New Puppy Feeding Guide: Practical Tips for a Healthy, Happy Start

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting milestones a family can experience. Whether you’ve just welcomed a fluffy addition during the holiday season or are preparing for a new arrival, those first few weeks are a whirlwind of potty training, socialization, and, most importantly, establishing a nutritional foundation.

Navigating the world of canine nutrition can feel overwhelming for new owners. You want to ensure your puppy has the energy to grow, the nutrients to build a strong immune system, and a routine that prevents digestive upset.

While many owners find that raw is the best puppy food for long-term health and vitality, having a practical new puppy feeding guide is essential for managing the day-to-day logistics of puppyhood.

From figuring out "how much" to identifying signs of dietary intolerances, this guide covers the practical tips you need to ensure your puppy thrives from day one.

How Often Should a Puppy Eat?

Consistency is king when it comes to a new puppy. Unlike adult dogs, who can often thrive on one or two meals a day, puppies have tiny stomachs and massive energy requirements. To prevent blood sugar crashes and manage their boundless energy, a frequent feeding schedule is necessary.

The Age-Based Schedule

Here’s how often you should feed your puppy as they grow:

• •8 to 16 Weeks: At this stage, puppies generally need four meals a day. Spreading the food out helps their developing digestive systems process the nutrients without becoming overloaded.

• •4 to 6 Months: You can typically transition to three meals a day. This is often when puppies begin to lose their "baby fat" and build more lean muscle.

• •6 Months and Older: Most dogs can move to two meals a day (morning and evening), which is the standard routine for adult maintenance.

The Importance of Timing

Feeding your puppy at the same times every day does more than just regulate their hunger; it regulates their bathroom breaks. A predictable feeding schedule makes housebreaking significantly easier, as most puppies will need to "go" within 15 to 30 minutes after eating.

How Much Should You Feed?

One of the most common questions in any new puppy feeding guide is "how much?" Because puppies grow at different rates depending on their breed and expected adult size, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Monitoring Body Condition

Rather than strictly following the "suggested serving size" on a bag or container, it is better to monitor your puppy’s body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, but the ribs should not be visible.

When looking down from above, your puppy should have a noticeable waist.

Avoiding Growth Spurts

Overfeeding is a common mistake, especially with large-breed puppies. Growing too fast can put excessive strain on developing joints and bones, leading to orthopedic issues later in life. It is always better for a puppy to grow slowly and steadily than to pack on weight too quickly.

At We Feed Raw, we take the guesswork out of portioning. Our meal plans are customized based on your puppy's breed, age, and weight, ensuring they get the exact caloric intake they need for stable, healthy development.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

Not all puppies are polite eaters. Some treat every meal like a race, which can lead to choking, regurgitation, or the more serious risk of bloat (gastric torsion).

How to Get Your Puppy to Eat Slower

If your pup is a "vacuum," consider these practical strategies:

• •Slow Feeder Bowls: These bowls have built-in ridges and mazes that force the puppy to work for their food, slowing down their pace significantly.

• •Puzzle Toys: Feeding meals inside a treat-dispensing toy provides both mental stimulation and physical slowing.

• •Muffin Tins: If you don't want to buy a new bowl, flip a muffin tin upside down and spread the food between the cups.

• •Frozen Meals: Serving a raw meal slightly frozen or smeared onto a lick mat is a fantastic way to extend mealtime and provide a soothing activity for teething puppies.

Ensuring Proper Hydration

Water is just as important as food. Puppies are prone to dehydration, especially if they are highly active or transitioning to a new environment. To help ensure your puppy gets proper hydration:

• •The "Clean Bowl" Rule: Puppies can be messy. Change their water at least twice a day to ensure it is fresh and free of debris.

• •Moisture-Rich Food: One of the reasons raw feeding is so beneficial for puppies is its natural moisture content. Unlike dry kibble, which can leave a dog in a state of mild chronic dehydration, raw food helps keep them hydrated from the inside out.

