of Starting Raw Feeding Early

  • Optimal Growth: Proper nutrition ensures healthy bone and muscle development.
  • Stronger Immunity: Fresh, nutrient-dense food boosts their immune system.
  • Fewer Allergies: Starting raw early reduces the risk of developing food sensitivities.
  • Better Behavior: Balanced nutrition supports mental focus and reduces hyperactivity.

Tips for Making Raw Feeding Easy

  1. Use Pre-Portioned Meals: Our 1lb trays with six individual pockets make it simple to serve the right amount for your growing puppy.
  2. Incorporate Enrichment: Serve meals in a puzzle feeder or use mealtime as an opportunity for training.
  3. Stay Consistent: Regular feeding times help establish healthy habits.

Why Choose Natural Raw Dog Foods?

At Natural Raw Dog Foods, we’re passionate about giving your puppy the best start in life. Our meals are:



  • Balanced and Complete: Meeting the highest nutritional standards.
  • Locally Sourced: Supporting Canadian farmers and ensuring quality.
  • Convenient: Pre-portioned for easy feeding.


📍 Serving Ontario, including the GTA, Durham, York, Peel, Halton, and Toronto.

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