Did you just bring home a new puppy—or know someone who did? These days, it seems like everyone has welcomed a new four-legged friend into their home. With that joy comes some important questions, like:
“Can I feed my puppy a raw diet?”
“Does my puppy need anything special added to their meals?”
Let’s break it down and give your pup the best start possible.
Can I Feed My Puppy a Raw Diet?
Absolutely—and it may be one of the best decisions you can make for your dog’s lifelong health.
The first year of a dog’s life is critical for growth and development, especially when it comes to building a strong musculoskeletal system. This is particularly important for large and giant breeds, whose bones and joints are under added pressure during growth.
Many issues in growing puppies—like digestive upset, poor coat quality, or uneven growth—are often tied to diet. Highly processed commercial foods are typically heat-treated and packed with starchy carbohydrates, which can trigger unnatural growth spurts and disrupt the balance between developing bones, tendons, and muscles. This imbalance may increase the risk of long-term joint problems like hip dysplasia or arthritis.
A raw diet can help support healthy, consistent development by providing bioavailable nutrients—meaning your puppy’s body can actually digest and use what’s in the bowl.
Does My Puppy Need a Special Diet?
Not necessarily. A balanced raw diet built for adult dogs is also appropriate for puppies—as long as the nutrient profile is complete and the serving size is adjusted for their needs.
Since puppies are growing fast, they require a larger percentage of food relative to their body weight. Look for raw food formulas that include:
-
Lean muscle meat
-
Organ meats
-
Edible bone (bone meal or ground bone)
-
Eggs with shell (for calcium and trace minerals)
Always ensure pieces are small or ground to avoid choking, especially for young pups with few teeth or those that gulp their food.
Supplements That Support Growth
While not required, certain raw additions can be beneficial for a developing puppy:
-
Green tripe – Loaded with natural probiotics and digestive enzymes
-
Raw goat’s milk – Rich in vitamins, minerals, and gut-supporting bacteria
-
Chicken feet or turkey necks – Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
-
Raw tendons or neck bones – Great for joint development and safe chewing (with supervision)
These additions support healthy digestion, immune function, and joint formation—key for growing pups.
What About Calcium and Phosphorus Balance?
This is a common concern for new raw feeders—and a valid one if you're relying on commercial or synthetic products.
In processed foods, synthetic calcium supplements can be hard for a puppy’s body to absorb, and may lead to imbalances or even kidney stress. However, a properly formulated raw diet naturally provides balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus from bone, organ meat, and eggshell.
Any excess minerals your puppy doesn’t need are simply passed through their stool—which may appear pale or sandy after eating bones. This is completely normal.
How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?
Puppies require more food per pound than adults because they burn energy quickly and are constantly growing. Here’s a general guideline:
-
Feed 3–8% of your puppy’s current body weight daily
-
Split into 2–3 meals per day, depending on age and breed
-
Weigh your puppy and adjust portions regularly
-
Once fully grown, reduce to 2–3% of adult body weight based on activity level
Smaller breeds, in particular, may benefit from three small meals daily to prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Use a kitchen scale to portion accurately and avoid over- or underfeeding.
Need help? Try our Raw Feeding Calculator—it does the math for you!
Start Strong, Stay Strong
We hope this helps you feel confident feeding your puppy a raw diet. The choices you make now lay the foundation for a healthy, energetic, and resilient companion for years to come.
Have questions? Need help choosing a blend? Send us pictures of your pups—we’d love to see them!
Happy feeding!
