Raw Feeding Guide For Your Puppy

For many pet owners, raising a healthy pup is a top priority. You want to start your pups on the right track and set them up for success; choosing the right diet is a big part of that.

Raw feeding has become increasingly popular. But is it the right choice for your puppy? This blog will get you into the world of raw puppy diets, answer your burning questions, and provide a roadmap to a successful raw feeding journey.

What is a Raw Diet for Puppies?

As the name suggests, a raw diet consists of uncooked, whole foods. These typically include muscle meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Proponents believe this diet mirrors what dogs' ancestors would have eaten and offers a more natural, appropriate, unaltered, nutrient-rich diet.

Benefits of a Raw Diet for Puppies

We believe a raw diet may have several potential benefits for healthy puppies:

Improved Digestion and Gut Health: Raw food contains enzymes that aid digestion, and various ingredients promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Shinier Coat and Healthier Skin: Raw diets are unprocessed and naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to a lustrous coat and healthier skin. A raw food diet may help optimise coat health and reduce shedding.

Clean Teeth and Gums: If raw bones are present, chewing on them can help clean teeth, freshen breath, and keep gums healthy.

Increased Energy Levels: The high protein, high fat and low carbohydrates content in raw food can provide sustained energy for growing pups.

May Reduce Food Sensitivities: Some puppies with a tendency to food sensitivities may find relief with a raw diet that eliminates common allergens found in processed kibble, like wheat and corn.

How to Start Your Puppy on a Raw Diet

Transitioning your puppy to a raw diet requires careful planning:

1. Consult Your Breeder: If your pup has come from a raw feeding breeder and has already started on raw food, then transitioning them is easier than for a pup with no previous exposure (see point 3).

2. Consult your veterinarian: At your puppy's check-up, discuss with your vet to ensure a raw diet is appropriate for your puppy's breed and health. They can also advise on any specific needs your pup has. If your vet is not familiar with raw feeding, we can provide you with a list of vets who are or try researching a local holistic vet.

3. Start Slow: A sudden change can upset your puppy's stomach. Begin by introducing small amounts of raw food alongside their current food, gradually increasing the raw portion over four weeks. If your puppy has started on another diet before raw food, consider the puppy raw food transition guide here.

How to Create a Raw Food Plan

We have done all the hard work for you. Our puppy food is a complete and balanced diet that is ideal and convenient for raw feeding your pup. If you'd like to understand more or make your own food, there are books available on “Real Food for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Clare Middle” to develop a balanced raw food plan for your puppy. This plan should include a variety of meat (at least 80%), raw fruits and vegetables, organs and offal, vitamins and minerals, and bones to ensure it contains all the essential nutrients your puppy needs. Consider consulting a veterinary nutritionist or holistic vet for a personalised feeding plan.

Do Puppies Need Supplements on a Raw Diet?

A well-balanced raw food diet should provide all the necessary nutrients, and no supplements are needed. However, depending on the specific ingredients used, your veterinarian may recommend additional supplements like calcium or fish oil. Our Frontier puppy food requires no supplements. It is complete and balanced. We do, however, recommend that you start introducing your pup to raw bones as an addition, primarily for dental health and for enrichment.

How Often Should I Feed My Puppy on a Raw Diet?

Puppies have a lot of growing to do and generally have faster metabolisms and smaller stomachs than adult dogs. They will need smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. See our feeding guide for general advice. For specific advice, see your vet.

Avoiding Puppy Raw Feeding Mistakes

Improper Balancing: A raw diet needs to be carefully balanced to ensure your puppy gets all the essential nutrients. Seek professional guidance to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Our Frontier puppy food is balanced.

Contamination Risk: Raw meat can harbour bacteria. Use good food safety when handling raw meat and vegetables. Always handle raw food with care and practice good hygiene to prevent contamination.

Choking Hazards: Improperly sized bones can be a choking hazard for all dogs and pups. Choose appropriate bones based on your puppy's size and supervise them while chewing. Starting with our freeze-dried chicken necks, which are a great choice for most pups. 

Is Frontier Pets Puppy Food considered a raw food diet?

Yes, Frontier Pets Puppy Food is classified as a raw food diet because it follows the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) principles to create a recipe and uses raw and unprocessed ingredients. The freeze-dried process preserves the nutrition and makes raw food convenient, saving you fridge space.

 

How is Frontier Pets Puppy food different from commercial puppy kibbles in the market?

Frontier Pets Puppy Food stands out from kibble for several reasons. First, it's freeze-dried, not heat-processed. This preserves both the nutrition and the flavour (it's naturally delicious)!

Secondly, the quality of the ingredients. It is made from whole food and human-grade ingredients, not meals, fillers, cereals, or by-products.

Thirdly, it is made 100% in Australia, based in our headquarters in Brisbane, QLD, using locally and ethically sourced ingredients from Australian farmers.

Raw feeding can be rewarding in nourishing your puppy but requires knowledge and commitment. By understanding the raw diet, its benefits, and potential pitfalls, you can make an informed decision and embark on a healthy raw feeding journey with your companion pets.

Remember, this blog provides general information. Always consult your veterinarian before starting your puppy on any new diet or if you have any concerns.