Puppy Nutrition
The first twelve months of a puppy's life determine bone density, immune system foundation, gut microbiome diversity, and coat quality for the rest of their life. Getting the nutrition right in this window matters more than at any other point. Raw feeding gives you the most control over that nutrition, and this is the guide that shows you exactly how to do it.
"Started my border collie pup on Rogue Raw from day one (8 weeks when we brought him home). At 6 months his coat, teeth, and energy are exceptional. Our vet called him the best-presented puppy she'd seen that month."
"Transitioned our golden retriever from the kibble the breeder recommended. Took about 10 days, stools were a bit soft but settled completely. At 4 months she's solid, lean, and has a coat that looks way beyond her age."
"The puppy meal packs made raw feeding completely manageable as a first-time dog owner. Everything portioned, balanced, and explained. My vet has been impressed with how well our 5-month-old is growing."
Complete balanced raw feeding for puppies at every stage of growth.
Most Popular
Puppy Packs
Premium Puppy Meal Pack #01Complete weekly puppy pack, all life stages from 8 weeks, with correct bone ratios
Best Value
Puppy Packs
Premium Puppy Meal Pack #02Starter puppy pack with single primary protein, ideal for introduction to raw
Puppy Packs
Premium Puppy Meal Pack #03Rotation pack for puppies already eating raw, adds protein variety
Why raw food is the best foundation for puppy development
Puppies are not small adult dogs. Their nutritional requirements during rapid growth are distinct, and the consequences of getting them wrong are more immediate and longer-lasting than dietary mistakes in adults. Skeletal development, immune system programming, gut microbiome establishment, and neurological development all occur in concentrated bursts during the first twelve months, and each is influenced by diet.
Commercial puppy kibble provides the macronutrient quantities required for growth, but the quality and bioavailability of those nutrients is significantly lower than in raw food. Heat processing denatures proteins, reducing digestibility. It destroys enzymes that assist digestion and nutrient absorption. It oxidises the fragile polyunsaturated fatty acids that support brain development, particularly DHA, which is critical for neural formation in the first weeks and months of life.
Raw food delivers these nutrients in their intact, bioavailable forms. The enzyme content of fresh raw meat assists the puppy's still-developing digestive system in breaking down food efficiently. The DHA from fish and organ sources is delivered un-oxidised, supporting neural development during the most critical window. The bone content provides calcium and phosphorus in the naturally balanced ratios that optimise skeletal development without the risk of over-supplementation that comes from adding synthetic minerals to processed food.
How much raw food does a puppy need? The complete percentage guide
Puppy feeding amounts are calculated as a percentage of current body weight per day and decrease as the puppy grows and their growth rate slows. The starting percentage is high because puppies at 8 weeks are growing extraordinarily rapidly relative to their body size.
Raw puppy feeding guide by age
| Age | % Body Weight/Day | Meals Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 7 to 10 weeks | 8 to 10% | 4 meals |
| 10 to 16 weeks | 7 to 8% | 4 meals |
| 16 to 20 weeks | 6 to 7% | 3 meals |
| 20 to 24 weeks | 5 to 6% | 3 meals |
| 24 to 36 weeks | 4 to 5% | 2 to 3 meals |
| 36 to 52 weeks | 3 to 4% | 2 meals |
| 12 months plus | 2 to 2.5% (adult) | 1 to 2 meals |
Weigh your puppy weekly. Amounts are calculated from current body weight and should increase as the puppy grows. Monitor body condition, not just the percentage, and adjust if the puppy appears too lean or too heavy.
The example calculations help make these percentages concrete. A 4kg puppy at 10 weeks needs approximately 320g per day (8% of 4kg) split across 4 meals of 80g each. By 6 months that same puppy, now weighing 18kg, needs 900g per day (5% of 18kg) split across 3 meals. By 12 months at 25kg, they transition to approximately 600g per day (2.5% adult maintenance) in 2 meals.
These are starting points, not rigid rules. A puppy that appears ribby should be fed slightly more. A puppy with no visible waist should be fed slightly less. Body condition is the primary guide; the percentage calculation is the framework.
What proteins and foods should puppies eat on a raw diet?
The starting protein for most puppies should be chicken or turkey. Both are highly palatable, well-tolerated, and nutritionally appropriate for early development. They are also the proteins most breeder puppies have already been introduced to, which reduces the digestive adjustment required during the transition.
