{"id":15557,"date":"2025-09-08T11:08:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T18:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=15557"},"modified":"2025-10-20T08:31:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:31:09","slug":"can-puppies-eat-fresh-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-puppies-eat-fresh-food","title":{"rendered":"A Veterinarian Answers: Can Puppies Eat Fresh Food?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Puppies are growing rapidly and require nutrient-rich, digestible food to thrive physically and behaviorally. Many pet owners wonder: <strong>Can puppies eat fresh food?<\/strong> Is fresh dog food healthy and safe for my new puppy? In this video, <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/5-facts-about-fresh-dog-food.html\">Dr. Sarah Cortright, DVM<\/a>, shares vital insights into why fresh food can be a beneficial dietary option for puppies and how best to incorporate it into their <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/study-dog-mealtime-rituals.html\">mealtime routine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Can Puppies Eat Fresh Food? ft. Dr. Sarah Cortright | JustFoodForDogs\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hOp8gW35Ya8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-yes-fresh-food-is-perfectly-safe-for-puppies\">Yes! Fresh Food Is Perfectly Safe for Puppies.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Cortright emphasizes that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/how-much-to-feed-a-puppy.html\">feeding puppies<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why fresh food works well for puppies:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The high-quality ingredients in fresh food are less processed than those in dry food. They are also free of artificial preservatives or additives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Richer in natural essential nutrients puppies need, like calcium and phosphorus, and moisture, which supports hydration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/tas\/article\/4\/1\/442\/5660976\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studies show<\/a> human-grade dog food is easier to digest, especially for young or sensitive digestive systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pet parents should follow these safety pointers when offering fresh puppy food:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure it\u2019s an AAFCO-compliant, nutritionally complete and balanced diet formulated by a <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/what-is-a-board-certified-veterinary-nutritionist.html\">board-certified veterinary nutritionist<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay attention to the <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/whether-an-adult-dog-or-a-puppy-true-food-for-dogs-is-there-for-all-of-their-life-stages.html\">life stage<\/a> label to ensure it\u2019s suitable for growing puppies, not just adult dogs. Puppies and adult dogs have different <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-adult-dogs-eat-puppy-food.html\">nutritional requirements<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be careful of overfeeding to avoid obesity and pay attention to your dog\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/the-dog-body-scoring-chart-explained.html\">body condition<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce new foods gradually to monitor tolerance and prevent digestive upset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-fresh-food-for-puppies\">Benefits of Fresh Food for Puppies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"bulldog puppy\" class=\"wp-image-13900\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways adding fresh food to your puppy\u2019s diet provides the nutritional value your puppy needs, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-improved-digestion-and-nutrient-absorption\">Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fresh human food ingredients preserve enzymes and nutrients that help sustain healthy digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-enhanced-palatability-and-appetite\">Enhanced Palatability and Appetite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to meeting their nutritional needs, the natural flavors and aromas of veggies and meats in fresh food <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-food-for-picky-eaters.html\">entice picky eaters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vital-support-for-growth\">Vital Support for Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High-quality proteins, fats, and balanced nutrients from fresh food support optimal physical development and immune function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-healthier-skin-amp-coats\">Healthier Skin &amp; Coats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Natural, whole-food ingredients, especially those rich in <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/5-benefits-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-for-dogs.html\">Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a> and antioxidants, contribute to shinier fur and support healthy skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-justfoodfordogs-recipes-can-my-puppy-have\">Which JustFoodForDogs Recipes Can My Puppy Have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/puppy-lifestyle-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"corgi puppy in humans arms\" class=\"wp-image-15178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/puppy-lifestyle-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/puppy-lifestyle-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/puppy-lifestyle-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/puppy-lifestyle.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JustFoodForDogs has two diets formulated for growing puppies: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/product\/chicken-rice-recipe\/FBS10040102.html\">Chicken &amp; Rice<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/product\/fish-sweet-potato-recipe\/FBS10040103.html\">Fish &amp; Sweet Potato<\/a>. Both recipes contain high calcium and phosphorus, which help support healthy bone and tissue growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-introduce-fresh-food-to-your-puppy-s-diet\">How to Introduce Fresh Food to Your Puppy\u2019s Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow these steps to avoid giving your puppy gastrointestinal upset or other health issues during any food transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Step<\/th><th>Strategy<\/th><th>Why It Matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td><strong>Blend Gradually<\/strong> with existing food over 7\u201310 days<\/td><td>Reduces digestive upset risk<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td><strong>Ensure Complete Nutrition<\/strong> via vet-formulated recipes<\/td><td>Puppies need balanced diets<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td><strong>Practice Safe Preparation<\/strong><\/td><td>Prevents foodborne illness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td><strong>Observe Portion Sizes<\/strong> suitable for growth stage<\/td><td>Avoids overfeeding or malnutrition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td><strong>Store Properly<\/strong> (e.g. refrigerate, freeze)<\/td><td>Maintains freshness and safety<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sources\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oba, Patr\u00edcia M, Pamela L Utterback, Carl M Parsons, and Kelly S Swanson. 2019. \u201cTrue Nutrient and Amino Acid Digestibility of Dog Foods Made with Human-Grade Ingredients Using the Precision-Fed Cecectomized Rooster Assay1.\u201d&nbsp;<em>Translational Animal Science<\/em>&nbsp;4 (1): 442\u201351. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/tas\/txz175.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200c<em>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.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":15559,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[280],"class_list":["post-15557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Veterinarian Answers: Can Puppies Eat Fresh Food? | JustFoodforDogs Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dr. Cortright\u2019s 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