Puppies are growing rapidly and require nutrient-rich, digestible food to thrive physically and behaviorally. Many pet owners wonder: Can puppies eat fresh food? Is fresh dog food healthy and safe for my new puppy? In this video, Dr. Sarah Cortright, DVM, shares vital insights into why fresh food can be a beneficial dietary option for puppies and how best to incorporate it into their mealtime routine.
Yes! Fresh Food Is Perfectly Safe for Puppies.
Dr. Cortright emphasizes that feeding puppies fresh, real-food options is not only safe, but may also support better growth, digestion, energy levels, and coat health compared to many processed kibble pet foods.
Why fresh food works well for puppies:
- The high-quality ingredients in fresh food are less processed than those in dry food. They are also free of artificial preservatives or additives.
- Richer in natural essential nutrients puppies need, like calcium and phosphorus, and moisture, which supports hydration.
- Studies show human-grade dog food is easier to digest, especially for young or sensitive digestive systems.
Pet parents should follow these safety pointers when offering fresh puppy food:
- Ensure it’s an AAFCO-compliant, nutritionally complete and balanced diet formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
- Pay attention to the life stage label to ensure it’s suitable for growing puppies, not just adult dogs. Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements.
- Be careful of overfeeding to avoid obesity and pay attention to your dog’s body condition.
- Introduce new foods gradually to monitor tolerance and prevent digestive upset.
Benefits of Fresh Food for Puppies
There are several ways adding fresh food to your puppy’s diet provides the nutritional value your puppy needs, including:
Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Fresh human food ingredients preserve enzymes and nutrients that help sustain healthy digestion.
Enhanced Palatability and Appetite
In addition to meeting their nutritional needs, the natural flavors and aromas of veggies and meats in fresh food entice picky eaters.
Vital Support for Growth
High-quality proteins, fats, and balanced nutrients from fresh food support optimal physical development and immune function.
Healthier Skin & Coats
Natural, whole-food ingredients, especially those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contribute to shinier fur and support healthy skin.
Which JustFoodForDogs Recipes Can My Puppy Have?
JustFoodForDogs has two diets formulated for growing puppies: Chicken & Rice and Fish & Sweet Potato. Both recipes contain high calcium and phosphorus, which help support healthy bone and tissue growth.
How to Introduce Fresh Food to Your Puppy’s Diet
Follow these steps to avoid giving your puppy gastrointestinal upset or other health issues during any food transition.
| Step | Strategy | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blend Gradually with existing food over 7–10 days | Reduces digestive upset risk |
| 2 | Ensure Complete Nutrition via vet-formulated recipes | Puppies need balanced diets |
| 3 | Practice Safe Preparation | Prevents foodborne illness |
| 4 | Observe Portion Sizes suitable for growth stage | Avoids overfeeding or malnutrition |
| 5 | Store Properly (e.g. refrigerate, freeze) | Maintains freshness and safety |
Sources
Oba, Patrícia M, Pamela L Utterback, Carl M Parsons, and Kelly S Swanson. 2019. “True Nutrient and Amino Acid Digestibility of Dog Foods Made with Human-Grade Ingredients Using the Precision-Fed Cecectomized Rooster Assay1.” Translational Animal Science 4 (1): 442–51. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz175.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.
