Weaning Puppies onto a Raw Diet
Weaning Puppies Onto Raw: A Complete Guide
Weaning is one of the most exciting (and sometimes messy!) stages of a puppy’s life. It’s the process of transitioning pups from mum’s milk to solid food – laying the foundation for their future health and growth. For those committed to a natural diet, weaning puppies onto raw food is not only possible but hugely beneficial when done correctly.
In this blog, we’ll cover why raw is a fantastic choice for puppies, what to introduce and when, and how to make the weaning process smooth and safe.
Why Choose Raw for Weaning?
Raw feeding mimics what dogs would naturally eat in the wild. For puppies, this means starting life with:
Easily digestible proteins – raw meats are less processed, so pups absorb more nutrients.
Essential fats – support energy, growth, and healthy brain development.
Calcium and phosphorus from bone – crucial for building strong teeth and bones.
Natural enzymes and probiotics – support gut health and help build a robust immune system.
Texture and variety – encouraging pups to chew, gnaw, and develop healthy eating behaviours.
When pups are given the right start on raw, they often have glossier coats, firmer stools, better muscle tone, and balanced growth compared to kibble-fed litters.
When to Start Weaning
3–4 weeks old: Puppies begin to explore food while still nursing from mum. This is the perfect time to start gentle introductions.
5–6 weeks old: Solid food intake increases, and puppies begin reducing their reliance on milk.
7–8 weeks old: Puppies should be on fully solid meals, formulated as balanced and complete diets to meet their rapid growth needs.
Step-By-Step: Weaning Puppies Onto Raw
1. Start with a smooth consistency
At 3–4 weeks, introduce a finely minced, single protein raw meat. Turkey or chicken are often the first choice because they are lean, mild, and gentle on the stomach.
- You may opt for a boneless raw dog food option first, this can be mixed with some warm water or goats milk.
If you use a specially formulated puppy weaning mince, just be mindful that some of these are quite high in bone and could need some boneless adding to them to dilute the bone content. However weaning pastes are finely ground which is ideal.
Ensure there are no large bone pieces at this stage – pups need a soft texture.
Offer on a shallow dish, allowing pups to lick and explore.
2. Introduce variety gradually
From 4 weeks, begin adding different proteins:
Beef mince – rich in iron and zinc.
Duck or lamb – fattier meats for energy.
White fish – gentle on digestion and packed with omega-3s.
Introduce one new protein at a time, feeding 4–6 small meals daily. Monitor for signs of tummy upset, and build variety steadily.
3. Add bone and offal
By 5 weeks, once pups are happily eating raw meat, it’s time to balance their diet with bone and offal.
Bone provides essential calcium and phosphorus for skeletal growth.
Offal (like liver, kidney, or spleen) supplies vital vitamins and minerals including A, D, E, K, and B-complex. These can be introduced as early as week 3.
Aim for the 80:10:10 balance: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% offal.
4. Encourage natural chewing with raw meaty bones
At 5–6 weeks, as teeth develop, puppies can begin supervised introductions to raw meaty bones (RMBs) such as:
Chicken wings
Duck necks
Lamb ribs (soft, meaty ones)
Just be mindful when introducing bones that a meal before and two meals after should be boneless.
Why RMBs are important:
They help strengthen the muscles around the skull and jaw, supporting natural development.
They keep teeth clean and gums healthy from an early age.
They provide mental stimulation and enrichment, preventing boredom.
Always supervise pups when chewing bones and choose appropriate sizes for their age.
5. Transition to balanced complete meals
By 6–8 weeks, puppies should be thriving on a balanced complete raw diet. This is vital, as growth demands are highest during these early months.
A complete raw diet ensures:
The correct balance of protein, fat, bone, offal as well as oily fish, raw eggs, fruit and veggies and natural botanicals.
Consistent delivery of essential vitamins and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin D).
Avoidance of growth issues such as developmental orthopaedic disease (which can occur if calcium/phosphorus ratios are wrong).
Options include:
Pre-made complete puppy formulas from reputable brands.
A carefully prepared DIY diet following 80:10:10, with variety across proteins and cuts.
Feeding Frequency and Quantities
Weeks 3–6: 4–6 small meals daily.
Weeks 6–12: 4 meals daily.
3–6 months: 3 meals daily.
6 months+: 2 meals daily (depending on breed/size).
How much to feed?
Puppies typically need 8–10% of their body weight per day, divided into meals. Monitor their body condition score (BCS) rather than focusing purely on weight – puppies should be lean with a visible waist but not underfed.
Top Tips for Raw Weaning Success
Balanced and complete is key – growing puppies need carefully balanced nutrition, not just plain mince.
Hygiene is essential – wash hands, surfaces, and bowls after every meal.
Supervise RMBs – encourage chewing but never leave puppies unattended.
Introduce variety slowly – new proteins and offal should be introduced one at a time.
Hydration – raw-fed puppies naturally drink less, but always offer fresh water.
Consistency matters – avoid frequent, drastic diet changes which can upset sensitive tummies.
Final Thoughts
Weaning puppies onto raw food is one of the best starts you can give them. By ensuring their diet is balanced, complete, and varied, you’ll support healthy growth, strong bones, and robust immunity. Introducing raw meaty bones not only keeps their teeth and gums healthy but also develops the powerful jaw muscles and skull structure they’ll rely on throughout life.
At Stefs Pet Pantry, we stock a wide range of puppy-friendly raw foods, from smooth weaning minces to balanced complete meals and safe raw meaty bones. Whether you’re a breeder raising a litter or a new owner welcoming a puppy home, we’re here to help every step of the way.
