The Essentials of Raw Feeding for Puppies

Embracing a raw food diet for your new puppy signifies a commitment to providing our furry companions with a diet that closely mimics what they would naturally eat in the wild. At Holistic Pet Care, we believe in the power of natural rearing methods that extend beyond just diet to encompass a holistic approach to pet care.

Embracing a Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet for your puppy means adhering to a set of guidelines designed to mirror the nutritional profile of wild prey. This diet typically consists of 64-69% muscle meat, 17% raw edible bone, 7% liver, 7% other secreting organs, and up to 5% animal-based fiber. For those unable to provide whole prey, a "Franken Prey" approach uses a variety of animal parts to meet these nutritional ratios, though it's essential to recognize that supplements or additional whole foods might be needed to address any dietary gaps.

Understanding Raw Feeding

Raw feeding, rooted in the principle of naturopathic health, involves offering your puppy a diet consisting of raw meats, bones, organ meats, and a small proportion of greens. This diet is designed to provide a balanced nutritional profile that supports the growth and development of puppies, ensuring they receive all the essential nutrients in their most natural form.

Transitioning to a PMR diet requires careful consideration of your puppy's unique needs, with a focus on balancing the various components to mimic natural prey as closely as possible. Monitoring your puppy's health and adjusting the diet as needed will ensure they thrive on this natural and holistic feeding approach.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can provide a foundation for your puppy's growth and well-being, embracing the holistic principles that guide our approach to pet care.

Benefits of Prey Model Raw

• Optimal Growth and Development: A raw diet supports healthy bone and muscle development, providing puppies with the high-quality protein and calcium they need.
• Enhanced Digestive Health: Raw foods are easily digestible, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
• Improved Immune System: The nutrients in raw food, such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, bolster the immune system.
• Healthier Coat and Skin: The natural fats and oils in a raw diet contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.

How to Start Raw Feeding: 

Feed 3-4 meals a day 2.5% of the puppy's adult estimated weight. (see the calulater link below) 

Muscle Meat and Edible Bones

Muscle meat forms the bulk of the PMR diet, providing essential proteins and nutrients, while raw edible bones supply necessary calcium and phosphorus. Given puppies' higher nutritional demands, the diet specifies a greater proportion of edible bones, starting at 17% of daily intake. Adjustments should be made based on the puppy's growth and digestive health, with a flexible range of 15-20% recommended for bone content.

For puppies, a raw diet offers a rich blend of nutrients essential for their development. Unlike adult dogs, puppies require a diet with a higher proportion of edible bone to meet their growing needs for calcium and phosphorus.

Edible Bone Guidelines

A pivotal element in a puppy's raw diet is edible bone, constituting about 17% of their dietary intake. This ensures they receive enough calcium and phosphorus for healthy growth.

Considerations for Size and Age

Younger and smaller puppies might find it challenging to consume certain raw meaty bones due to developing jaw strength. It's advisable to introduce larger bones as they mature and transition to adult teeth.

Calcium Variability in Bones

The calcium content can vary across different types of raw meaty bones. It's crucial to select bones that provide adequate calcium without excess calories.

Liver and Other Organs

Liver, a crucial component, offers vital vitamins A and water-soluble vitamins, alongside copper from ruminant sources. The recommended starting point for liver is 7% of the diet, accommodating puppies' increased need for nutrients. Additionally, other secreting organs like the spleen contribute essential minerals and vitamins, also suggested at a 7% inclusion rate. These organs round out the diet, ensuring a robust nutritional profile for developing puppies.

Animal-Based Insoluble Fiber

Unlike traditional prey, PMR diets might lack fiber, which is where animal-based insoluble fibers come into play. Incorporating fur or feathers, accounting for 2-5% by weight of the diet, promotes healthy digestion. For those unable to source these items, alternatives like psyllium husk can be added to maintain dietary fiber levels, ensuring comprehensive nutritional coverage.

Common Concerns:

• Can Puppies Eat Bones?: Yes, puppies can eat raw bones, which are soft enough not to splinter and provide essential calcium. This is a much needed part of the diet. 
• Give enough Bone: When transitioning your puppy to a raw diet, make sure there is bone in the diet or they can get loose stools.
• Are Vegetables Necessary?: While meat should form the bulk of the diet, a small amount of green or fermented vegetables can be included but are not necessary.
• Balanced Diet: Ensure the diet includes a balanced mix of muscle meat, bone, organ meats, and you can add a small amount of greens, probiotics and glandular supplements.
• Do I need to transition slowly: No you can stop kibble feeding and start raw- But do not give too many different meats at once in the beginning- start with one or two different meats to allow their digestive system to adjust.
• Hygiene Practices: Maintaining strict hygiene practices is a good idea to prevent bacterial contamination.

Raw feeding for puppies is a pathway to nurturing their growth in the most natural and healthful way possible. By choosing a raw diet, you're investing in your puppy's long-term health and well-being, aligning with the principles of holistic pet care.

Go to: rawdogfoodcalculator.com for getting the right amount for your puppy

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