ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, gets asked constantly by Sydney and Australia-wide puppy owners whether raw feeding is appropriate for a growing dog. The short answer is yes, with a bit more care than adult feeding requires, since puppies have distinct nutritional needs to support healthy bone, joint and organ development. This guide covers what makes puppy nutrition different and how to introduce raw feeding safely from an early age. For a broader, practical walkthrough of portions and routine, see our puppy feeding guide.
Getting nutrition right during the growth phase matters more than at almost any other life stage, since deficiencies or imbalances during this window can have lasting effects. That said, with the right approach, raw feeding can be a strong foundation for a growing puppy, and many Sydney breeders and vets now see raw diets as a legitimate option alongside traditional puppy kibble formulas.
Why Puppy Nutrition Differs From Adult Nutrition
Puppies need higher levels of protein, calcium and phosphorus relative to their body weight than adult dogs, since they are actively building bone and muscle. The ratio between calcium and phosphorus is particularly important for large-breed puppies, where getting this balance wrong has been linked to developmental orthopaedic issues. This is why a nutritionally complete, properly formulated puppy diet matters more than simply feeding "more" of an adult formula.
Choosing an Appropriately Formulated Raw Diet
Not every raw product is formulated with growth-stage nutrition in mind, so it is worth checking that any raw food you feed a puppy is specifically balanced for growth rather than adult maintenance. Our meal mixes are built around beef, chicken and duck, each offering a complete protein source, and portioning for puppies should reflect their faster metabolism and growth demands rather than simply scaling an adult portion down.
How Much to Feed a Growing Puppy
Puppies generally need to eat a higher percentage of their body weight than adult dogs, often in the range of 5 to 10 percent depending on age and breed size, split across three to four smaller meals per day rather than one or two large ones. As puppies age and their growth rate slows, meal frequency typically reduces to twice daily. Our meal planner quiz factors in age and expected adult size to suggest an appropriate starting portion and feeding frequency.
Large Breed Considerations
Large and giant breed puppies have a longer growth window and are more sensitive to overfeeding calcium and calories, which some evidence suggests may contribute to growing too quickly and placing extra strain on developing joints. If you have a large-breed puppy, it is worth discussing growth rate and body condition with your vet at regular checkups throughout the first year, rather than relying on diet alone to manage development.
Transitioning a Puppy to Raw Food
If your puppy is coming from kibble or a different diet, a gradual transition over one to two weeks tends to reduce digestive upset compared with an abrupt switch. Start with a small proportion of the new food mixed into the old, and increase the raw proportion incrementally while watching stool consistency and appetite. Our first-time raw feeder guide covers general transition principles that apply to puppies as well as adult dogs.
Common Concerns About Raw Feeding Puppies
Some owners worry that raw food is harder to digest or riskier for a young immune system. In practice, food safety hygiene, proper sourcing and correct storage address most of the practical concerns, and many raw feeders report their puppies handle the transition well. As with any diet change, watch for persistent digestive upset and consult your vet if issues do not resolve within the normal adjustment window.
Bones and Chewing for Puppies
Chewing is a natural and important part of puppy development, both for teething relief and for building jaw strength. Appropriately sized raw bones, always supervised, can support this developmental need, though bone size and type must be matched carefully to a puppy's age and jaw strength to avoid injury. Never leave a puppy unsupervised with a bone or chew.
Signs Your Puppy Is Thriving on Raw Food
Steady weight gain in line with breed growth expectations, firm consistent stool, a healthy appetite and good energy are all positive signs that a raw diet is working well for your puppy. Regular vet checkups during the first year are the best way to confirm your puppy is tracking well on the growth curve appropriate for their breed.
Working With Your Vet
Any puppy with an existing health concern, or a breed known for specific developmental sensitivities, should have their diet reviewed by a vet before starting raw feeding. For general, independent reference on puppy nutrition and growth, the MSD Veterinary Manual is a useful resource to read alongside your vet's specific guidance for your puppy.
Getting Started
If you would like to trial raw feeding for your puppy, our sample pack is a low-risk way to introduce a protein and observe how your puppy responds before committing to a full subscription plan.
Puppy Socialisation and Feeding Routine
Establishing a consistent feeding routine early on can also support broader training and socialisation goals, since predictable meal times often align well with house training schedules. Many puppy owners find that feeding at set times, rather than free-feeding throughout the day, makes it easier to track appetite and spot early signs that something may be off, since a sudden loss of interest in food is often one of the first indicators of an issue worth mentioning to your vet.
Building Good Habits Around Food From the Start
How a puppy experiences mealtimes early on can shape food-related behaviour for years to come. Feeding in a calm, consistent spot, avoiding hovering during meals, and not free-feeding throughout the day all help establish healthy eating habits. For multi-pet households, feeding puppies separately from adult dogs, at least initially, helps prevent food guarding behaviours and ensures the puppy gets its full, correctly portioned meal without competition.
Monitoring Growth Over Time
Regular weigh-ins, ideally at each vet visit during the first year, help confirm your puppy is tracking along an appropriate growth curve for its breed. Sudden jumps or plateaus in weight gain are worth discussing with your vet, since they can sometimes signal a need to adjust portions or investigate an underlying issue. Growth charts specific to breed size, available from most vets, are more useful than generic weight targets since a working breed puppy will track very differently to a toy breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw food safe for puppies?
Yes, when the diet is properly formulated for growth and handled with standard food safety practices, raw feeding can suit most healthy puppies.
How is puppy nutrition different from adult dog nutrition?
Puppies need higher relative protein and carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone and muscle development.
How many times a day should a puppy eat?
Younger puppies typically need three to four smaller meals daily, reducing to twice daily as they approach adulthood.
Are large-breed puppies at more risk from diet mistakes?
Yes, large and giant breeds are more sensitive to excess calcium and calories during their longer growth window, so vet-guided monitoring matters.
Can puppies have raw bones?
Appropriately sized, supervised raw bones can support teething and jaw development, but size and type must match the puppy's age and strength.
How do I transition my puppy to raw food?
Introduce raw gradually over one to two weeks, increasing the proportion incrementally while watching stool consistency and appetite.
What if my puppy has loose stool after switching to raw?
Some initial adjustment is common. Persistent digestive upset beyond the normal transition window should be checked by your vet.
How do I know the right portion size for my puppy?
Our meal planner quiz factors in your puppy's age and expected adult size to suggest an appropriate starting portion and feeding frequency.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
