Best Raw Dog Food for Puppies: Top Picks for a Healthy Diet

Feeding your puppy the right food is crucial for their overall health and development. Raw dog food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners as it offers a more natural and nutrient-rich diet. When it comes to puppies, it’s essential to choose the right type of raw dog food that meets their specific needs.

The best raw dog food for puppies should contain high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It should also be free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and additives. Additionally, the food should be easy to digest, especially for puppies with sensitive stomachs.

When choosing the best raw dog food for your puppy, it’s important to consider their age, breed, and size. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, and their needs vary depending on their breed and size. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a raw dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various raw dog food brands to identify the best raw dog food for puppies. We considered factors such as ingredients, nutritional value, digestibility, and taste. Keep reading to find out which raw dog food brand we recommend for your furry friend.

Best Raw Dog Food for Puppies

As dog owners, we understand the importance of feeding our furry friends a well-balanced diet. When it comes to puppies, their nutritional needs are even more critical as they are in the early stages of development. Raw dog food has become increasingly popular for its health benefits and natural ingredients. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best raw dog food options for puppies to help you make an informed decision on what to feed your little ones.

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals for Puppies Grain Free Cage Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food, 25 oz. Bag Chicken 1.56 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food for your puppy, the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals for Puppies is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With 3 times more real meat and nutrient-rich organs than kibble, this raw dog food offers better nutrition and guaranteed mealtime excitement for your furry friend.
• The raw food is never cooked, preserving the integrity of the ingredients and their nutrients, making it a 100% complete and balanced meal for small and medium breed puppies.
• Formulated specially for the development of puppies, this raw dog food contains natural DHA for brain and eye development, plus calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.

Cons

• Although the raw recipes are freeze-dried for less processed food than cooked kibble, the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals for Puppies can be quite expensive compared to other dog foods.
• Some puppies may take time to adjust to the raw food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor their digestion.
• The food comes in a 25 oz. bag, which may not last as long as some other dog foods.

We recently tried this product for our new puppy and were impressed with the results. Our puppy loved the taste and would finish her meals quickly. We noticed that her coat and skin looked healthier and shinier after just a few weeks of switching to this raw dog food.

The Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals for Puppies is also easy to prepare. You simply add water to rehydrate the food and serve it to your furry friend. We appreciated that this raw dog food is made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, legumes, artificial colors, or preservatives, making it a healthy and natural option for our puppy.

Overall, we highly recommend the Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Meals for Puppies to anyone looking for a high-quality raw dog food for their furry friend. While it may be more expensive than other dog foods, the benefits of feeding your puppy a natural and nutrient-rich diet are well worth it.

Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food, 10 lb. Bag 1.25 Gallon (Pack of 1) Small and Medium Breed Puppies

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food for your puppy, Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with cage-free chicken, which is the number one ingredient, providing your puppy with the necessary energy to grow and play.
• Contains calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, as well as natural DHA for brain and eye development.
• Free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives, which are known to trigger food sensitivity.

Cons

• May be too expensive for some pet owners.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.
• Some puppies may not like the taste.

As someone who has used this product, we highly recommend it for its quality ingredients and nutritional value. The cage-free chicken provides a great source of protein, and the added calcium and phosphorus ensure strong teeth and bones. We also appreciate that it is free from artificial colors and preservatives, which can be harmful to pets. However, we do acknowledge that it may be too expensive for some pet owners and that some puppies may not like the taste. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food for your puppy, Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Gut Health All Natural Dog Food Topper

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food topper, Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Gut Health All Natural Dog Food Topper is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 100% freeze-dried raw ingredients
• Responsibly sourced cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient
• Contains all-natural functional ingredients for digestive health like pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics

Cons

• Somewhat pricey compared to other dog food toppers
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of raw food
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or health conditions

We recently tried out this raw dog food topper on our own puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value. The fact that it’s made with 100% freeze-dried raw ingredients means that it retains all of the important nutrients and enzymes that are often lost during the cooking process.

One thing we really appreciated about this product is that it contains all-natural functional ingredients that are specifically designed to promote digestive health. This includes pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics. We noticed that our puppy seemed to have better digestion and overall gut health after incorporating this product into his diet.

Of course, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well. For one, this product is somewhat pricey compared to other dog food toppers on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of raw food, so it may take some time to get them used to it. Finally, it’s important to note that this product may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or health conditions.

Overall, we would definitely recommend giving Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Gut Health All Natural Dog Food Topper a try if you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food topper that’s specifically designed to promote digestive health. With all-natural ingredients and 100% freeze-dried raw nutrition, it’s a great way to add some variety and excitement to your puppy’s meals.

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Salmon -amp; Rice Formula – 17 lb. Bag Salmon -amp; Rice 17 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that will meet your puppy’s nutritional needs, Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Salmon -amp; Rice Formula is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The hard kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces gives a great taste and texture that dogs love.
• The high protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient, is perfect for puppies who need plenty of protein to support their growth and development.
• The formula contains guaranteed live probiotics, which can help support digestive and immune health.

Cons

• The food contains wheat bran, which may not be suitable for dogs with wheat allergies or sensitivities.
• While the food is high in protein, it does contain grains, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.
• The food is more expensive than some other brands of dog food.

