Despite its many health benefits, raw dog food should be given to puppies in moderation. Too much or too little can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and you should always prepare what you are going to feed your pup in advance to ensure that their meal contains all the vital nutrients. If you want to start your puppy on a raw food diet, there are many factors that you need to consider, including the right amount of food to give them.
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Here’s how you can ensure your puppy is getting the appropriate amount of raw dog food
These are our top choices at Fetch
Here are some signs that you’re feeding your puppy too much raw food
Although recognised raw dog food brands are the way forward, could you still feed your dog supermarket raw food?
Here’s how we can assis
How Do You Calculate Raw Dog Food for Puppies?
The most important factors to consider when calculating how much raw food your puppy needs are their age and weight. If your puppy is slightly underweight or overweight, it is better to use their desired weight in your calculations. How much raw food your puppy needs changes with age, so it is important to adjust as they grow.
Depending on their age, puppies should, on average, be fed around 5-10% of their body weight per day; this percentage decreases as they age. Adult dogs need to be fed roughly 2-3% of their body weight. You can find out more about different raw food feeding percentages in our previous guide here.
Other factors come into play when calculating raw puppy food intake, such as their exercise level and metabolism. Therefore, you should consult with a canine nutrition specialist to get the most accurate calculation that suits your puppy’s needs and lifestyle effectively.
What Brands Specialise in Raw Puppy Food?
Here at Fetch, we stock various nutritionally balanced raw dog food formulas, perfect for puppies, adults and senior dogs alike. Our top picks specifically for puppies are:
- Raw Necessity: available in various flavours, Raw Necessity provide raw food packs suitable for growing puppies. Options such as turkey and duck come in a 80:10:10 ratio; 80% meat, 10% offal and 10% bone. All meat from Raw Necessity is sourced locally.
- DARF: DARF’s raw puppy food option contains a mixture of high-quality meats such as chicken, beef, lamb and fish. Providing your puppy with multiple protein sources will provide them with the best nutritional benefits, and the mix of meat, organs and bone ensures that it is a complete meal.
- Naked Dog: dog food brand Naked Dog have a range specifically for puppies: Naked Pup. We stock four flavours of Naked Pup here at Fetch, including rabbit, beef, surf and turf and chicken. Each raw food pack is 100% grain and gluten free and contains 90% meat alongside vegetables, fruits and chicory root, a natural prebiotic that helps promote gut flora. Naked Pup is also available on subscription.
You can browse our full collection of raw puppy food here.
How Do I Know I’m Feeding My Puppy Too Much Raw Food?
There are various signs that you are feeding your pup too much raw food. Sticking to the guidelines mentioned above can ensure your dog doesn’t eat too much or too little, but it can be hard to know precisely how much they need without the help of a dog nutrition specialist. Signs you’re feeding your puppy too much raw food include:
- Excessive weight gain: all puppies look a little plump after they’ve eaten a meal (sometimes after drinking water), but if their bellies constantly look full and your puppy weighs more than they should, they may be overweight. You should be able to feel your pup’s ribs easily.
- Digestive Upset: softer stools, diarrhoea and bloating, all of which could be signs that your puppy has been given too much raw food.
- Lethargy: puppies are known for being energetic and animated. A sluggish puppy could be a sign that they are being overfed.
To check that your puppy is the correct weight, ensure they have a defined waist and don’t have a bulging stomach. If your puppy is being overfed, follow the guidelines mentioned above and reduce their portions.
Can I Feed My Puppy Raw Food from the Supermarket?
If you choose to provide a raw food diet for your puppy, you need to choose a reputable brand that specialises in raw food specifically for dogs. Brands such as Raw Necessity curate raw food for puppies, supporting their specific nutritional needs perfectly.
Raw Puppy Food Guidance at Fetch
At Fetch, we stock a wide range of raw puppy food perfect for meeting your dog’s dietary requirements. We have various options suited to your pup and your budget, allowing you to provide your dog with the perfect diet without breaking the bank. We also provide bespoke wellbeing consultations tailored to your dog’s needs and your own personal lifestyle, allowing your dog to lead a healthy life.