Brenda Khan
A raw diet for puppies has gained popularity since the 2000s, with many pet owners believing that it is the most authentic, natural, and healthy way to feed dogs. Puppies can be started on a raw diet as early as 4 weeks old, and there are several benefits to doing so. A raw diet can improve a puppy's immunity, growth, and health, as well as contributing to a shiny coat, bright eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. It is important to ensure that a puppy on a raw diet is receiving balanced meals with the proper nutrition and essential nutrients. When starting a puppy on a raw diet, it is recommended to begin with one protein source and gradually introduce others.
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What You'll Learn
Puppies can start eating raw food as early as 4 weeks old
It is important to provide growing puppies with the proper nutrition and a balance of essential nutrients in their diets. Puppies require protein to synthesize tissue for growth and to replace that which is broken down and lost from the body each day, as they grow quickly. A variety of raw meat naturally fulfills this role and ensures that sufficient levels of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, will be absorbed for use in growth and development.
Meats and animal organs provide an enzyme-rich mixture of protein, B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and D, some vitamin C, and fatty acids. Organs contain almost every important mineral that puppies require, however, meat and organs contain little calcium. It is important to balance the calcium and phosphorus content in the food, but it is easy to do with raw food.
When starting a puppy on a raw diet, begin with one protein source and gradually add in others once you know your pup can tolerate specific foods. Muscle meat should make up about 35% to 50% of the diet. This is fairly easy to do. If you view a turkey neck as a nice meaty bone, then your puppy’s diet should be half to two-thirds meaty bones (and half to one-third meats and organ meats).
It is important to closely observe the puppy's health and behaviour during the transition to a raw diet. Loose stool is an indicator that you need to cut back a little on the raw food until the stomach gets used to it and then resume the regimen after a couple of days.
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Raw food provides the necessary nutrients for a puppy's rapid growth
Puppies grow rapidly during the first few months of their lives, and a proper diet provides the necessary nutrients to meet their needs. This developmental stage needs to be well-fuelled for a healthy pup. A raw diet provides complete, highly digestible protein that contributes to their growth, muscle mass, and brain development. The body can better absorb the nutrients in raw food than in dry food, allowing the organs to efficiently obtain necessary nutrients.
Raw food is packed with gut-healthy bacteria, which helps keep the digestive system healthy. A raw diet will also reduce the number of daily stools along with their odour. Puppies that eat raw food develop a rich, shiny, well-pigmented coat. Raw food also supports their nose, ears, and mouth.
The foundation of a raw diet for puppies includes bone, muscle meat, and organs. These are the mandatory aspects that will provide your puppy with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Calcium from the bone is necessary for bone development, and muscle meat helps tissues grow and promotes hormone health. It is crucial that the raw diet has a balance between calcium and phosphorus as the minerals work closely together in a dog's body. Muscle meat is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so a diet without bone could cause issues down the road. Aim for 15-20% bone and 60-80% muscle meat for puppies.
It is best to start with just one source of protein. Beef, for instance, is an excellent choice for puppies. Being higher in calories, it supports their growth and development. If there are no symptoms of digestive problems, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, after seven to ten days, you can add a second source of protein to their diet, and so on. Muscle meat should represent 35-50% of their diet.
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How to transition your puppy from kibble to raw food
Transitioning your puppy from kibble to raw food can take anywhere from one to six weeks. It is important to take a step-by-step approach to avoid stomach issues and make the transition smoother. Here is a guide to help you with the process:
Step 1: Determine your puppy's daily food intake
Calculate how much food your puppy needs per day based on their current weight and adjust as they grow. Younger puppies will require more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Small breed puppies may need up to 10% of their weight per day in food, especially if they are active, while large breed puppies may need 4-8%.
Step 2: Start with one protein source
Introduce a single source of protein, such as skinless, boneless chicken, turkey, or green tripe, for the first 3-5 days. This allows you to monitor your puppy's tolerance and check for any signs of digestive upset. If all goes well, you can then introduce a second source of protein and so on. Muscle meat should make up about 35% to 50% of their diet.
