In recent years, raw feeding has won over many pet lovers. However, this feeding method comes with some important considerations. This is especially true when it comes to raw feeding a puppy. Here, we provide you with a first orientation.
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A balanced BARF diet requires more than just a piece of meat.
Yes, it is possible and sensible to raw feed a puppy. With this method, you can cater to your puppy’s specific needs. You can also choose the exact ingredients you want to use, and determine where the food components come from and how they are produced.
Puppies can grow up healthily and well-nourished with raw food. However, it’s crucial to ensure they receive a balanced diet with all the necessary minerals, vitamins, and trace elements.
Even an adult dog has special dietary needs for adequate nutrition. A puppy, with its rapid growth, has an even higher demand for nutrients.
The energy intake should not be too high to prevent overly rapid growth, but it must still be sufficient. The diet also needs to contain the right amounts and ratios of calcium and phosphorus.
Finding the right balance for feeding requires extensive knowledge about nutrition. Therefore, you should thoroughly study food. If you lack time or want to ensure your puppy is healthy, consulting a nutritionist is advisable.
Veterinarians have completed comprehensive studies covering all aspects of dog care. Additionally, there are specialist veterinarians for nutrition who offer high-quality advice due to their advanced training.
Ask your vet for possible recommendations, as they are likely to have a good referral for you.
Unfortunately, “nutritionist” is not a protected term. As a result, there are many self-proclaimed “dog nutritionists” or “raw feeding consultants”.
Always check their qualifications to distinguish knowledgeable advisors from others. A weekend seminar does not qualify someone to give good nutritional advice.
A puppy born at your home can start receiving easily digestible raw meals from the fifth week – as a supplement to the mother’s milk. Additionally, offer vegetables and minced raw bones to ensure sufficient calcium.
Around the seventh week, the weaning process from the mother begins. At this point, you can fully switch to raw feeding.
The puppy can now gnaw on raw meaty bones, which supports the dental hygiene of its baby teeth. To reduce the risk of injuries, offer softer bones with a lot of meat, such as chicken necks, lamb ribs or oxtail.
Reading Tip: Learn more about the advantages and risks of feeding bones to dogs.
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The easiest way is if the puppy has already been raw fed by the breeder. In this case, you can continue with the familiar feeding routine.
If this is not the case, play it safe when the puppy first arrives at your home. Give it the familiar food for the first two weeks. The move to a new home is exciting enough. Afterwards, food switches should always be done slowly and gradually.
To switch from commercial dog food to raw feeding, start by continuing the familiar food and gradually replace it with raw meat and vegetables. A slow transition is crucial for the digestive tract to adapt to the new food.
Some puppies may initially be sceptical of new food. To help them adjust, briefly cook the meat when first offering it, and then gradually reduce the cooking time. Feeding a piece of meat as a treat can also make them more eager to eat.
Whether it’s commercial food or raw feeding, a puppy should be fed three to four portions per day. As a rule of thumb, a puppy needs 4% to 6% of its body weight in food daily.
For very small or very large breeds, this percentage should be adjusted up (very small) or down (very large). Additionally, individual needs must be considered and calorie intake calculated accordingly.
An ordinary raw food ration consists of 80% animal-based and 20% plant-based components. If feeding with grain, these proportions need adjusting. Usually, a healthy dog tolerates processed grain and other carbohydrates well.
For a balanced diet with all nutrients, a ration must include the following components:
– Meat and animal products: Meat and other animal products provide energy, protein, and amino acids necessary for healthy growth.
– Vegetables and fruit: Vegetables and fruit offer essential fibre for digestion. Use fresh produce or dried flakes. Only feed suitable foods for dogs.
– Grain and similar: In a traditional raw feeding diet, carbohydrates are not always necessary but provide quickly usable energy for most metabolic processes.
You can include various processed grain, potatoes, or rice. These sources must be fed cooked for optimal utilisation.
– Oils: Oils contain essential fatty acids. Since the contents of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E differ in oils, use a mix of different oils in the food.
– Supplements: In strict raw feeding, no artificial additives are used. Necessary minerals, trace elements, and vitamins are provided naturally through different components.
However, it’s easier and more accurate to use supplements tailored to a puppy’s needs.
Those who want to raw feed without hassle can opt for raw complete menus from specialised shops. These consist of fresh meat with an optimally balanced portion of vegetables and fruit. However, they are not without problems.
Not every menu contains all necessary nutrients at all times. Pay attention to menus suitable for puppies, declaring all essential nutrients.
For certainty, have a nutritionist check the feeding regimen of a complete menu.
Raw feeding a puppy has its risks, as raw meat carries a significant infection risk from various pathogens. This risk affects not only the dog but also, directly or indirectly, the owner. Especially vulnerable are young children and immunocompromised people.
A compromise is feeding cooked rations. The nutritional value loss of cooking meat is minimal, and it prevents the transmission of pathogens. Prepare cooked meals in the same way as raw rations.
Occasional or partial raw feeding along with commercial food is also possible. Ensure your puppy does not receive an imbalance of necessary nutrients.
The most important thing is that your puppy tolerates any type of feed and can grow healthy. Then you’ve done everything right.
During my studies of veterinary medicine and my doctorate at the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University in Munich, I was able to gain numerous insights into the diverse fields of veterinary medicine. Since 2011, I have been in practice as a veterinarian with a wide variety of animals and their diseases. My passion belongs to the task of helping my patients in the best possible way and ensuring their well-being. I also like to share my knowledge as a veterinarian and as a long-time dog owner and dog athlete as an author.
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