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Raw Feeding a Puppy: Handling It Safely

PETS · GLOBAL

Raw Feeding a Puppy: Handling It Safely

Growth requirements, hygiene, complete versus complementary and veterinary advice

Raw feeding a puppy raises the stakes compared with an adult dog, because growth is when nutritional mistakes cause lasting damage. The hygiene requirements also apply to the whole household.

Growth is unforgiving

Puppies need a specific balance of calcium and phosphorus, and getting it wrong causes developmental bone disease that is permanent. Large breeds are the most sensitive.

This is the single strongest reason to use a food formulated and labelled complete for growth rather than a home-prepared diet.

Complete or complementary

Complete food provides everything a puppy needs at that life stage. Complementary food is a topper and does not, however good the ingredients look.

Check the label states complete for growth specifically, since complete for adult maintenance is not the same thing.

The hygiene risk is real

Raw pet food has repeatedly been found to carry salmonella, listeria and campylobacter, and public health bodies in several countries have issued handling guidance. Dogs can shed these organisms without appearing ill.

Wash hands after handling food and after contact with the puppy's mouth and faeces. Clean bowls and surfaces with hot soapy water after every meal, and keep pet food preparation separate from human food.

Households with babies, young children, elderly or immunocompromised members should discuss raw feeding with a vet before starting.

Storage

Keep frozen until use, defrost in a fridge rather than at room temperature, never refreeze, and discard anything left in the bowl.

Bones

Never cooked bones, which splinter. Even raw bones carry a risk of fractured teeth and obstruction and should be supervised.

Transitioning and monitoring

Change food over a week to ten days, and judge it over eight to twelve weeks on coat, stools, energy and growth rate rather than on the first bowl.

Large breed puppies should grow steadily rather than quickly, since rapid growth is associated with developmental joint disease.

Weighing and portions

Weigh portions rather than estimating, and weigh the puppy regularly so you can adjust. Growing puppies need frequent adjustment as they change.

Costs

Raw feeding is generally more expensive than dry food and needs freezer space, which is worth working out before committing. Subscription portions are convenient and priced accordingly.

Work out the cost per day for your dog's adult weight rather than the headline box price.

Socialisation matters more

For a puppy, early socialisation, vaccination and training affect outcomes far more than the brand of food. Speak to your vet about the timing of both.

Talk to your vet

Especially for large breeds, and before changing the diet of any puppy with a diagnosed condition.

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