How Much Should I Feed My Puppy Raw?

When you welcome a new puppy into your life, it’s essential to ensure that your pet is receiving the best nutrition possible. As a puppy, their nutrition needs to be tailored to meet their growing body and energy needs. One of the most popular methods for feeding puppies is a raw diet, which provides them with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins for a healthy start to life. This article will explore the key points to consider when deciding how much to feed your puppy raw.

What Is Raw Feeding?

Raw feeding is a nutritional approach that involves feeding your pet a diet composed mainly of fresh, whole animal-based proteins, such as muscle meat, organs, bones, and some vegetables. All raw food ingredients should be of the highest quality and sourced from reputable suppliers. It’s important to note that the raw diet should be supplemented with appropriate vitamins and minerals to ensure your pup is getting all the nutrients they require for optimal growth and development.

Benefits of a Raw Diet

There are many benefits associated with feeding a puppy raw. This type of diet is highly digestible, meaning better absorption of vitamins and minerals. It also has higher amounts of beneficial enzymes and amino acids, which help support their overall health. Additionally, raw feeding can help reduce digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

How Much To Feed

It’s essential to know how much to feed your puppy to ensure they receive the right amount of nutrition. This will depend on several factors such as the specific raw diet you’re using, the age and activity level of your pup, and their size and breed.

It’s generally recommended to feed puppies between 2-4% of their ideal adult body weight. As a general guide, pups up to 16 weeks of age should be fed 3-4 times per day, while those over 16 weeks can usually get by with 2 meals per day. However, it is important to check the guidelines provided by the raw food manufacturer for specifics.

For example, a 10-week old Golden Retriever puppy weighing 15lbs should be fed 1.5 pounds of raw food daily. This would be broken up into 3 meals of 0.5 pounds each.

Nutrient Requirements

Puppies require certain vitamins and minerals to ensure healthy development. Generally, a puppy’s diet should contain at least 18% protein and 8-10% fat. It’s also important to ensure that the food contains adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals.

Conclusion

Feeding your puppy raw is an excellent way to provide them with the nutrition they need to develop healthily. Knowing the right amount to feed your pup is essential to ensure they get the proper nutrients. It’s important to remember that all puppies have different nutritional needs based on their age, breed, and activity levels. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your raw food manufacturer and consult with your vet if necessary.