After 2 to 4 weeks on the starting protein, begin rotating to add nutritional variety. Lamb, venison, and salmon are all excellent choices for puppies already established on raw. Organ meats should make up approximately 10% of the diet from the beginning, with at least half of that being liver. Liver supplies vitamin A, B12, and iron at levels essential for rapid growth. Heart tissue supplies taurine, which is important for cardiac development in puppies as well as adult dogs.
Bone content is critical during puppy development and should never be omitted. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of natural bone is approximately 2:1, which is the optimal ratio for skeletal growth. Synthetic calcium supplementation without corresponding natural bone disrupts this ratio and can actually impair bone development. For puppies under 4 months, use finely ground bone from commercial raw products rather than whole raw meaty bones, which puppies may not chew correctly at this age.
The aspect of puppy raw feeding most guides get wrong
Most puppy raw feeding guides focus on quantity and protein selection but do not address the large breed puppy distinction, which is the most important safety consideration in puppy nutrition across the board.
Large and giant breed puppies, breeds expected to reach over 25kg at maturity, have a paradoxical nutritional requirement: they need appropriate calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, but excess calcium and phosphorus during the rapid growth phase accelerates bone growth beyond what joint development can accommodate, producing developmental orthopaedic diseases including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondrosis.
This means large breed puppies specifically should not have their raw diet supplemented with additional bone meal, calcium powder, or dairy. The naturally balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in whole raw bone is appropriate. The mistake is adding synthetic calcium on top of an already bone-inclusive diet. If you are raising a large breed puppy on raw food, work with a raw-feeding-informed vet to verify your diet ratios.
Active Growth
Meal Packs
Active Dog Meal Pack #01Complete growing and active dog pack, bridges puppy to adult feeding
Puppy Fave
Raw Bones
Chicken Necks 1kgSoft raw bones ideal from 4 months, natural calcium and dental development
Teething
Natural Chews
Beefy Collagen Chews 100gNatural collagen chew for teething puppies, joint and coat support from early age
How to transition a puppy from kibble to raw in Australia
Puppies transition to raw more smoothly than adult dogs because their digestive systems are still developing and adapting to the world. That said, a slow transition is still preferable to an abrupt switch, particularly if the puppy has been on kibble for more than a few weeks.
Start with 25% raw and 75% existing food for 2 to 3 days. If stools remain firm and the puppy is eating willingly, move to 50/50 for 2 to 3 days, then 75% raw for 2 to 3 days, then 100% raw. Most puppies complete this in 1 to 2 weeks. Go more slowly if the puppy develops very loose stools at any stage.
During the transition, keep the raw protein identical to avoid adding multiple variables simultaneously. If you are starting with chicken, use only chicken raw food for the first 2 weeks. After the puppy is fully established on raw, begin rotating proteins by introducing a second protein as 20% of the meal for several days, then increasing from there.
The stools of a raw-fed puppy are noticeably different from those of a kibble-fed puppy: smaller, firmer, and less odorous. This is normal and is a consequence of better digestibility and lower undigested residue. If stools become chalky white or very hard, reduce bone content slightly. If they remain soft, check that you're not introducing too much organ too quickly.
What raw bones are safe for puppies in Australia?
Bone feeding for puppies needs to be age and size appropriate. The puppy's teeth and jaw strength determine what is safe, and this changes significantly between 8 weeks and 12 months.
From 8 to 12 weeks, use only finely ground bone in commercial raw meals. No whole raw bones at this stage. The deciduous teeth are fully present but not strong enough for harder bones, and the puppy has not yet learned to chew properly.
From 12 to 16 weeks, introduce soft raw bones: chicken necks and duck wings are the standard starting points. Supervise all bone feeding and choose bones that require the puppy to chew rather than swallow whole. A chicken neck should be too large to swallow whole for a medium-to-large breed puppy at this age.
From 16 weeks to 6 months, chicken wings, turkey necks (cut), lamb ribs, and fish frames become appropriate depending on breed size. Monitor chewing style. Puppies that gulp rather than chew need to start with harder, larger bones that force chewing, or have the bone held during feeding to prevent swallowing large pieces.