Identifying Dietary Intolerances

A puppy’s digestive tract is still a work in progress. While some "loose stools" are normal during the transition to a new home, chronic issues can signal a dietary intolerance or allergy.

Common Red Flags

Keep an eye out for these signs that their current food might not be agreeing with them:

• •Excessive Itching or Paw Licking: This is often the first sign of a protein sensitivity.

• •Chronic Ear Infections: Redness or a dark discharge in the ears can be linked to gut inflammation caused by diet.

• •Frequent Gas or Bloating: While puppies can be gassy, constant flatulence often suggests they aren't digesting their food properly.

• •Consistent Diarrhea: If stools don't firm up within a few days of a transition, the food may contain fillers or starches that are irritating the gut lining.

If you notice these symptoms, switching to a limited-ingredient, species-appropriate raw diet can often provide immediate relief by removing the common allergens (like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives) found in processed puppy foods.

Why We Feed Raw Is the Ultimate Choice for New Puppies

Feeding a new puppy doesn't have to be a logistical nightmare. We Feed Raw is designed to be the best all-life-stages dog food, providing the high-quality protein and mineral balance necessary for the most demanding stages of a dog's life.

Safety You Can Trust

We understand that new owners are often worried about the "risks" of raw meat. That’s why we use high-pressure processing (HPP), a form of cold pasteurization that effectively inactivates pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria.

Our food is as safe as gently cooked alternatives while maintaining the raw integrity your puppy needs to build a strong immune system.

PhD-Formulated Precision

You don't need to worry about "puppy-specific" bags.

All our frozen raw patties are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with over 30 years of experience. They provide the precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratios required for healthy bone development, especially in large-breed puppies who are prone to skeletal issues.

Easy and Convenient

With our new easy-peel packaging, serving your puppy's meal is cleaner than ever. Simply thaw the patties in the refrigerator for 24 hours, peel, and serve. It provides the nutritionally complete raw food your puppy deserves without the mess or meal prep of a DIY diet.

Frozen vs Freeze-Dried Raw

Please note that, while our frozen raw recipes are AAFCO-approved for dogs of all life stages, our freeze-dried recipes are formulated for adult dogs only.

Our freeze-dried recipes for adult dogs make raw feeding as convenient as kibble with a shelf-stable format that contains all the benefits of frozen raw.

Start Their Journey the Right Way

The habits you establish today will stay with your puppy for a lifetime. By providing a consistent routine, monitoring their growth, and choosing a diet that supports their natural biology, you are giving them the best gift possible: a foundation of health.

Ready to see how raw can transform your new puppy's life? Take our quiz today to build a personalized meal plan tailored specifically for your newest family member.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm feeding my puppy too much?

Use the "rib test." You should be able to feel your puppy's ribs easily, but they shouldn't be poking out. If your puppy loses their "waist" and starts to look round from above, it's time to slightly reduce their portions.

Our customized meal plans help ensure you are feeding the right amount for their specific breed and age.

Is raw food safe for a young puppy's immune system?

Yes, provided it is a high-quality, balanced product. We use cold pasteurized technology to ensure our food is as safe as gently cooked alternatives. This allows your puppy to benefit from raw enzymes and nutrients without being exposed to harmful pathogens.

What if my puppy is a picky eater?

Puppies are rarely naturally picky; they are often overwhelmed or holding out for treats. Using a moisture-rich raw topper or switching to a raw diet can increase palatability. If they refuse to eat, try removing the food after 15 minutes and offering it again at the next scheduled mealtime to establish a routine.

Can I use the freeze-dried raw for my puppy?

Our freeze-dried recipes are formulated for adult dogs only. For a growing puppy, our frozen raw patties are the best choice as they are specifically balanced for all life stages, including the unique needs of puppy growth.

Why is my puppy always hungry?

Puppies burn an incredible amount of energy growing and playing. If they are maintaining a healthy body condition but seem hungry, you might consider adding "bulk" with low-calorie fresh toppers like steamed green beans or cucumbers. Always consult your We Feed Raw meal plan to ensure their caloric needs are being met as they grow.