When I first brought my puppy home, I wanted to give him the very best start in life. After trying kibble, fresh-cooked, and finally raw, I noticed the biggest difference with raw feeding. His coat grew shinier, his energy more balanced, and his digestion steadier.
But here’s the truth: not all raw food is created equal. Puppies need carefully balanced meals to grow strong and healthy. Here’s exactly what I feed my own pup, and why it works.
My Puppy’s Daily Raw Meals
Morning Meal
- Ground turkey with pumpkin puree
- A small amount of chicken liver
- Bone meal powder for calcium
- Warm bone broth to soften texture
Evening Meal
- Ground beef or lamb
- Mashed sweet potato
- Steamed spinach or zucchini, pureed
- Fish oil for skin and coat health
Each bowl is balanced with protein, organ, fat, and calcium. My vet emphasized that every meal matters for a growing puppy — not just the overall weekly intake.
For step-by-step transition tips, I recommend reading Raw Diet for Puppies: Safe Start Tips. That guide helped me avoid mistakes early on.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade
I tried both pre-made raw blends and homemade meals. Pre-made was convenient but sometimes expensive. Homemade gave me full control over quality and variety. The best choice depends on your budget and confidence in preparing balanced meals.
Whichever you choose, the important part is that the food is formulated for puppies, not adults. Growing pups need more precision.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding only one protein (like chicken) for weeks — it can cause nutrient gaps.
- Skipping calcium — critical for bones and growth.
- Using too much fat — it may cause stomach upset.
- Ignoring hygiene — puppies are more sensitive to bacteria than adults.
These are lessons I learned through trial and error, and why I now stick to variety and moderation.
FAQ – Can I mix raw with kibble for my puppy?
Yes, but carefully. Mixing raw and kibble in the same meal can cause digestive upset in some puppies because of different digestion times. If you want to combine, serve them in separate meals (e.g., raw in the morning, kibble at night).
The Best Raw Food Is the One That’s Balanced
Feeding raw to puppies isn’t about choosing the fanciest ingredients or following the latest trend — it’s about creating meals that are balanced, safe, and suited to your dog’s stage of life. For my pup, the best raw food has been a mix of muscle meat, organs, vegetables, healthy fats, and a reliable calcium source.
The results spoke for themselves: steady growth, healthier digestion, and a puppy that looks forward to every meal. If you’re considering raw, start simple, keep meals balanced, and don’t be afraid to adjust along the way. Done right, raw food can give your puppy the healthiest foundation possible.