Your Breeder Feeds Raw — That’s Great. Now Ask This.
Katherine AllenShare
More breeders are feeding raw. That’s encouraging.
But “raw” by itself doesn’t guarantee structure.
And when we’re talking about puppies — structure matters.
If your breeder is encouraging you to take home not just a puppy, but the raw food they prepare, that’s not automatically a red flag.
It just means you should ask smart questions.
Because you’re not buying a bag of treats.
You’re feeding a growing skeletal system.
Before You Purchase Their Raw Food, Ask:
1. How are you balancing bone for growth?
Puppies require a consistent calcium and phosphorus balance while their bones are developing.
Many structured raw programs achieve this by feeding around 15% raw meaty bone — not by adding random amounts or relying on eggshell alone.
If the answer is vague (“we just add some bone”) that’s worth pausing on.
2. What percentage of muscle meat are you feeding?
Most structured raw feeding starts around 80% muscle meat, with heart counted as muscle — not as a secreting organ.
If heart is being counted as organ, the balance may be off.
3. How are organs introduced?
A puppy’s digestive system is still developing.
Organs are nutrient-dense and should be introduced gradually — not dumped in at full percentages from day one.
Liver typically works toward 5%, with another secreting organ working toward 5% as tolerance builds.
If the breeder is feeding full organ percentages to very young puppies without a transition period, that’s something to clarify.
4. Are you rotating proteins intentionally?
Rotation isn’t about variety for the sake of it.
It’s about layering micronutrients over time while keeping structure consistent.
If rotation changes the bone percentage or organ balance each time, that’s not structured feeding.
5. Are supplements being used — and why?
If supplements are included, there should be a reason.
“Because someone online said so” isn’t a plan.
Structured feeding should be able to explain why something is added.
A Good Breeder Won’t Be Defensive
If someone understands structured raw feeding, they won’t be offended by these questions.
Clear answers show confidence.
Vague answers show guesswork.
And remember — once that puppy leaves their home, feeding decisions become yours.
You don’t have to distrust your breeder.
But you do deserve to understand what’s in your puppy’s bowl.
Feed with intention.