The process of raw-feeding puppies is relatively similar to that of raw-feeding adult dogs, except for two key things: the amount fed per pound of body weight and the frequency of feeding. Puppies should be fed three times every day until they are six months old. After six months, you can switch to twice daily and once daily when they are fully grown.

Most puppies will have been weaned onto a kibble diet. Transitioning puppies to a raw diet can be easier than transitioning an adult dog. The curious nature and naive taste preferences encourage puppies to try new foods.  Adult dogs are often “kibble-addicted,” meaning that they have become addicted to the flavor enhancers and sweeteners used in kibble to encourage dogs to eat!

Start with feeding a three- to four-week-old puppy raw boneless white meats from chicken, turkey, or fish. It is best to grind or shred the meat to make it easier for the pup to eat.  After a few days, you can introduce darker meats, organs, and bones in a grind. The puppy can be fed small, raw, meaty bones by six weeks of age. Providing recreational bones the pups can gnaw on is a great way to grind down those sharp, pointy baby teeth. 

For pups weaned onto kibble, try to avoid feeding kibble and raw food. The difference in the digestion process within the stomach can result in gastrointestinal disturbances. The stomach pH of kibble-fed dogs is higher than that of raw-fed dogs, so when mixing the two components, the stomach and the rest of the digestive tract have to work harder to process the food. During the transition, it is best to stop feeding kibble and go directly to a raw diet to reduce the incidence of vomiting and diarrhea resulting from mixing the two diet types. Some diarrhea is still likely, but it will be resolved more quickly than if you continue to feed the combination of foods.

However, if you are committed to feeding some kibble, the raw food can be used as kibble toppers. There may be intermittent bouts of diarrhea, but the diarrhea episodes should resolve with subtle changes in the type of kibble toppers added.

IUnderstanding the benefits of a raw diet may be just what you need to decide to switch. Benefits of raw over commercial diets include:

The digestive system of dogs  is designed to process raw meat and bones. The jaw structure, the lower stomach pH, the short digestive tract, and the lack of amylase in the saliva are all key reasons a raw diet is optimal for your dog.

It is easier for dogs to digest a raw diet than a commercial diet that is ultra-processed and high in carbohydrates. 

There is scientific evidence that rotating the source of protein for your puppy can decrease the chance of developing food allergies and intolerances. 

The excess carbohydrate levels in commercial kibble can lead to gut microbiome imbalances.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are well balanced in a raw diet when done correctly. Dogs with a proper balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6  fatty acids have healthy skin and lustrous fur. Commercial diets tend to have a much higher Omega-6 level, which promotes inflammation to occur throughout the body.

Stools of raw-fed dogs are smaller, less odorous, and disintegrate more quickly.

There is greater absorption of naturally occurring nutrients and enzymes in raw meat, organs, and bones, which is facilitated by easier digestion. 

Raw-fed puppies have been shown to have fewer ear and urinary bladder infections.

Tearing raw flesh and bones produces more saliva, which helps to prevent dental decay and gum disease. 

Chewing on raw meaty bones naturally cleans your dog's teeth while providing jaw exercise and mental stimulation. 

Many commercial pet meals contain meat from animals that are dead, diseased, dying, or downed (referred to as 3D or 4D meats) but are still considered acceptable as animal feed by USDA standards.

It is critical to keep monitoring a  growing puppy's weight and health. The following is a list of tips for feeding a puppy a raw diet.

Examine your dog's feces. You want your puppy's poop to be neither loose nor too firm. Reduce the amount of bone fed if poop is overly firm, and conversely, increase bone content if stools are too soft.

It’s normal for puppies (and adults) to experience diarrhea when transitioning to a new diet, even if it is just switching between kibble brands.

Feeding any food type to your puppy is a trial and error-process. Some puppies adjust well to any food, whereas others may be more particular.

To avoid foods laced with herbicides and pesticides, it is best to feed fresh, natural ingredients, such as human-grade organic meats, vegetables, and fruits.

Remember to supervise while feeding, whether small food pieces or large raw meaty bones. The guideline is to provide meaty bones larger than their heads to encourage jaw exercise, proper chewing, and avoiding choking hazards.

The Differences Between Feeding Puppies and Adults

Puppies and adult dogs have different food requirements due to significant biological differences. Because puppies are still growing, they require higher fat percentages, organ meat, and bones. 

According to the AAFCO guidelines, commercial puppy foods must contain at least 8% fat, while adult dog food must contain 5%. However, with the ancestral diet, the fat content will be much higher for all life stages. Fats contain more calories per pound than proteins or carbohydrates, so a higher-fat diet with minimal carbohydrates provides sustainable energy and will optimize growth in your puppy.

