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Is Fresh Feeding Right for Your Dog? A Guide to Fresh Feeding

Updated: Oct 29

As dog owners, we always strive to provide the best nutrition possible for our four-legged friends. Recently, there has been growing interest in fresh feeding—offering dogs a diet consisting of whole, natural foods, similar to what humans eat. This approach contrasts with traditional kibble or processed foods and is praised for its ability to provide dogs with essential nutrients in a more digestible and palatable form. However, fresh feeding comes with responsibilities. It’s crucial to know which foods are safe and beneficial for dogs and how to balance their nutritional needs according to their life stage—whether they’re a growing puppy, an energetic adult, or a more sedentary senior.


The nutritional requirements of dogs change as they age. Puppies require more protein, fat, and calories to support rapid growth and development, while adult dogs benefit from a balanced diet that maintains muscle mass and energy levels. As dogs become seniors, they require fewer calories but still need adequate protein and nutrient-dense foods to support their joints, heart, and overall vitality.


Beyond understanding your dog’s life stage needs, fresh feeding also requires knowledge of specific foods that are safe or harmful. While many common foods like chicken, spinach, and blueberries are excellent for dogs, others such as grapes, onions, and chocolate can be dangerous, potentially leading to severe health issues.


In this post, we’ll explore which foods you can include in your dog's fresh diet and how to adjust portions and ingredients according to their age and life stage. By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to offer a fresh, balanced diet that supports your dog’s long-term health and happiness.


Let’s dive in!


 

Adjusting Fresh Feeding for Each Life Stage


Fresh feeding doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach—your dog's diet needs to evolve as they grow. Here's how you can adapt portions and ingredient focus for puppies, adults, and seniors.


Puppies (0-12 months)

LC Hunting Labs Chocolate Puppy | Remi + Huck Litter 2024

Puppies need a diet rich in protein and fat to fuel their rapid growth and development. During this stage, fresh feeding should focus on:

  • Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, salmon): These should make up around 22-30% of their diet, as they support muscle development and organ growth.

  • Healthy fats (fish oil, eggs): Essential for brain development, healthy skin, and coat.

  • Vegetables like spinach and carrots: Provide fiber and vitamins for proper digestion and immune support, though in smaller portions than protein.

  • Portion size: Puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adults. For example, a growing Labrador puppy might need 2-3 times more calories than an adult dog.

Adjust portion sizes as they grow, gradually reducing caloric intake as their growth slows, but maintaining high protein levels to support muscle development.


Adult Dogs (1-7 years)

LC Hunting Labs Dogs

Once dogs reach adulthood, their caloric needs decrease, but they still need a balanced diet to maintain energy, muscle mass, and overall health. Focus on:

  • Proteins like chicken or beef should make up about 18-25% of their diet, with slightly less fat than during the puppy stage.

  • Vegetables and fruits: A larger portion of their diet can now consist of nutrient-dense veggies and fruits like green beans, spinach, and blueberries. These provide fiber and antioxidants for overall health.

  • Healthy fats like those found in fish are still necessary but in moderate amounts, as they maintain a shiny coat and joint health without adding unnecessary weight.

  • Portion size: The caloric intake should be adjusted based on activity level. An active adult dog will require more calories, but generally, adult dogs need fewer calories than puppies to avoid weight gain.


Seniors (7+ years)

LC Hunting Labs Gauge Senior Dog

As dogs age, their metabolism slows, and they often become less active. Their diet should shift toward leaner proteins and more nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods to support their aging bodies:

  • Lean proteins (like fish or chicken) remain important for maintaining muscle, but fat content should be reduced to prevent weight gain.

  • Vegetables and fruits: These should make up a larger portion of the senior dog's diet to provide fiber for digestion and antioxidants to support aging cells. Options like broccoli, spinach, and blueberries can help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.

  • Healthy fats: Omega-3-rich foods like salmon are great for supporting joint and heart health but should be fed in moderation.

  • Portion size: Seniors need fewer calories overall—adjust portion sizes to account for a slower metabolism while ensuring they receive enough protein to support muscle mass.


 

Foods Dogs Can Eat


Dog Safe Foods
  1. Lean Proteins (Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Fish)

    • Why it's good: Lean meats provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle development, immune function, and tissue repair. Fish, particularly salmon, also supplies omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for joint health and coat condition.

