Starting your puppy on a raw diet is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. Puppies fed a balanced raw diet from an early age often develop stronger immune systems, healthier teeth, better digestion, and a glossier coat. Here's everything you need to know to get it right from day one.
Can Puppies Eat Raw Food?
Yes, puppies can be raw fed from weaning (around 3–4 weeks old). In fact, starting raw early means your puppy's digestive system adapts to raw food naturally, without the need for a gradual transition from kibble.
The key is using a puppy-appropriate raw mix that delivers the correct balance of protein, bone, and organs to support healthy growth. Getting the ratios right is critical at this life stage which is why pre-balanced mixes are strongly recommended over DIY raw feeding for puppies.
How Much to Feed a Raw-Fed Puppy
Puppies need significantly more food relative to their body weight than adult dogs, as they're growing rapidly. Use the following as a starting guide:
- 8–12 weeks: 8–10% of body weight per day
- 3–6 months: 6–8% of body weight per day
- 6–12 months: 4–6% of body weight per day
- 12 months+: Transition to adult portions (2–3% of body weight per day)
Divide the daily amount across multiple meals 3–4 meals per day for puppies under 6 months, reducing to 2–3 meals from 6 months onwards.
Getting the Bone Ratio Right
Bone content is especially important for puppies. Too much bone causes constipation and can lead to skeletal issues; too little means insufficient calcium for healthy bone and teeth development.
The ideal bone content for puppies is around 10–15% of the total diet. Pre-balanced puppy mixes are formulated to hit this target consistently, removing the risk of getting it wrong.
Never feed cooked bones to puppies (or adult dogs) — they splinter and can cause serious internal injuries. Raw bones and ground bone in mixes are safe and beneficial.
Which Proteins Are Best for Puppies?
Start simple. Chicken is the most digestible protein and the best starting point for most puppies. It's gentle on developing digestive systems and widely available.
Once your puppy has settled on chicken for a week or two, you can begin introducing other proteins one at a time:
- Turkey — another lean, easily digestible option
- Beef — richer and higher in iron; introduce gradually
- Duck — great for variety and a good source of natural fats
- Lamb — introduce later once digestion is well established
Avoid very rich proteins like tripe or heart in large quantities until your puppy is older and their digestion is more robust.
Transitioning a Puppy from Kibble to Raw
If your puppy has been on kibble, transition gradually over 1–2 weeks to avoid digestive upset:
- Days 1–3: Replace 25% of kibble with raw
- Days 4–6: Replace 50% of kibble with raw
- Days 7–9: Replace 75% of kibble with raw
- Day 10+: Feed 100% raw
Feed raw and kibble at separate meal times rather than mixing them in the same bowl, as they digest at different speeds.
Signs Your Puppy is Thriving on Raw
Within a few weeks of switching to raw, you should notice:
- Firm, small, low-odour stools
- Healthy weight gain and muscle development
- Bright eyes and a shiny coat
- High energy and enthusiasm at meal times
- Clean teeth and fresh breath
If stools are consistently loose or your puppy seems lethargic, consult your vet and review the bone-to-meat ratio in their diet.
Storage and Safety
Raw food for puppies should be handled with the same care as any raw meat:
- Keep frozen at -18°C until ready to use
- Defrost in the fridge overnight and use within 24 hours
- Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces after every meal
All Paw Shack products are DEFRA approved and blast-frozen for safety — giving you full confidence in every meal you serve.
Browse our frozen raw dog food range →
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can I start raw feeding my puppy?
Puppies can be raw fed from weaning at around 3–4 weeks old. If adopting an older puppy on kibble, you can transition at any age.
Do I need to add supplements to a puppy's raw diet?
If using a complete, pre-balanced raw mix, no additional supplements are needed. If using complementary mixes, you may need to add organs or other components to achieve full nutritional balance.
How do I know if my puppy is eating enough?
Monitor weight gain, energy levels, and stool quality. A healthy raw-fed puppy should gain weight steadily, have firm stools, and be full of energy. Adjust portions up or down based on body condition.