Raw Feeding for Puppies and Kittens

Special considerations and guidelines for feeding raw food to growing pets from weaning to adulthood.

Raw Feeding for Puppies and Kittens

Growing pets have unique nutritional needs. This guide covers everything you need to know about raw feeding from weaning to adulthood.

When to Start

Puppies

Can start raw from weaning (3-4 weeks)
Transition from mother's milk to raw is natural
Started on kibble? Transition at any age

Kittens

Weaning begins at 4 weeks
Fully weaned by 8 weeks
Raw food can begin at 4-5 weeks

Portion Guidelines

Puppies (By Age)

3-8 weeks: 8-10% of current body weight daily
8-16 weeks: 5-8% of current body weight daily
4-6 months: 4-6% of current body weight daily
6-9 months: 3-4% of current body weight daily
9-12 months: 2.5-3% of current body weight daily

Kittens (By Age)

4-8 weeks: 8-10% of current body weight daily
8-16 weeks: 6-8% of current body weight daily
4-6 months: 5-6% of current body weight daily
6-12 months: 3-4% of current body weight daily

Feeding Frequency

Puppies

3-12 weeks: 4 meals per day
3-6 months: 3 meals per day
6-12 months: 2 meals per day
12+ months: 1-2 meals per day

Kittens

4-12 weeks: 4 meals per day
3-6 months: 3 meals per day
6-12 months: 2-3 meals per day
12+ months: 2 meals per day

Nutritional Requirements

Calcium and Phosphorus Balance

Critical for bone development
Ratio should be 1.2:1 to 1.5:1 (calcium:phosphorus)
Raw meaty bones provide perfect balance
Avoid all-muscle-meat diets

Protein Requirements

Puppies:

Minimum 22% protein (dry matter basis)
Large breeds: 22-26%
Small breeds: 25-30%

Kittens:

Minimum 30% protein (dry matter basis)
Higher protein than puppies
Essential for growth and development

Fat Content

Puppies:

Minimum 8% fat
Large breeds: 10-15%
Small breeds: 15-20%

Kittens:

Minimum 9% fat
Higher energy needs
Supports brain development

Safe Foods for Growing Pets

Best Proteins

Chicken - Highly digestible, good starter
Turkey - Lean, gentle on stomach
Rabbit - Hypoallergenic, excellent nutrition
Duck - Rich in nutrients
Beef - Later introduction, very nutritious

Best Bones

For Puppies:

Chicken necks
Chicken wings
Duck necks
Turkey necks (for larger breeds)

For Kittens:

Chicken wing tips
Chicken necks (chopped)
Cornish hen parts
Quail

Organ Meats

Start with liver (5% of diet)
Add kidney, spleen, brain
All organs provide different nutrients
Feed variety over time

Foods to Avoid

Never Feed Young Pets

❌ Weight-bearing bones from large animals
❌ Cooked bones (splinter risk)
❌ Onions or garlic
❌ Grapes or raisins
❌ Chocolate
❌ Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
❌ Raw salmon (can contain parasites - freeze first)

Bones to Avoid

❌ Beef femur or knuckle bones (too hard)
❌ Pork ribs (can splinter)
❌ Any cooked bones
❌ Bones small enough to swallow whole

Special Considerations by Breed

Large/Giant Breed Puppies

Slower, controlled growth is healthier
Avoid overfeeding
Moderate protein (22-24%)
Balanced calcium:phosphorus crucial
Feed 80% of recommended amount
Goal: Lean, not chubby

Small Breed Puppies

Higher metabolism
Need more frequent meals
Higher protein (25-30%)
Smaller bone pieces
Reach adult size quickly (10-12 months)

Large Breed Kittens

(Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest)

Grow for 2-3 years
Need sustained nutrition
Higher calorie needs
Continue kitten portions longer

Monitoring Growth

Weekly Checks

Weight: Steady, controlled gain
Body condition: Should see waist
Rib check: Ribs easily felt but not visible
Energy: High energy, playful
Coat: Shiny, soft

Monthly Checks

Height/Length: Steady growth
Teeth: Monitor baby teeth falling out
Muscle development: Good muscle tone
Bone development: No limping or pain

Red Flags

⚠️ Rapid weight gain (especially large breeds)
⚠️ Ribs not palpable (too fat)
⚠️ Ribs visible (too thin)
⚠️ Limping or joint pain
⚠️ Dull coat
⚠️ Low energy
⚠️ Poor stool quality

Socialization and Food

Preventing Resource Guarding

Hand feed some meals
Touch puppy/kitten while eating
Add food to bowl while eating
Trade treats for bowl
Make approaching bowl = good things

Multi-Pet Households

Feed separately initially
Supervise all meals
No food competition
Each pet has own bowl/space
Remove bowls when done

Common Challenges

Teething (3-6 months)

Puppies/kittens may have sore mouths
Offer softer cuts of meat
Ground meat with bone mixed in
Frozen bone for soothing
Normal to slow down eating

Growth Spurts

Sudden increase in appetite
May need 10-20% more food
Happens around 4-6 months
Feed to appetite (within reason)
Monitor weight weekly

Selective Eating

Puppies less picky than kittens
Offer variety
Don't cater to every preference
Healthy pet won't starve itself
Remove uneaten food after 20 minutes

Supplements for Growing Pets

Usually NOT Needed

Whole prey model = complete nutrition
Variety = balanced diet
Over-supplementing can be harmful

Sometimes Beneficial

Fish oil (omega-3)
Brain development
Coat health
Anti-inflammatory

Vitamin E
Antioxidant
Often given with fish oil
Protects against oxidation

Probiotics
During transition
After antibiotics
Digestive support

Consult Vet Before Adding

Calcium supplements (can cause skeletal issues)
Multivitamins (can create imbalances)
Joint supplements (not needed in healthy pups)

Sample Meal Plans

For 20 lb Puppy (4 months old)

Daily Amount: 12-16 oz (5-6% body weight)

Morning (4 oz):

3 oz chicken thigh
0.5 oz chicken neck
0.5 oz chicken liver

Midday (4 oz):

3.5 oz turkey
0.5 oz turkey neck

Evening (4 oz):

3 oz beef
0.5 oz beef kidney
0.5 oz green tripe

Night (4 oz):

3.5 oz duck
0.5 oz duck heart

For 5 lb Kitten (3 months old)

Daily Amount: 5-6 oz (6-8% body weight)

Morning (1.5 oz):

1.25 oz chicken thigh
0.25 oz chicken wing tip

Midday (1.5 oz):

1.3 oz turkey
0.2 oz turkey liver

Evening (1.5 oz):

1.3 oz rabbit
0.2 oz rabbit heart

Night (1.5 oz):

1.4 oz duck
0.1 oz duck liver

Transitioning to Adult Portions

Gradual Reduction

Around 12 months for most breeds
Reduce by 0.5% per month
Monitor weight and body condition
Goal: Maintain ideal weight
Adult dogs: 2-3% body weight
Adult cats: 2-4% body weight

Signs of Readiness

Growth plates closed (vet can verify)
Reached adult height
Weight stabilizing
Adult teeth all in
Sexual maturity

Conclusion

Raw feeding growing pets provides optimal nutrition for development. Key points:

Higher portions than adults (% of body weight)
More frequent meals (3-4 daily)
Calcium:phosphorus balance critical
Variety prevents deficiencies
Monitor growth weekly
Adjust portions as needed

Trust the process. Your puppy or kitten will thrive on species-appropriate nutrition!