    • Nutritional information:

      • Chicken (100g): 165 calories, 31g protein, 3.6g fat.

      • Turkey (100g): 135 calories, 30g protein, 1g fat.

      • Beef (100g, lean): 250 calories, 26g protein, 15g fat.

      • Salmon (100g): 208 calories, 20g protein, 13g fat (rich in omega-3 fatty acids).

  2. Vegetables (Carrots, Green Beans, Broccoli, Spinach)

    • Why it's good: Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to digestive health, immune support, and weight management.

    • Nutritional information:

      • Carrots (100g): 41 calories, 0.9g protein, 9.6g carbohydrates (vitamin A-rich).

      • Green Beans (100g): 31 calories, 2g protein, 3.6g carbohydrates.

      • Broccoli (100g): 55 calories, 3.7g protein, 6g carbohydrates (high in fiber, vitamin C).

      • Spinach (100g): 23 calories, 2.9g protein, 3.6g carbohydrates (rich in iron and calcium).

  3. Fruits (Blueberries, Apples, Bananas)

    • Why it's good: Fruits offer natural sugars, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Blueberries are especially rich in antioxidants, while apples provide fiber, and bananas offer potassium.

    • Nutritional information:

      • Blueberries (100g): 57 calories, 0.7g protein, 14g carbohydrates (high in antioxidants).

      • Apple (100g): 52 calories, 0.3g protein, 14g carbohydrates (fiber-rich).

      • Banana (100g): 89 calories, 1.1g protein, 22g carbohydrates (potassium-rich).

  4. Eggs

    • Why it's good: Eggs are a complete source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids your dog needs. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, A, and B12.

    • Nutritional information:

      • Egg (1 large): 72 calories, 6g protein, 5g fat (contains vitamins A, D, and choline).


 

Foods Dogs Should Avoid


Food Dogs Should Avoid
  1. Onions and Garlic

    • Why it's harmful: These foods contain compounds like thiosulfate, which can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia.

  2. Grapes and Raisins

    • Why it's harmful: Both grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.

  3. Chocolate

    • Why it's harmful: Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

  4. Avocados

    • Why it's harmful: Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit can also pose a choking hazard.

  5. Caffeinated Foods (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

    • Why it's harmful: Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs.


 

Fresh feeding offers dog owners a wonderful opportunity to enhance their pets’ nutrition with whole, natural foods that are rich in essential nutrients. By tailoring your dog’s diet based on their life stage—whether they are a growing puppy, an energetic adult, or a slower-moving senior—you can better meet their evolving nutritional needs. From lean proteins that support muscle development to vegetables packed with vitamins and fiber for overall health, the right food choices can greatly contribute to your dog’s wellbeing.


However, fresh feeding also comes with responsibilities. It’s crucial to ensure that the diet is balanced, providing all the necessary nutrients, and avoiding potentially dangerous foods such as onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate. Equally important is portion control—feeding puppies, adults, and seniors the right amount of calories and protein to prevent issues like obesity or nutrient deficiencies. Regular vet consultations are essential, as they can help you adjust your dog’s diet as their needs change.


One of the key benefits of fresh feeding is the flexibility to customize your dog’s meals based on their specific health needs, preferences, and sensitivities. You can easily adapt your dog’s meals to provide extra joint support, enhance coat health, or address digestive issues. With proper guidance and monitoring, fresh feeding can lead to noticeable improvements in your dog’s energy levels, coat condition, and overall vitality.


Whether you’re just starting out with fresh feeding or looking to optimize your dog’s current diet, the key is knowledge. Understanding what foods are beneficial, how to adjust for each life stage, and which foods to avoid will set you and your dog up for long-term health and happiness. Fresh feeding can be more than just a diet—it can be a way to ensure your dog’s well-being, keeping them energetic, healthy, and thriving throughout their life.


Remember, every dog is unique, and it’s important to stay flexible and observant. Pay attention to how your dog responds to fresh foods, adjust portions and ingredients as necessary, and always seek professional advice if you’re unsure. By doing so, you’ll be providing your dog with the best possible care, helping them live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

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