What Should I Feed My New Puppy? The Ultimate Australian Guide to Puppy Nutrition
/Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting moments for any dog lover. Whether you've welcomed a playful Groodle, a loyal Labrador, a tiny Cavoodle or an energetic Kelpie into your family, giving them the right nutrition from day one is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term health.
One of the most common questions new dog owners ask is:
"What should I feed my new puppy?"
With so many choices available—including fresh food, raw diets, premium kibble and natural treats—it can feel overwhelming deciding what's best. The good news is that feeding your puppy a balanced, species-appropriate diet doesn't have to be complicated.
At Kooroora Bay Groodles we believe puppies thrive on a combination of high-quality fresh food, balanced raw meals, premium dry food and healthy natural treats. This guide explains everything you need to know about feeding your puppy in Australia and introduces some of our favourite products to help them grow into a happy, healthy adult dog.
Why Your Puppy's Diet Matters
Your puppy grows faster during their first 12 months than at any other stage of life. Every meal contributes to building strong bones, healthy muscles, brain development and a resilient immune system.
A complete puppy diet should provide the right balance of:
High-quality animal protein - ideally Single protein formulations
Healthy fats for energy and brain development
Calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth
DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamins and minerals
Digestible carbohydrates and fibre for gut health
Choosing premium-quality food now can help establish healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
Fresh Puppy Food in Australia: Why More Owners Are Making the Switch
One of the biggest trends in Australian pet nutrition is fresh natural food.
Unlike highly processed diets, fresh meals use real meat, vegetables and wholefood ingredients that are locally sourced and gently prepared to retain flavour and nutrition.
Many puppy owners notice benefits such as:
✔ Excellent palatability
✔ Smaller, firmer stools
✔ Healthy skin and shiny coats
✔ Consistent energy levels
✔ Improved digestion
✔ Less vet visits
✔ Less ear infections and skin allergies
Fresh food can also be an excellent option for fussy eaters and puppies transitioning from their breeder's diet.
Our Recommended Fresh Puppy Food: Lyka Fresh Pet Food
If you're looking for one of the best fresh puppy food options in Australia, Lyka Fresh Pet Food is an excellent choice.
Made with human-grade ingredients and formulated by veterinary nutritionists, Lyka recipes are designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for growing dogs.
Lyka Lamb
Perfect for active puppies that enjoy richer proteins.
Why we love it:
Australian lamb as the primary protein
Rich in essential amino acids
Healthy fats for growing puppies
Whole vegetables and superfoods
Complete and balanced nutrition
Great for:
✔ Active breeds
✔ Growing large-breed puppies
✔ Puppies that enjoy richer flavours
Lyka Beef
A classic favourite packed with nutrients that support healthy growth.
Benefits include:
Grass-fed Australian beef
Naturally rich in iron and zinc
High-quality protein
Delicious wholefood ingredients
This recipe is ideal for puppies needing a nutritious, protein-rich meal.
Lyka Turkey
Turkey is naturally lean and highly digestible, making it one of our favourite proteins for sensitive puppies.
Benefits include:
Lean protein
Gentle on digestion
Excellent amino acid profile
Supports healthy muscle development
Many owners rotate between the Lamb, Beef and Turkey recipes to provide dietary variety while maintaining balanced nutrition.
👉 TRY LYKA Fresh Pet Food with an Opening Special of 50% OFF your 1st order plus 30% OFF your 2nd order. Use our Affiliated Partner CODE: https://lyka.com.au/join/KOOROORABAY
Steam-Cooked Fresh Food: SPD PRIME 100 Rolls
Steam-cooked rolls offer the convenience of refrigerated fresh food with simple portion control, making them ideal for busy households.
SPD Prime 100 Steam Cooked Duck - Single Protein
Duck is naturally rich in flavour and provides quality protein and healthy fats for growing puppies.
Ideal for:
Fussy eaters
Active puppies
Rotational feeding
SPD Prime 100 Steam Cooked Salmon - Single Protein
Salmon is one of the best natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits include:
Supports healthy brain development
Promotes healthy skin
Encourages a glossy coat
Helps maintain joint health
SPD Prime 100 Steam Cooked Turkey - Single Protein
Turkey is lean, digestible and an excellent everyday protein for growing puppies.
