Raw food is a popular option for all dogs, from puppies right up to senior breeds. Raw dog food is the most minimally processed option when compared to wet or dry, and mimics your dog’s ancestral diet perfectly. Puppies in particular need food that will support their rapid growth and give them all the vital nutrients they need; this is where raw puppy food ticks all the boxes.
Our comprehensive guide will explain the benefits of feeding your puppy raw food, as well as our top options here at Fetch. We will also explore the perfect amount of raw food to feed your puppy, what to look out for when buying raw food products, and how our expert nutrition specialists can create the perfect raw diet plan for your pooch.
- Is Raw Dog Food Recommended for Puppies?
- Our Raw Puppy Food Options at Fetch
- How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
- How Do I Know Raw Food is Good for My Puppy?
- Puppy Wellbeing Consultations at Fetch
Discover more about the benefits of raw dog food for puppies
Browse the stand-out collections we stock here at Fetch
Ensure you’re giving your puppy the right amount of raw food that supports their breed
Here’s what you should look out for when choosing raw puppy food
Here’s how we can assist
Is Raw Dog Food Recommended for Puppies?
Raw dog food comes highly recommended for puppies to support their growth and unique nutritional needs. Raw food is widely available, but needs to be stored correctly. The health benefits of providing raw food for puppies include:
- Improved dental hygiene: dental disease is common in dogs, which is why it is important to tackle it early. Chewing and biting raw meat and bones can help keep dental issues at bay.
- Better digestion: raw food is much easier to digest than processed foods, ensuring it is kinder to your puppy’s digestive tract.
- Healthier skin and coat: there is evidence that raw food has benefits that can improve your puppy's skin and coat, leading to a reduction in skin irritation and itching.
- Increased/stable energy levels: although puppies are already full of energy, raw food can ensure they don’t slow down, helping them burn off all that youthful liveliness.
- Better for food allergies: wheat, soy and grain are all common allergens in dogs, usually showing up when dogs are puppies. Raw food diets are naturally grain and gluten-free, so if your puppy is showing signs of an allergy, consider switching them to a raw food diet (you can make an appointment with a canine nutrition specialist to discuss this).
Other possible benefits include firmer stools, better weight control and better mobility. Raw food can have its downsides, however, as not everyone has the budget or the means to store raw food. Discussing your situation with a canine nutrition specialist can help you find the best diet that not only suits your puppy, but your lifestyle too.
A raw food diet for puppies is a great option if you like to experiment with recipes and make your pup’s meals from scratch. We recommend making your own bone broth using our handy and easy-to-follow packs.
Our Raw Puppy Food Options at Fetch
If you’re looking to get your puppy started on the best raw dog food options, consider our choices below:
- Barkin Bistro – ideal for puppies and adult dogs alike, Barkin Bistro provides raw boxed food and loose items such as chicken hearts, marrow bones and duck hearts. The raw lamb tripe option in particular is rich in digestive enzymes and probiotics to boost the immune system.
- DARF – popular for their cold pressed dog food, DARF also provide mixed raw food, allowing you to choose the ingredients that best suit your dog.
- KB Raw – for high-quality raw fish options, KB raw is a great choice. Options include sprats, mackerel and sardines, perfect for your puppy's skin and coat.
- Raw Necessity – Raw Necessity provides a variety of options to choose from, ideal if your dog is fussy or has allergies.
Most of our raw dog food options are available on subscription.
How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
How much you feed your puppy depends on a range of factors, such as their breed, size, age and if they have any special dietary requirements. As a general guideline, please follow our table below:
| Puppy Age | Small Breed (Adult below 10kg) | Medium Breed (Adult 10–25kg) | Large Breed (Adult 25–40kg) |
| 8–12 weeks | 8–10% of body weight daily | 8–10% of body weight daily | 8–10% of body weight daily |
| 3–4 months | 7–8% of body weight daily | 7–8% of body weight daily | 6–7% of body weight daily |
| 5–6 months | 6–7% of body weight daily | 6–7% of body weight daily | 5–6% of body weight daily |
| 7–9 months | 5–6% of body weight daily | 5–6% of body weight daily | 4–5% of body weight daily |
| 10–12 months | 4–5% of body weight daily | 4–5% of body weight daily | 3–4% of body weight daily |
| 12+ months | Transition to adult feeding (2–3% of adult weight) | Transition to adult feeding (2–3% of adult weight) | Transition to adult feeding (2–3% of adult weight) |
You should always conduct your own research and speak to a professional before feeding your dog raw food. Booking a wellbeing consultation with us today can help set your puppy on the right track, with bespoke diet plans provided based on their breed, dietary needs and age, as well as your lifestyle.
How Do I Know Raw Food is Good for My Puppy?
When choosing raw food for your puppy, make these checks to ensure they’re getting the best diet possible:
- Ingredient Quality: good raw meat products should clearly display specific meat sources, and should include raw muscle meat, organ meat and bone as the main components. Avoid fillers, such as grains.
- Nutritionally Balanced: most raw food available is single protein, but fruits and vegetables can be added to add more vitamins and minerals to your puppy's diet. Some options include fruits and vegetables. You can also add supplements to support the immune system such as Holistic Hound Perky Pup. Always make sure your raw food is suitable for puppies.
- Brand Reputation: choose raw food from reputable sources to ensure ingredient quality; at Fetch, most of the raw food brands we stock source their meat from local Irish farms.
Puppy Wellbeing Consultations at Fetch
To ensure your puppy gets the best diet and lifestyle, consider booking a wellbeing consultation with one of our canine nutrition specialists today. As well as stocking the best food, treats and probiotics for your pets, we understand what food dogs need to fully support their growth and needs.
You can book your wellbeing appointment here, or you can continue browsing our raw dog food collection.