Step 3: Introduce bones gradually
After the initial 3-5 days, you can start incorporating soft bones, such as chicken wings, necks, or ribs. Make sure the bones are large enough so that your puppy cannot fit the entire bone in its mouth. Always supervise your puppy when they are consuming raw bones. As they get older, you can introduce denser bones like legs and thighs, as well as recreational bones like marrow and beef knuckle bones.
Step 4: Include organ meats
Organ meats, such as liver, are nutrient-dense and provide essential minerals. However, they should be introduced slowly to avoid loose stools. Wait until your puppy has had a good two or more weeks of solid stools before gradually incorporating organ meats into their diet. Aim for organ meats to make up at least 10% of their total diet, with 25% being ideal.
Step 5: Monitor your puppy's stools
Keep a close eye on your puppy's stool consistency. Solid stools indicate that your puppy is responding well to the raw food, and you can continue to increase the proportion of raw food in their diet. If loose stools occur, reduce the amount of raw food temporarily until their stomach adjusts, and then slowly resume the transition.
Step 6: Provide fresh, non-chlorinated water
Ensure your puppy has access to plenty of fresh, non-chlorinated water throughout the transition process.
It is important to note that every puppy is unique, and you may need to adjust the transition process based on their individual needs and tolerance. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy is receiving a balanced and complete diet with all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
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The benefits of a raw diet for puppies
A raw diet for puppies has several purported benefits, although some experts caution against them. One of the biggest benefits is that a puppy's digestive system is not exposed to unnatural preservatives, chemicals, and dyes while it's still developing. A raw diet is a natural probiotic, and healthy gut microbes are established in the intestinal tract, making it easier for their bodies to support a healthy digestive system throughout their lives.
Raw food is full of natural nutrients, and the best raw puppy food is made from quality starting ingredients, like butcher-quality real meat, that have been minimally processed, so all the natural vitamins and enzymes are retained. It should be protein-rich, low carb, grain-free, and high in digestive enzymes and probiotics.
Raw-fed puppies have more natural energy and a moderate temperament, making them easier to train and work with when it comes to obedience. They are also less likely to develop chronic enteropathy (persistent digestive issues) as adults.
A raw diet can also help with a puppy's weight. Highly processed foods like kibble contain high levels of starches and sugars that can cause unhealthy weight gain. Raw food contains naturally occurring enzymes that help protect gums and teeth.
Some sources claim that raw diets are more beneficial than processed foods, and commercial raw diets are AAFCO-approved and complete and balanced for all life stages. However, some experts advise against raw diets, stating that many of the benefits attributed to them, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet.
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What to feed a puppy on a raw diet
Puppies can be started on a raw diet as early as four weeks old. It is important to ensure that puppies are receiving balanced meals and getting all the nutrients they need. A raw diet for puppies typically includes uncooked protein, grains, vegetables, and fruits.
When introducing a puppy to a raw diet, it is recommended to start with one protein source for a week and then gradually introduce other protein sources. Muscle meat should make up about 35% to 50% of the diet, with the rest consisting of meaty bones, organs, and other foods. Organs are an important source of nutrients not found in muscle meat, but they should be introduced slowly to avoid loose stools. It is also important to ensure that the puppy is getting enough calcium and phosphorus, which can be obtained from bones and cartilage.
Small breed puppies may need up to 10% of their weight per day in food, while large breed puppies may need 4-8%. Puppies will need more frequent, smaller meals than adult dogs. It is recommended to feed them small pieces that are just big enough to chew.
Some people choose to feed their puppies commercially prepared raw pet food, which has benefits such as slower growth and stronger bone structure. It is also important to note that puppies that were not raised on raw food may experience a period of adjustment with some gastrointestinal problems when transitioning to a raw diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Puppies can start eating raw food as early as 4 weeks old.
Raw food provides the necessary nutrients for a puppy's rapid growth and development. It also improves the quality of the puppy's immunity, growth, and health.
Start with one protein source for a week. If there are no signs of digestive upset, introduce a second source of protein. Muscle meat should make up about 35% to 50% of the diet, with the rest comprising meaty bones.
It is important to balance the calcium and phosphorus content in the food, as growing dogs need a ratio of 1:1 to maintain proper skeletal structure and strength. Puppies also require more frequent, smaller meals than adult dogs.
Good sources of protein include chicken, turkey, and fish. It is important to introduce new proteins slowly and monitor for any signs of digestive upset.
