When it comes to the best dog food, we all want the best for our puppies. To support their unique needs and rapid growth, all puppies could benefit from a raw dog food diet. It mimics their ancestral diet and provides plenty of nutrients to help them thrive and remain healthy. With so many brands to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which option is the best for your pooch.
In our complete guide, we explore the best raw food brands available for your dog, as well as the various benefits, the appropriate amount to feed a puppy, and how to craft the perfect raw food diet.
Discover the best brands stocked here at Fetch
Find out more about the benefits of raw dog food for puppies
It is important to feed your puppy the right amount of food to ensure they get the nutrients they need
Here’s how you can create the best raw food diet for your puppy
What are the Best Raw Dog Food Options for Puppies?
Raw food is an increasingly popular choice for dogs, including puppies, as it is minimally processed and closely mirrors your dog’s ancestral diet. Puppies benefit particularly from raw feeding, as it supports rapid growth, energy, and overall health.
At Fetch, we offer several reputable brands, including:
- Barkin Bistro: boxed meals and individual items such as chicken hearts and marrow bones, with lamb tripe for digestive support.
- DARF: known for cold-pressed and mixed raw food tailored to individual needs.
- KB Raw: fish-based options including sprats, sardines and mackerel, supporting skin and coat health.
- Raw Necessity: wide selection, ideal for fussy eaters or those with allergies.
Many of these are available via subscription for convenience. You can view our full raw dog food collection here.
We offer personalised consultations with canine nutrition experts at Fetch to create bespoke diet plans, ensuring puppies receive the best start in life.
What are the Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Puppies?
Raw food diets are increasingly recommended for puppies, as they provide high-quality nutrition aligned with a dog’s digestive system. They can be introduced from around three weeks of age, with ready-made puppy-specific packs available to ensure balanced growth. The BARF (Bones and Raw Food) model is especially popular, combining meat, bone, offal, fruit and vegetables for a nutrient-rich diet. Benefits include improved digestion, better dental health, enhanced energy, and healthier skin and coats.
Despite its many advantages, raw feeding does come with considerations. Raw meat must be stored and handled correctly to prevent bacterial contamination. Preparation requires planning, with safe storage essential for both household and pet safety. Cost is another factor, as pre-made raw meals are often more expensive than dry or wet alternatives. There is also a risk of nutritional imbalance if only one protein source is fed, so variety and supplementation with vegetables are important.
When comparing raw, dry and wet food for a puppy, consider these factors:
- Raw food offers high nutritional value, digestibility, and dental benefits, but requires freezer space, defrosting, and careful handling.
- Wet food is convenient and highly palatable, though it can be costly and offers limited dental benefits.
- Dry food is the cheapest and most convenient, with long shelf life and easy storage, though quality and digestibility vary.
Certain proteins, such as beef and chicken, may trigger allergies. Hypoallergenic alternatives like turkey and venison can be gentler options. Muscle meat provides essential amino acids, organ meats deliver vitamins and minerals, and raw bones support dental health and calcium intake. Balanced meals often follow the 80/10/10 ratio: 80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organ.
You can find out more about the benefits of raw food for puppies here.
How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
Feeding your puppy the right amount of raw food is essential to support healthy growth without causing deficiencies or weight issues. The quantity depends on age, weight, activity level and metabolism, so adjustments should be made as your puppy develops.
As a rule of thumb, puppies require 5–10% of their body weight in raw food daily, with the percentage gradually decreasing as they age. For example, 2–4 month old puppies may need around 10%, dropping to 4% by 8–12 months, before transitioning to adult feeding at 2–3% of body weight. If a puppy is overweight or underweight, calculations should be based on their ideal weight rather than current weight. Consulting a canine nutrition specialist is recommended to create a plan suited to your dog’s specific needs.
At Fetch, we stock several reputable brands tailored for puppies:
- Raw Necessity: locally sourced, 80:10:10 ratio (meat, offal, bone) with flavours like turkey and duck.
- DARF: complete meals with multiple proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) for balanced nutrition.
- Naked Dog (Naked Pup range): grain- and gluten-free, 90% meat with fruit, vegetables and natural prebiotics; available in flavours such as rabbit and surf & turf. Subscription options are available for convenience.
Raw meat from supermarkets is not suitable for puppies, as it lacks the balance required for growth. Specialist raw food brands, such as those stocked at Fetch, are formulated to meet nutritional needs safely.
Too much raw food can cause health issues, so it is important to look for signs of overfeeding. Warning signs include:
- Excess weight gain: a healthy puppy should have a defined waist and visible ribs on touch.
- Digestive problems: diarrhoea, bloating or consistently soft stools.
- Lethargy: a noticeable drop in energy levels.
Find out more about raw puppy food portion sizes in our previous guide here.
Crafting the Right Raw Food Diet for a Puppy
Feeding your puppy a balanced raw diet is one of the best ways to support their growth, health and energy levels from the moment they join your family. Raw food mirrors a dog’s ancestral diet and, when carefully planned, provides all the essential nutrients needed for development.
Puppies can be introduced to raw food from 3–4 weeks old when weaning from milk. If your puppy has been eating kibble or wet food, most can transition to raw immediately, although sensitive stomachs may benefit from a gradual switch. Begin with one protein source, ideally 40–50% muscle meat, and introduce new proteins slowly to avoid digestive upset. Puppies should eat three meals a day, equating to 5–10% of their body weight, with added probiotics and nutrients for balance.
Owners can create homemade raw diets, but it is vital to buy from specialist raw pet food suppliers. A balanced raw diet typically follows the 80:10:10 rule: 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, 10% bone. Around 20% of the diet can include fruits and vegetables. Supplements such as bone broth can also support digestion. Professional advice is strongly recommended to ensure meals are nutritionally complete.