Commercial puppy formulas have a different mineral concentration than adult dog foods. Puppy diets, for example, must contain 1% calcium, but adult foods only require 0.6% calcium, according to AAFCO requirements. Puppy foods must contain 0.8% phosphorus, although most adult dog feeds have only 0.5%. The increased mineral requirements are met for raw-fed puppies by adding additional organ meat. Puppies should be provided 7% liver and 7% other secreting organs in their diet, compared to 5% liver and 5% other secreting organs for adult dogs.

Finally, the percentage of bone is increased for raw-fed puppies. The ancestral diet for puppies should have a bone content of 17% compared to the adult dog requiring 10-15%, depending on the firmness of the stool.

Frequent meals are required because puppies cannot regulate vitamin and mineral production and storage and need to replenish energy to fuel their growing bodies. 

A puppy’s weight needs to be tracked weekly. All dog parents must learn how to perform a body condition scoring to assess their pup’s body condition bi-weekly. They can then make adjustments to the portion sizes. Typically, a 10% increase in calories will maintain a BCS of 2.5/ 5 to 3.

Developing a plan based on a puppy’s growth, weight gain, and energy requirements will establish a lifelong habit of monitoring her weight. You do not want your puppy to become obese at a young age, as that tendency will carry over into adulthood. A puppy should be fed a measured amount of food, divided into two to four feedings, based on its size as it grows. Excessive feeding of large and giant breeds can lead to degenerative orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia or osteochondrosis. Slight underfeeding is a healthier option to avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

Two approaches to determining the correct amount of food to feed your puppy are: 

Based on daily weight-The first option is based on the pup’s weight. Puppies require 7% to 10% of their current body weight daily. Monitoring a pup’s weight and body score will ensure it gets proper nutrition. 

Based on expected adult weight-Another approach is to estimate the pup’s expected adult weight and feed 2% of that body weight daily. This method has much more speculation and guesswork, but it can be the better option for large and giant breeds where slower growth is best. 

With both approaches, the Feed Real Calculator  provides guidelines for feeding the appropriate nutrients to a puppy at each growth stage. The calculator should be used each time there is a gain in weight and activity level in a pup to ensure it is being fed an adequate amount of food.

Blood testing  results from raw-fed dogs can differ from those from kibble-fed dogs. All normal values and ranges have been compiled using kibble-fed dogs. You must inform your veterinarian that you are feeding your puppy a raw diet to prevent misinterpretation of results.

Getting bloodwork done early provides a baseline for comparison with future bloodwork. Detection of nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, or metabolic diseases is easier when your dog’s normal values are established when he is young and healthy.

Additional blood work to request can include:

T4: Dogs that consume too much neck meat or trachea could produce an overabundance of thyroid hormone due to the presence of thyroid tissue on those food components.

B12: Generally, dogs who consume enough organ meat will have adequate vitamin B12. If a dog's blood test shows a deficiency, a slight increase in the organ meat or the addition of organ meat for kibble-fed dogs may be recommended 

Folate: Folate is abundant in liver, eggs, and leafy green vegetables. Additional liver or eggs may be recommended if a dog's blood work shows that they are deficient in folate.

Vitamin D: A dog's vitamin D levels must stay within a specified range to stay healthy. Vitamin D shortage and excess vitamin D can cause our dogs difficulties. Vitamin D deficiency is common in kibble-based dog meals. Fortunately, salmon, liver, and eggs,  are whole foods high in Vitamin D for raw-fed dogs. Increasing these foods may be necessary for dogs deficient in vitamin D. Creating vitamin D toxicity is nearly impossible with whole foods but has occurred on several occasions with commercial kibble diets.

Zinc: If your dog is deficient in zinc, consuming raw meat types will overcome the deficiency. Increasing red meat intake is recommended. Raw oysters have the highest amount of zinc in any whole food. They can easily be added to the diet, or you can use a chelated zinc supplement.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a nutrient that is more easily overlooked when feeding raw food based on a meat diet. The natural sources of vitamin E are primarily plant-based. Animal proteins such as grass-fed beef liver and eggs are excellent sources of vitamin E. Dandelion, spinach, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and other vegetables and nuts contain high levels of vitamin E naturally. Supplementing with whole foods or oil may be recommended if your dog has a vitamin E deficiency. 

Remember that every dog is different. There is no perfect raw formula that encompasses the needs of every pup. Large and giant breed dogs must be encouraged to develop slowly as they take much longer to mature fully. Smaller breed dogs will reach their adult weight within a year, and their diet must be adjusted accordingly for maintenance rather than growth. 

