An Easy Guide to Raw Feeding Your Puppy
Published date: 09 October 2024
With increasing numbers of dogs being fed a raw diet, it makes sense that more puppy owners wish to start their pups out on the right paw.
Puppies must be fed appropriately to allow them to grow up fit and healthy. So, to help owners get it right, here is our ultimate puppy raw feeding guide.
When can I start feeding my puppy raw food?
Some breeders wean their litter on a raw diet, so it’s possible by the time you get your pup they are already on a raw diet. If your puppy has been weaned on kibbles, there must be a careful transition to raw food.
It is advised to keep your puppy on the original food from the breeder for at least two weeks. After this, you can slowly start introducing a new diet.
How do I transition my puppy to raw food?
A gentle transition is key to keeping puppies healthy and reducing digestive issues.
If switching from a dry diet, it is worth checking the meat content. Lower meat-content foods will take longer to switch from. Puppies will need to adjust to the different textures in a raw diet.
Start the process by moving your pup from dry kibbles to a natural high-meat wet food. There are two main methods for switching your puppy onto a raw diet. The choice will depend on your pup and how sensitive their tummy is.
The first method, for more sensitive dogs, is to simply switch out one of their meals for raw. Continue to feed the other two meals as normal. After a week or two, replace the other meals with raw.
The other method, which might in some circumstances be easier, is a straight swap. This can work if the puppies’ meals are very close together.
Some top tips to make the transition go even smoother:
- Stick to feeding the same meat protein. If your pooch is currently on a diet high in chicken, stick to chicken-based raw for now.
- Keep a close eye on their stools. Consistent changes (after the initial first few days) in their poo can be a sign the diet isn’t working for them.
- Use a Digestive Supplement! These are designed to support dogs’ gut during food transitions and maintain healthy stool function.
Should I use Premade or Homemade Raw?
Getting the balance right in a homemade raw diet takes a lot of time and cost. Any owner intending to create their meal at home should first consult a veterinarian to ensure they understand how to create that balance.
Getting the fuel right is crucial for puppies to grow up fit and strong, so it is recommended that you use a complete raw puppy diet. Once your puppy has grown into a fit and healthy adult, you have more flexibility to experiment with some homemade meals.
Are all raw foods the same quality?
Much like dry foods, not all raw complete foods have been made equally.
Some companies will choose to use lower-quality carcass meat, have a higher bone content, or include minced bone in their food. Using these cheaper ingredients results in less digestible food that is likely to result in poorer quality stools.
For higher quality raw food, try ROR. This is a complete raw diet made without added bone and uses the highest quality muscle meat. Instead of using less digestible bones, ROR adds a scientifically balanced supplement to provide dogs with calcium and phosphorus.
How much should I feed my Puppy?
Pre-made complete raw diets will have guidelines which should be followed. Regular vet checks alongside weighing and body scoring your pup will help keep them fit and healthy.
Watch our How to Body Score video.
What to Expect After Moving to Raw
It is common for puppies to have looser stools in the first few days of being on a raw diet. Their body is adjusting to the new diet, so allow time for their digestive system to settle.
If their loose stools continue for more than a day or two, it is worth a vet visit just in case something else is going on.
Puppies fed on homemade diets can sometimes have very hard stools. The reason for this is too much bone, a common mistake owners make is feeding minced chicken carcass (which naturally contains bone) alongside raw bones such as a chicken or duck neck. Feeding a complete raw diet will help keep stools healthy!
Some puppies will drink less water when on a raw diet. This is typically fine as the meat they are eating is higher in moisture than kibble. However, it is still worth monitoring their overall water intake.
For some in-person advice on nutrition, head to your local Pets Corner store.
