By Dogs Tutor 
In the early weeks, I stuck with a reputable brand of puppy kibble that my vet recommended. It provided basic nutrition to get her started. However, as my puppie grew more energetic and curious each day, I really wanted to make sure he’s getting the most wholesome ingredients to fuel those developing muscles and brain.
That’s when some friends who raw feed their dogs suggested I look into Primal Raw Frozen Nuggets. Intrigued, I dug deeper into the brand’s whole food philosophy and test results showing balanced macronutrients. The individual pre-portioned bags also seemed more convenient than prepping raw myself.
Can primal nuggets dog food good for puppies
Whether puppies can eat Primal dog food really depends on the individual puppy, their age and development stage. Here are some thoughts on the topic based on my experience:
In general, the balanced nutrition in Primal frozen raw nuggets could potentially work well for some puppies. Since it’s a complete diet, it provides all the important proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals growing pups need. My vet said raw feeding was fine as long as I introduced it slowly and watched for any tummy troubles.
That said, very young puppies under 12 weeks still need the additional calories, nutrients and ease of digestion that comes from higher moisture puppy-specific foods. Their systems are still maturing. I might hesitate to use Primal as a sole source at this point.
As puppies hit about 4 months though and are through most of their early growth phases, I think the nuggets could be incorporated or used as a main protein source. The key is transitioning gradually over 5-7 days to give their gut some time to adjust.
What are the benefits of primal dog food?
Whole Food Nutrition
Primal foods only contain meat, organs and fruits/veggies with no fillers or byproducts. This provides highly nutritious whole ingredients. The meat sources include free-range beef and chicken, lamb, turkey, and bison which are richer in vitamins and minerals than conventional options.
Nourishing Macros and Micronutrients
Protein: High-quality proteins from meat support muscle growth, repair, and energy. Primal has 25-30% protein.
Fats: Organic fats from meat and salmon oil provide essential fatty acids for brain, joint health and shiny coats. Fats account for 15-22% of calories.
Vitamins and Minerals: Organ meats are exceptionally nutrient-dense and supply vitamins/minerals often deficient in kibble like A, B12, iron and selenium.
Easy Digestion
Raw diets are lower in moisture but higher in enzymes, making ingredients highly bioavailable and digestion less taxing. Studies show dogs absorb up to 50% more nutrients from raw vs. kibble.
Dental Health
Chewing on raw foods removes plaque and tartar better than kibble. Dogs show less signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease long-term. Raw chewers have been found to have dental health equivalent to 2 years younger.
Shiny Coats and Skin
Omega 3s and 6s, vitamins A, D and E encourage healthy skin and reduce itching/scratching..
Holistic Benefits
Enzymes, probiotics and fiber in raw support natural digestive flora and reduced issues like gas.
Variety and Convenience
Over a dozen different nugget flavor combinations keep meals interesting vs. eating the same kibble daily. The portioned nuggets are very easy to store, thaw and feed.
How to feed primal nuggets?
If you’re new to feeding a raw diet, transitioning your dog to Primal nuggets can seem daunting. But with some planning and attention to details, you’ll both adjust smoothly to the nutritional benefits.
Thawing
The night before, remove the number of nugget packets you’ll need from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator. This slow thaws them safely without allowing bacteria growth.
Portioning
Weigh or eyeball the recommended amount based on your dog’s weight, activity level and macros chart. Puppies and small breeds get lesser amounts.
Adding Mix-Ins (Optional)
You can sprinkle in mix-ins like chopped veggies, fish oil or supplements if desired. Make sure to account for this in the weighed portion.
Serving
Place the nuggets and any additions in your dog’s food bowl. For multiple dog homes, feed dogs in separate locations to prevent possessive behaviors.
Rotating Flavors
Swap between protein flavors regularly to provide variety in nutrients. The brand offers 12-15 different options at any time.
Leftovers
Leftovers from uneaten food can be tossed after 1 hour as some nutrients deteriorate. Don’t leave sitting for extended periods.
Clean Up
Wash feeding bowls, counter space and hands thoroughly after each meal. Raw diets require sanitizing surfaces diets touch.
Monitoring
Check stools are regular and firm. Adjust portion size if weight gain/loss needed. Monitor for signs of upset like vomiting. Contact vet if issues arise.
Primal feeding calculator
Use your dogs current weight to find their daily amount:
Under 10 lbs – 1⁄4 to 1 nugget, 2-3 times a day
11-25 lbs – 1⁄2 to 1 nugget, 2 times a day
26-50 lbs – 1 to 2 nuggets, 1-2 times a day
51-75 lbs – 2 to 3 nuggets, 1-2 times a day
76-100 lbs – 3 to 4 nuggets, 1-2 times a day
Over 100 lbs – 4 to 6 nuggets, 1-2 times a day
Tips from Dogs Tutor:
- More active or underweight dogs likely need more nuggets
- Less active or overweight dogs do well with fewer nuggets
- Puppies under 6 months may need slightly more frequent meals
- Nursing or pregnant dogs have increased needs
It’s also fine to split the daily portion into two meals rather than one large one for convenience or appetite. Just be sure not to exceed the maximum daily recommendation.
With some tuning based on your dog, Primal calculator is a helpful guide for raw feeding amounts.
When should I Switch My Puppy to Primal Raw Nuggets?
As dog owner, I want to provide him with the best nutrition. Here are some factors I’m considering regarding switching to Primal raw nuggets:
Age
My Puppie is only 6 months old. Puppies digestive systems are still developing until 16 weeks. Raw food may be tough on his tummy.
Health
He had some minor tummy issues as a young pup. Raw food could potentially upset his digestion again.
Lifestyle
I travel with my dog often and board him occasionally. Raw food would be inconvenient in those situations.
Handling
I have small children in the home. Handling raw meat poses bacteria risks we’d prefer to avoid.
Allergies
My Dog shows signs of environmental allergies. Switching protein sources in his food could exacerbate issues.
Current Diet
He is growing well on his puppy kibble. No need to fix what’s not broken until he’s fully mature.
Once he reaches adult size and his allergies stabilize, I feed him Primal nuggets
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