Your dog's nutritional needs change dramatically from puppyhood through their senior years. Freeze-dried raw is one of the few food formats that can genuinely support every life stage — but how you feed it, how much you feed, and which protein you choose should evolve alongside your dog. Here's your life-stage guide.
Puppies (Up to 12–18 Months)
Puppies have enormous nutritional demands. They need more protein, more fat, and more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to support rapid bone growth, brain development, and immune system maturation.
Freeze-dried raw is an excellent choice for puppies because it delivers highly bioavailable protein and natural fat ratios without the synthetic additives found in many puppy kibbles. Key points for feeding puppies:
- Feed about 4–5% of their current body weight daily, split into 3 meals
- Rehydrate fully with warm water — extra hydration supports growing kidneys
- Chicken is a great starting protein due to its digestibility and lean protein profile
- Monitor weight weekly and adjust portions as they grow
→ Try Freeze Dried Raw Chicken as a first protein for puppies
Adult Dogs (1–7 Years)
Adult dogs are typically the easiest to feed — their metabolism is stable and their preferences are usually well-established. The goal shifts from growth support to maintenance: sustaining lean muscle, supporting energy levels, and building long-term immune resilience.
- Feed 2–3% of ideal body weight daily, split into 2 meals
- Rotate proteins regularly to cover a wider nutritional spectrum
- Active or working dogs may need the higher fat density of Beef
- Less active or indoor dogs do well on leaner Chicken
This is also a great life stage to introduce protein rotation. Our 14oz Variety Pack is popular with adult dog households as a rotation staple.
Senior Dogs (7+ Years)
Senior dogs often face a unique set of challenges: reduced kidney function, joint inflammation, cognitive decline, and a tendency to either gain or lose weight more easily. Freeze-dried raw can be especially beneficial here because of its clean ingredient profile and the absence of fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives that accumulate over a dog's lifetime.
- Feed 1.5–2% of body weight, adjusted for activity and health status
- Always rehydrate — seniors are prone to dehydration and benefit enormously from moisture-rich meals
- Turkey with Salmon is an exceptional choice for seniors: turkey is gentle on aging digestive systems, and the omega-3s from salmon provide well-documented anti-inflammatory support for joints and cognitive health
- Watch for changes in stool, coat, energy, and weight and adjust protein or portion as needed
A Note on Transitions at Every Stage
Whether your dog is 8 weeks or 12 years old, a slow, phased transition to freeze-dried raw is the safest approach. Always give the digestive system time to adapt. Read our full Transition Guide for step-by-step instructions.
