Raw food is an ideal option for dogs of all sizes, but puppies require special considerations that need to be taken into account.
Meaty bones are an integral part of a raw diet for pups and should always be provided in an appropriate size. When possible, opt for organic meat and bones whenever possible.
Contents
Meat
Meat is the primary source of protein in a raw diet, but dogs also benefit from other types of raw food ingredients like organ meats, bones and vegetables or fruit.
Raw meat proteins, unlike heavily processed meats that may lack essential nutrients, contain natural vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients help build and maintain lean muscle mass as well as support the immune system and promote overall wellness.
Despite these advantages, some veterinarians advise against feeding raw to puppies or dogs. They believe it could cause nutritional imbalances and raises the risk of bacterial or parasite exposure.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent addition to raw puppy food and offer numerous health benefits. The vegetable fiber found in vegetables aids digestion and anal gland function, prevents constipation, and even helps regulate blood sugar levels for dogs with diabetes.
Vegetables also contain essential vitamins and minerals for maintaining a dog’s immunity. Plus, vegetables offer low-calorie options to those looking to manage their weight in older pups.
Vegetables should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s daily caloric intake. It’s essential to be mindful not to overfeed them with vegetables.
Fruit
Fruit is an ideal addition to raw puppy food, as it provides essential vitamins and minerals. Not only does this provide a healthier alternative than commercial treats, but fruit also helps your pup’s digestive tract stay healthy.
Similar to vegetables, giving fruits to your pup should be done in moderation – no more than 5-10% of their overall daily ration.
Puppies are highly energetic and require a high energy diet to stay active. That is why many raw feeding guides suggest using a calculator to determine the right amount of raw food for your pup based on their age, activity level and weight.
Puppies cannot produce vitamin C on their own, so it’s essential they get enough of this nutrient from their raw foods. If you find your pups aren’t getting enough C from their meals, consider supplementing with a quality dog vitamin C product for additional support.
Legumes
Legumes make for an excellent raw puppy food source due to their high nutritional content and protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Furthermore, legumes contain phytochemicals which support a dog’s immune system.
Legumes, both seeds and pods, can be eaten or used in dried or canned form as a source of fiber, protein, nutrients like thiamine and riboflavin, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese folate calcium potassium in various amounts.
Legume crops can be grown for human consumption, livestock forage and silage production, as well as soil improvement with green manure. Some legumes even possess symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in structure called root nodules.
Other Ingredients
Selecting raw foods that provide all essential nutrients is essential for your puppy’s health and wellbeing. Speak to either your veterinarian or a trusted raw food provider to ensure you’re providing your pup with the correct combination of proteins, vegetables, fruits and supplements.
Raw food diets should always include meaty bones for your pup’s benefit; these provide essential nutrients and keep their teeth and stools firm.
When selecting meat for your pups, be sure it’s low in potassium and sodium as this can be beneficial to those with kidney disease or heart conditions. Furthermore, ensure the meat has enough calcium level to aid bone development in puppies.