We’ve been using Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Salmon -amp; Rice Formula for our puppy for a few months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our puppy loves the taste and texture of the food, and we’ve noticed that his coat looks shiny and healthy.

One thing we really like about this food is that it contains guaranteed live probiotics. We know that probiotics can be beneficial for digestive and immune health, so we feel good about feeding our puppy a food that contains them.

The only downside to this food is that it does contain wheat bran, which may not be suitable for dogs with wheat allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, while the food is high in protein, it does contain grains, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Salmon -amp; Rice Formula to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their puppy. It’s a bit more expensive than some other brands, but we think it’s worth it for the quality ingredients and guaranteed live probiotics.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food, 4 lb. Bag Beef 64 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food for your puppies, Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The #1 ingredient is USA-raised beef, making it a high-protein, grain-free dog food.
• The food is made with freeze-dried raw pieces, which provide added nutrition and flavor.
• It’s suitable for all life stages, including puppies, seniors, and healthy weight dogs.

Cons

• The food may be a bit pricey compared to some other options.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried raw pieces.
• The food has a strong odor, which may be unpleasant for some pet owners.

We’ve been using Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food for our puppies for several months now, and we’re very happy with the results. The high-quality ingredients have helped to keep our puppies healthy and active, and they seem to love the taste of the food.

One thing we really like about this product is the freeze-dried raw pieces. They provide added nutrition and flavor, and our puppies seem to really enjoy them. We also appreciate that this food is suitable for all life stages, so we don’t have to worry about switching to a different food as our puppies grow.

The only downsides we’ve noticed are that the food can be a bit pricey, and some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the freeze-dried raw pieces. Additionally, the food has a strong odor, which may be unpleasant for some pet owners.

Overall, we highly recommend Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe with Real Beef Natural Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality raw dog food for their puppies. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality of the ingredients and the added nutrition make it well worth the cost.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Large Breed Salmon and Rice Formula – 34 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your large breed puppy, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food is definitely worth considering. With real salmon as the first ingredient and a variety of other beneficial ingredients, this dog food is designed to support your puppy’s overall health and wellbeing.

Pros

• The high protein content promotes muscle conditioning when combined with proper exercise.
• The inclusion of salmon and fish oil sources of EPA promotes heart health.
• The formula is gentle on the stomach and promotes stool quality.

Cons

• The price point may be a bit high for some pet owners.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the salmon flavor.
• The kibble size may be too large for some puppies.

We have been using Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food for our large breed puppy for several months now and have been very happy with the results. Our puppy seems to love the taste of the salmon formula and has had no issues with digestion or stool quality. We have also noticed that his coat looks shinier and healthier since we switched to this dog food.

One thing to keep in mind is that the kibble size is quite large, so it may not be the best option for puppies with small mouths. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some pet owners, but we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food to other pet owners looking for a high-quality dog food for their large breed puppies.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Red Meat Recipe, 21 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious raw dog food for your puppy, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend is a great option.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Our Raw Blend dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; the flavor and nutrition of raw is in every bite with freeze-dried raw coating, plus freeze-dried raw chunks.
• Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six poultry-free animal protein sources: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison, and goat.
• Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 90% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the raw chunks.
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies.

We’ve been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend for several months now and our puppy absolutely loves it. The high protein content and natural ingredients have helped improve her overall health and energy levels.

One of the things we love about this product is the freeze-dried raw coating and chunks, which give our puppy the flavor and nutrition of raw food in every bite. The Red Meat Recipe includes six different animal protein sources, which is great for picky eaters who get bored easily with the same old flavors.

However, we have noticed that this dog food is more expensive compared to other brands on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the raw chunks, so it may take some time to get them used to it. Lastly, if your dog has certain food allergies, this product may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend for any puppy owner looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious raw dog food.

CANIDAE Pure Puppy Real Salmon -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog 4 LB Salmon -amp; Oatmeal Puppy 64 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the CANIDAE Pure Puppy Real Salmon -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food for puppies because of its high-quality ingredients that support puppies’ health and growth.

Pros

• Crafted with real salmon as the first ingredient, paired with wholesome grains like oatmeal, barley, and sorghum.
• Made using 9 or fewer key ingredients that are easily recognizable, perfect for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
• Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin, and coat.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of salmon.
• It is more expensive compared to other puppy food options.
• The kibble size may be too big for smaller breeds.

We’ve found that our puppies love the taste of the CANIDAE Pure Puppy Real Salmon -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food. We appreciate that it is made with limited ingredients, making it easier for puppies with sensitive stomachs to digest. The added antioxidants and probiotics help support their immune system and digestion, while the vitamins and minerals promote healthy growth and development.

One downside to this product is that some puppies may not enjoy the taste of salmon, so it may not be the best option for picky eaters. Additionally, it is more expensive compared to other puppy food options, which may not fit everyone’s budget. Lastly, the kibble size may be too big for smaller breeds, making it difficult for them to chew and digest.

Overall, we believe that the CANIDAE Pure Puppy Real Salmon -amp; Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies that need high-quality nutrition and support for their growth and development.

ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you want to provide your puppy with the best nutrition possible, then ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with 85% fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients to provide essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Grain-free and tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs to support peak development.
• Contains ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs to mimic what your puppy’s ancestors consumed in the wild.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other puppy food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• The product may not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies.

We recently tried ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for our new furry family member, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The kibble is made with fresh or raw chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, and whole mackerel to provide our puppy with essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.

One of the things we love about this puppy food is that it is grain-free and tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition our growing puppy needs to support peak development. We also appreciate that the product is made with ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs to mimic what our puppy’s ancestors consumed in the wild.

While the product is more expensive compared to other puppy food brands, we believe it’s worth the price for the quality of the ingredients. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble, so it’s important to introduce the food slowly and monitor your puppy’s reaction. Additionally, the product may not be suitable for dogs with certain food allergies, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your puppy’s diet.

Overall, we highly recommend ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking to provide their puppy with the best nutrition possible.

Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Dry Dog Food, Natural Puppy Recipe Kibble with Omegas Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food, 20 lb. Bag 20 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality raw dog food for your puppy, then you should definitely consider the Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Dry Dog Food. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and is designed to provide your puppy with complete and balanced nutrition. Here are the pros and cons of this product:

Pros

• The first raw boosted puppy kibble: Raw Boost mixes natural, high protein, whole grain dog food with our freeze dried raw dog food toppers in one bag. Also includes probiotics and omegas.
• Puppy dog food plus freeze dried raw pieces: Made with calcium -amp; phosphorus for strong teeth and bones plus natural DHA for brain -amp; eye development. Made without orn, wheat, soy, potato, peas, lentils, by-product meal, artifical colors or preservatives.
• Whole grain puppy food with freeze dried raw cage free chicken: Instinct Raw Boost dry dog food combines high protein, whole grain kibble with all natural bites of freeze dried raw chicken. Cage free chicken is the #1 ingredient – for energy to grow -amp; play.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw pieces.
• It’s more expensive than some other puppy food options.
• The kibble may be too hard for some puppies to chew.

We’ve been using the Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Dry Dog Food for our puppy for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with the quality of the product. The kibble is high in protein and whole grains, which is great for our puppy’s growth and development. We also love that it includes freeze-dried raw pieces, which adds a bit of variety to our puppy’s diet.

One thing to keep in mind is that some puppies may not like the taste of the freeze-dried raw pieces. Our puppy didn’t seem to mind, but we’ve heard from other pet owners that their puppies were a bit hesitant to eat them. Additionally, this product is more expensive than some other puppy food options, so it may not be the best choice for pet owners on a tight budget.

Overall, we think that the Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Dry Dog Food is a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their puppies with high-quality, nutritious food. It’s made with all-natural ingredients, and it’s designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for growing puppies. If you’re looking for a raw dog food for your puppy, then this is definitely a product worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best raw dog food for puppies, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are providing your furry friend with a balanced and nutritious diet. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for raw dog food:

Ingredients

The ingredients in your puppy’s raw dog food should be high-quality and provide a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Look for products that contain whole meats such as chicken, beef, or fish, as well as fruits and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Nutritional Value

It’s important to ensure that your puppy’s raw dog food provides all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. Check the product label for information on the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content, as well as vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Safety and Quality

When it comes to raw dog food, safety and quality are essential. Look for products that are made from human-grade ingredients and have undergone testing for pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. It’s also important to ensure that the product is stored and handled properly to prevent contamination.

Feeding Guidelines

Each raw dog food product may have different feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level. Be sure to follow the recommended feeding guidelines to ensure that your puppy is getting the right amount of nutrients.

By considering these factors when shopping for raw dog food, you can ensure that you are providing your puppy with a nutritious and balanced diet that supports their growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of feeding puppies raw dog food?

Feeding puppies raw dog food has several benefits. Raw food is more natural and nutrient-dense compared to processed kibble. It can improve your puppy’s digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being. Raw food can also help with dental health by reducing tartar buildup and promoting healthy teeth and gums.

How do I transition my puppy to a raw food diet?

Transitioning your puppy to a raw food diet should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with your puppy’s current food, gradually increasing the amount of raw food each day. Monitor your puppy’s stool and overall health during the transition period.

Which types of raw meat are safest for young dogs?

When it comes to raw meat for puppies, it’s important to choose high-quality, fresh, and safe options. Some safe options include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish. Avoid feeding your puppy raw pork or wild game, as they can contain harmful parasites.

What should I look for in high-quality raw dog food for puppies?

Look for raw dog food that is made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients and is free from fillers, additives, and preservatives. Choose a brand that meets AAFCO nutritional standards and has undergone testing for safety and quality.

How much raw food should I feed my puppy based on their age or weight?

The amount of raw food your puppy needs will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule, puppies should be fed 2-3% of their body weight in raw food per day, divided into two meals. Consult with your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations.

Are there any risks associated with feeding puppies a raw diet?

Feeding puppies a raw diet can come with some risks, such as bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances if the diet is not properly balanced. It’s important to choose high-quality raw food and practice safe food handling and preparation techniques. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy’s nutritional needs are being met.