Raw Dog Food for Puppies Edmonton

Feeding puppies raw food requires extra consideration. Here is what Edmonton dog owners should know about puppy raw feeding, portions, and when to consult a vet.

Raw feeding puppies is a topic that comes with more considerations than feeding healthy adult dogs. Here is what Edmonton dog owners should know before starting a puppy on raw.

Can Puppies Eat Raw Dog Food?

Many dog owners do feed their puppies raw food, and there is a community of experienced raw feeders who have done so successfully. That said, puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, and growing dogs are more sensitive to imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, and overall nutrient ratios than adults.

Before starting a puppy on raw, speaking with your veterinarian is strongly recommended. They can help you evaluate whether raw feeding is appropriate for your specific puppy and what adjustments may be needed.

How Puppy Feeding Differs from Adult Feeding

Puppies eat more relative to their body weight than adult dogs. A common guideline is to feed puppies around 5 to 10 percent of their current body weight per day, split across three to four meals, adjusting as they grow.

Puppies also grow quickly, which means their nutritional needs change over time. What is appropriate at eight weeks may need adjustment at six months, and again at twelve months.

Transitioning a Puppy to Raw

If you are transitioning a puppy from kibble or wet food to raw, do it gradually over one to two weeks, introducing raw food in small amounts alongside their existing food and increasing the proportion of raw as their system adjusts.

Immune System Considerations

Puppies have developing immune systems, which means they may be more susceptible to bacterial exposure from raw meat than healthy adult dogs. Extra attention to safe handling and food safety practices is warranted when feeding raw to young puppies.

Getting Started

If you have spoken with your vet and decided to proceed with raw feeding, starting with a single protein like chicken or beef and keeping things simple at first is the most sensible approach. Hound and Bone is happy to answer questions at info@houndandbone.ca.

This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.