👉 To learn More about SPD Prim 100 Fresh cooked Rolls and get your FREE Air dried treats Browse: https://prime100.com.au/pages/spd-fresh-rolls-dog-food
Raw Feeding for Puppies: Big Dog BARF
Many Australian dog owners choose to include complete single protein raw meals as part of their puppy's feeding routine.
Commercially prepared BARF diets provide balanced nutrition while removing much of the guesswork involved in preparing raw meals at home.
Big Dog BARF Goat - Single Protein
Goat is considered a novel protein and is ideal for adding variety to your puppy's diet.
Benefits include:
Lean protein
Highly digestible
Excellent amino acid profile
Suitable for rotational feeding
Big Dog BARF Turkey - Single Protein
Turkey is another fantastic raw option.
It provides:
Lean protein
Healthy fats
B vitamins
Complete raw nutrition
If you're introducing raw food for the first time, always transition gradually over 7–14 days some ethical breeders like Kooroora Bay Groodles introduce this to our puppies before they go home so the transition is already done for you.
👉 To learn more about Big Dog BARF Single protein Raw options and learn more about Raw feeding browse BDB Resource Centre: https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/our-range/raw-food-for-dogs#single-proteins
Best Puppy Dry Food in Australia: Meals for Mutts Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Sardine
Fresh food isn't the only excellent option.
Many Australian puppy owners feed premium kibble as either a complete diet or alongside fresh meals.
One of our favourites is Meals for Mutts Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Sardine.
Why?
Because it combines:
Premium turkey protein
Salmon and sardines for natural Omega-3s
Balanced puppy nutrition
Excellent digestibility
Crunchy texture that supports healthy chewing
It's also perfect for enrichment toys, puzzle feeders and training sessions.
👉 Learn more about the Meals for Mutts range: https://www.mfmaustralia.com.au/product/puppy-turkey-salmon-sardine/
Another Great Dry Food Option: Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
If you're looking for a premium dry puppy food featuring fish as the primary protein source, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is another excellent option.
Made with sustainably sourced salmon, this recipe is formulated to support healthy growth while providing highly digestible nutrition for puppies.
Why Choose Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy?
Some of its key features include:
Salmon as the primary protein source
DHA from salmon oil to support healthy brain and vision development
Species-specific probiotics to support digestive health
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to help support the immune system
Suitable for puppies of all breeds
Fish-based diets can be a great choice for puppies with sensitivities to more common proteins such as chicken or beef, or for owners wanting to include more omega-rich ingredients in their puppy's diet.
Whether fed as a complete meal or alongside fresh food, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy provides another nutritious option to help support healthy growth and development.
Healthy Puppy Treats
Treats should reward good behaviour—not replace balanced meals.
Choosing natural treats means your puppy enjoys quality nutrition without unnecessary colours, preservatives or fillers so using fresh and naturally dehydrated treats are best.
Naturally Dehydrated Treats
Our favourites include:
Beef Liver
Lamb Lung or Tracea
Turkey or Chicken Breast
Beef Jerky
Chicken Breast
Whole Sardines
Pigs Ears
These single-ingredient treats are packed with protein and are ideal for puppy training.
👉 Browse Sommerford Raw & Fresh Natuarally Dehydrated treats: https://somerfordrawandnatural.com.au/collections/somerford-treats?page=3
Fresh Treat Ideas
Fresh foods also make fantastic rewards are easy home made treats.
Safe options include:
Blueberries
Bananas
Carrot
Cucumber
Pumpkin
Apple (without seeds)
Plain Greek Yogurt
Bone Broth
Honey
Dog friendly (avoid Xylitol) or home made Peanut Butter
Honey
Lean cooked beef or plain beef sausages
Remember to introduce new foods gradually and always avoid toxic foods such as grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate and xylitol.
Should Puppies Eat Raw Chicken Necks?
One question we hear regularly is:
"Can my puppy eat raw chicken necks?"
Many Australian dog owners feed raw chicken necks as part of a balanced raw feeding program because they contain edible bone, which contributes calcium and phosphorus while providing chewing enrichment. As ethical breeders we introduce these to our puppies just before going home.
If you choose to feed raw chicken necks:
Only offer them raw—never cooked.