Close monitoring of your dog’s body condition, weight, poops, and overall health will indicate if adjustments to the diet need to be made. Regular veterinary visits are essential for all dogs, especially growing puppies. Routine bloodwork panels will help ensure your dog gets the nutrients required for growth and maintenance. 

A raw diet is appropriate for puppies. However, a puppy has different nutritional requirements.

Puppies need more organ meat, fat, and bone than adult dogs.

Puppies must be monitored closely for weight gain and body condition to adjust their diet appropriately as they grow and mature.

Brady, C. (2020). Feeding dogs dry or raw? The science behind the debate. Farrow Road Publishing.

First study on human-grade dog food says whole, fresh food is highly digestible | College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences :: University of Illinois 

In vitro fermentation characteristics of native and processed cereal grains and potato starch using ileal chyme from dogs 

Geometric analysis of macronutrient selection in breeds of the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris 

Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: insights for optimal dog nutrition? 

Most puppies will have been weaned onto a <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/kibble">kibble</a> diet. Transitioning puppies to a raw diet can be easier than transitioning an adult dog. The curious nature and naive taste preferences encourage puppies to try new foods.  Adult dogs are often “kibble-addicted,” meaning that they have become addicted to the flavor enhancers and sweeteners used in kibble to encourage dogs to eat!

Start with feeding a three- to four-week-old puppy raw boneless white meats from chicken, turkey, or fish. It is best to grind or shred the meat to make it easier for the pup to eat.  After a few days, you can introduce darker meats, organs, and bones in a grind. The puppy can be fed small, raw, meaty bones by six weeks of age. Providing <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/recreational-bones">recreational bones</a> the pups can gnaw on is a great way to grind down those sharp, pointy baby teeth. 

For pups weaned onto kibble, try to avoid feeding kibble and raw food. The difference in the <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/cellulase">digestion</a> process within the stomach can result in gastrointestinal disturbances. The stomach pH of kibble-fed dogs is higher than that of raw-fed dogs, so when mixing the two components, the stomach and the rest of the digestive tract have to work harder to process the food. During the transition, it is best to stop feeding kibble and go directly to a raw diet to reduce the incidence of vomiting and diarrhea resulting from mixing the two diet types. Some diarrhea is still likely, but it will be resolved more quickly than if you continue to feed the combination of foods.

According to the <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/aafco">AAFCO</a> guidelines, commercial puppy foods must contain at least 8% fat, while adult dog food must contain 5%. However, with the ancestral diet, the fat content will be much higher for all life stages. <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/catabolism">Fats</a> contain more calories per pound than proteins or carbohydrates, so a higher-fat diet with minimal carbohydrates provides sustainable <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate">energy</a> and will optimize growth in your puppy.

Commercial puppy formulas have a different mineral concentration than adult dog foods. Puppy diets, for example, must contain 1% <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/calcium">calcium</a>, but adult foods only require 0.6% calcium, according to AAFCO requirements. Puppy foods must contain 0.8% phosphorus, although most adult dog feeds have only 0.5%. The increased mineral requirements are met for raw-fed puppies by adding additional organ meat. Puppies should be provided 7% liver and 7% other secreting organs in their diet, compared to 5% liver and 5% other secreting organs for adult dogs.

A puppy’s weight needs to be tracked weekly. All dog parents must learn how to perform a body condition scoring to assess their pup’s body condition bi-weekly. They can then make adjustments to the portion sizes. Typically, a 10% increase in calories will maintain a <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/bcs">BCS</a> of 2.5/ 5 to 3.

Developing a plan based on a puppy’s growth, weight gain, and energy requirements will establish a lifelong habit of monitoring her weight. You do not want your puppy to become obese at a young age, as that tendency will carry over into adulthood. A puppy should be fed a measured amount of food, divided into two to four feedings, based on its size as it grows. Excessive feeding of large and giant breeds can lead to degenerative orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia or <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/osteochondrosis">osteochondrosis</a>. Slight underfeeding is a healthier option to avoid musculoskeletal disorders.

With both approaches, the <a href="https://feedreal.com/calculator">Feed Real Calculator</a>  provides guidelines for feeding the appropriate nutrients to a puppy at each growth stage. The calculator should be used each time there is a gain in weight and activity level in a pup to ensure it is being fed an adequate amount of food.

<a href="https://feedreal.com/articles/testing-your-rawfed-dogs-health">Blood testing</a>  results from raw-fed dogs can differ from those from kibble-fed dogs. All normal values and ranges have been compiled using kibble-fed dogs. You must inform your veterinarian that you are feeding your puppy a raw diet to prevent misinterpretation of results.

Puppy Diets Versus Adult Diets

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