Feeding your puppy a fresh food diet!
Feeding Puppies: The Power of Fresh Food from the Start
Feeding puppies is one of the most common topics I get asked about and something I'm,very passionate about!
What we feed our puppies during their early stages, plays a huge role in shaping their long-term health. Getting their nutrition right from the beginning sets them up for a stronger, more balanced adulthood and can prevent many health issues down the track.
Fresh Feeding from the Start
I wholeheartedly believe puppies can and should be started on fresh, whole food diets from an early age—when done correctly. Many people worry that fresh food won’t meet their puppy’s nutritional needs, but with the right guidance, it’s not only safe but incredibly beneficial.
Fresh-fed puppies tend to grow at a slower, more natural pace than commercially-fed pups. This is especially important for large breed dogs. Slower growth puts less pressure on developing joints and bones, reducing the risk of skeletal issues like hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis later in life. however, slower growth doesn’t mean your puppy won’t reach their full size—it just means they’ll get there with a healthier skeletal foundation. Slow and steady really does win the race!
Calcium & Phosphorus—The Big Question for Large Breeds
Many owners of large breed puppies worry about calcium and phosphorus ratios and this balance is critical during the growth phase.
Here’s a rough guide for growth periods by breed size:
Small breeds: 8–12 months
Medium breeds: 12–18 months
Large breeds: 18–24 months
When calcium and phosphorus are provided in natural forms—like bone, meat, and whole foods—your puppy’s body instinctively knows how to use them. Problems tend to arise with synthetic forms, often found in commercial pet food, which can disrupt this delicate balance. Still, it’s always best to have your puppy’s fresh food plan designed or reviewed by a professional to ensure everything is well-balanced.
How Much and How Often Should You Feed?
Another popular question I get is, “How much and how often should I feed my puppy?” Here’s a simple guideline:
3–4 meals a day until around 6 months old
Then reduce to 2 meals a day, if appropriate
However, feeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Look at your puppy! Use your own judgement and observe their body condition. If they’re getting a little chunky, feed less. If they’re looking underweight, feed more. And please don’t fall into the trap of thinking “puppy fat” is cute- Overweight puppies are at risk of joint problems, metabolic issues, and more as they grow, we don't want burrito looking puppies!
You should be able to:
Feel your puppy’s ribs
See an abdominal tuck
See a defined waist from above
Avoid rigidly following feeding guides on packaging. Every puppy is unique.
What to Feed? Start with Quality Protein & Fat
Protein is one of the most important nutrients for puppies. It’s made up of amino acids which support tissue growth, enzyme function, hormones, immune health, and even behavior.
But not all protein is created equal. High-quality protein sources are very important if chosing to fresh food feed your puppy, sources like fresh meat (chicken, beef, pork, roo, Turkey etc ) and eggs provide the building blocks your pup needs for healthy development. Poor quality protein can contribute to skeletal issues—something we absolutely want to avoid.
Fat is another essential nutrient. Don’t confuse “fat in food” with “fat on your puppy.” Fat makes up about 50% of your puppies brain, so we need it to support brain development and behavior, skin health, and cellular function. A well-fed puppy with healthy fats will develop tighter skin barriers, which help prevent pathogens from causing skin issues. You can provide your puppy with the right kinds of fat from foods such as oily fish, good oils,avocado and seeds such as Flax seed.
Gut Health & the Puppy Microbiome
One of the most overlooked yet powerful aspects of puppy health is the gut microbiome. A healthy, diverse microbiome helps absorb nutrients, regulate immunity, and even influence behavior.
Fresh feeding supports a diverse microbiome naturally, especially when rotating proteins and introducing vegetables slowly over 7–10 days. This gives your puppy time to adjust and allows you to spot any sensitivities. Vegetables add fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut and encourages the production of short-chain fatty acids—key for gut and immune health. The key to a diverse micro biome is rotation of ingredients (rotation of nutrients).
Things that negatively impact your puppy’s microbiome include:
Commercial pet foods
Medications
Environmental toxins (e.g. air fresheners, cleaning products)
Shampoos and conditioners that have chemicals, spot on treatments and chemical based wormer’s (remember everything we put on our pets skin topically leaches into the skin tissues and bloodstream)
By prioritising fresh food and natural ingredients, you’re supporting your puppy’s entire system—inside and out.
Feeding your puppy fresh food is one of the best investments you can make in their lifelong health. Start early, feed mindfully, rotate ingredients slowly, and keep a close eye on your puppy’s body condition and development. When in doubt, seek professional guidance to ensure your puppy’s fresh food diet is balanced and tailored for their unique needs. I'm always here to answer any questions you have or devise custom made meal plans for your pup with our Diamond Puppy Package.