Supervise your puppy while they chew.
Choose an appropriate size for your puppy.
Practise good food hygiene when handling raw poultry. It is suggested to freeze them first and then thaw in the refrigerator to kill the Salmonella bug then remove from the refrigerator covered for a short period before offering to your puppy so that they are not to cold in their tummy when they swallow them down.
Feed them as part of a complete and balanced diet, not as a replacement for puppy food.
Raw meaty bones may not be suitable for every puppy, particularly those that gulp food or have underlying health concerns. If you're unsure, speak with your veterinarian before introducing them.
Example Puppy Feeding Plan
Here's an example of how you could build a varied and balanced feeding routine.
Breakfast
Rotate between:
Lyka Lamb
Lyka Beef
Lyka Turkey
Lunch
Meals for Mutts Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Sardine
Dinner
Rotate between:
SPD Duck
SPD Salmon
SPD Turkey
Big Dog BARF Goat
Big Dog BARF Turkey
Training
Reward with naturally dehydrated single-ingredient treats.
Weekly Enrichment
Offer a supervised raw chicken necks twice a week if appropriate for your puppy size and recommended by your veterinarian.
Tips for Changing Puppy Food
Whenever introducing a new food:
Transition gradually over 7–14 days.
Mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old food.
Introduce one protein at a time.
Watch for changes in digestion or appetite.
Ensure clean, fresh water is always available.
A gradual transition helps minimise digestive upset and allows your puppy to adapt comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for a new puppy in Australia?
The best puppy food is one that's complete and balanced for growth, suits your puppy's breed and size, and is made with high-quality natural ingredients that are locally sourced where possible. Many owners choose a combination of fresh food, premium kibble and nutritionally balanced raw meals.
Is fresh food better than kibble for puppies?
Both fresh food and premium kibble can provide complete nutrition when formulated for puppies. Many Australian owners successfully feed a combination of the two, along with healthy treats, to add variety and support their puppy's nutritional needs.
How often should I feed my puppy?
Young puppies generally require three to four meals a day. As they grow, most transition to two meals daily. Your feeding schedule should be based on your puppy's age, breed, size and activity level.
Can I rotate different protein sources?
Yes definitely and this helps give variety. Rotating proteins such as lamb, beef, turkey, duck, goat and salmon can provide dietary variety. Introduce new proteins gradually and monitor your puppy for any signs of digestive upset or food sensitivities.
Why do some breeders avoid processed chicken foods sources?
Processed Chicken has been linked to some allergies in dogs for suspected ear infections and skin allergies. This is why some breeders opt for other prefferred protein sources. It is best to monitor your individual puppy for any signs of digestive upset or food sensitivities, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns..
Give Your Puppy the Best Start
Your puppy's first year is an incredible period of growth, learning and development. By choosing high-quality nutrition from the beginning, you're helping support healthy bones, muscles, digestion, skin, coat and overall wellbeing.
Whether you're feeding Lyka Fresh Pet Food, SPD Prim 100 Steam Cooked Rolls, Big Dog BARF, Meals for Mutts Puppy Turkey, Salmon & Sardine, naturally dehydrated treats or incorporating raw chicken necks safely into your puppy's routine, the goal is the same: to provide complete, balanced nutrition that helps your puppy thrive.
At Kooroora Bay Groodle, we're passionate about starting our puppies off and helping their new puppy parents choose the right food for every stage of their dog's life. High quality, locally sourced, premium puppy foods, treats and natural feeding essentials are a must to help your puppy thrive and by creating the perfect feeding plan for your newest family member you can help do this.
*In our experience as breeders and dog owners we have found our puppies and dogs thrive from being feed the above food suggestions from Raw, Fresh and Natural sources. Our puppies are weened onto these foods and have already made the transition gaining good gut biome before they go home to their new families. Giving their families a wide variety of choice to continue to feed their individual puppy high-quality fresh food, balanced raw meals, premium dry food and healthy natural treats without any tummy upsets.
We have since become a Sponsored Affiliated Partner with LYKA Fresh Pet Food & SPD Prime 100.
It is always best to monitor your individual puppy for any signs of digestive upset or food sensitivities, and consult with your vet if you have any concerns.
