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Can I safely switch my 9-week-old puppy from raw to dry food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Male

I am buying a puppy who is fed on raw meet currently, a barf diet I believe. I do not want to continue this once I get the puppy home at 9 weeks to eat dry foods. Is this possible and is it healthy for the dog?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 8th, 2017

Great question! I personally do not like raw diets. There is absolutely no proof that they are good for dogs, and pose a health risk to both the dog and owner. They are often not nutritionally balanced either. I think it's great you want to feed Dexter a dry dog food, and I recommend that! A dry food diet is much healthier for him, and will be nutritionally balanced. He will need a puppy formulated food, as puppies need higher amounts of protein, calories, and calcium than adult dogs. Brands I recommend include Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, and Iams. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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