From 6 months, appropriately sized meaty bones for the breed can be introduced more freely. Never feed cooked bones at any age or stage. Cooked bones are brittle, splinter unpredictably, and present a laceration risk that raw bones with their natural flexibility do not.
Why choose Rogue Raw
Six reasons Rogue Raw is the right start for Australian puppies
Balanced from the start
Rogue Raw puppy packs are formulated with correct muscle, organ, and bone ratios for healthy growth.
Intact DHA for brain development
Cold-chain raw delivery preserves the omega-3 DHA that supports neural development during the critical puppy window.
Natural calcium from bone
Ground bone in all complete packs provides calcium and phosphorus in the correct growth-supporting ratio without supplementation.
Verified Australian proteins
All proteins sourced from Australian suppliers. No imported ingredients, no unknown supply chains.
30,000+ customers
Thousands of Australian puppies raised on Rogue Raw from their first weeks of solid food.
Complete packs remove the guesswork
Pre-formulated puppy meal packs eliminate the DIY balancing challenge for new raw feeders.
Related reading
Raw feeding puppies guide - our full introduction to puppy raw feeding principles
Puppy teething chews Australia - age-appropriate chews for the teething phase
Best raw bones for dogs Australia - bone safety and selection guide
Browse puppy meal packs - all complete puppy and growing dog feeding solutions
Frequently asked questions about raw puppy food
Can puppies eat raw food in Australia?
Yes. Puppies can and thrive on raw food from the point of weaning, typically 4 to 6 weeks. Raw feeding provides the protein, fat, minerals, and enzymes needed for healthy development without the synthetic additives, grain fillers, and oxidised fats in commercial puppy kibble.
How much raw food should I feed my puppy?
Feed 8 to 10% of body weight daily at 7 to 10 weeks, reducing progressively to 3 to 4% by 12 months. Split into 4 meals until 12 weeks, 3 meals until 6 months, 2 meals from 6 months onward. Weigh weekly and adjust.
What raw food is best for puppies in Australia?
The best raw food for puppies is a complete balanced commercial raw meal designed for all life stages. Rogue Raw's Premium Puppy Meal Packs are formulated with the correct ratios for puppy development. Chicken, turkey, and lamb are excellent starting proteins.
Is raw food safe for 8-week-old puppies?
Yes. An 8-week-old puppy can eat a properly formulated raw diet using finely minced food without large bone pieces. Complete commercial raw meal packs are appropriate because the bone content is ground to a consistency safe for developing teeth.
What raw bones can puppies eat in Australia?
From 12 to 16 weeks: chicken necks, duck wings. From 16 weeks to 6 months: chicken wings, turkey necks (cut), lamb ribs. From 6 months: appropriately sized breed-specific meaty bones. Never feed cooked bones at any age.
How do I transition a puppy from kibble to raw food?
Start with 25% raw and 75% kibble for 2 to 3 days, increasing raw by 25% every 2 to 3 days. Most puppies complete the transition in 1 to 2 weeks. Begin with a single protein and hold it for 2 weeks before rotating.
Do puppies need calcium supplements on a raw diet?
No. Puppies fed a properly balanced raw diet including ground edible bone do not need additional calcium supplements. Supplementing calcium on top of a bone-inclusive raw diet can actually cause harm by disrupting the calcium-to-phosphorus balance.
When should I switch my puppy from puppy food to adult raw food?
Small breeds at 9 to 12 months, medium breeds at 12 to 15 months, large breeds at 15 to 18 months, giant breeds at 18 to 24 months. The transition is simply a portion reduction from puppy percentages down to adult maintenance levels.
Can I feed my puppy raw chicken in Australia?
Yes. Raw chicken is a safe and excellent starting protein for most puppies. It is highly palatable, well-tolerated, and nutritionally appropriate. Use human-grade raw chicken from verified sources and handle it with standard food hygiene practices.
The investment you make in your puppy's first-year nutrition pays dividends across the entire lifespan. Dense bones, a diverse gut microbiome, intact omega-3 neural development, and immune system programming are all established in this window and are difficult to fully recover later. Start your puppy on Rogue Raw today and give them the biological foundation they deserve.
Give your puppy the best start in life
Browse Puppy Meal PacksRogue Raw Nutrition Team
NSW-based raw pet food specialists with over a decade of experience formulating biologically appropriate diets for Australian dogs and cats. Over 30,000 customers fed across Australia.