What we feed our pups (and why we’re so intentional about it)
When I first started Olive Branch Bernedoodles, I knew how much I was asking of my mama dogs. Pregnancy, birth, nursing—it takes a lot out of them. And if I was going to ask that much, I wanted to make sure I was giving just as much back.
That’s what led me to start researching nutrition.
At first, raw feeding felt a little out there. I had all the usual hesitations—it seemed messy, a bit intense, and so different from what I’d always done. But the more I learned, the more it clicked. Especially when I started to see the difference it made in our adult dogs—better digestion, more stable energy, healthier coats, and just an overall shift in wellbeing.
But what really shifted for me was realizing how much of a dog’s wellbeing—including brain development, immunity, and emotional regulation—starts in the gut.
That’s what made me stop and think: If food can make that much of a difference for adult dogs… what could it do for puppies during their most important window of development?
So we carried that same intention into our litters.
Nutrition and Development: Why It Matters Early
In the first few weeks of life, puppies go through an incredible amount of change. Their brains, immune systems, and digestive systems are just beginning to develop—and the nutrition they get during this time helps shape how those systems function for the rest of their lives.
A carefully balanced raw diet supports those early foundations in some really important ways:
Gut Health & Microbiome Diversity
Because raw food is unprocessed, it offers high bioavailability—meaning puppies can absorb nutrients more efficiently. That matters when their digestive systems are still maturing. Raw diets also help establish a more diverse gut microbiome, which plays a big role in everything from nutrient absorption to emotional regulation.
Immune System Support
A diverse microbiome doesn’t just help with digestion—it’s one of the body’s first lines of defense. By supporting gut health early, we’re also helping strengthen the immune system, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of allergies as pups grow.
Brain Development & Emotional Resilience
Puppies need high-quality proteins and omega-3 fatty acids (like DHA) to support brain growth and development. A raw diet that includes things like grass-fed meats or oily fish helps support neural growth and myelination. And since the gut-brain connection is so strong, supporting the gut often means supporting focus, learning, and calm behavior, too.
It Has to Be Balanced (and Safe)
One of the most important things to understand about raw feeding—especially for puppies—is that it has to be balanced. Raw diets aren’t just about tossing meat into a bowl. Puppies have very specific nutritional needs while they grow, and getting those ratios right really matters.
That’s why we work with trusted resources and pre-formulated raw providers to ensure every meal includes the right combination of:
High-quality proteins
Organ meats, rich in essential vitamins and minerals
Bone, included in the correct amounts to support calcium and phosphorus needs
Healthy fats, with a careful balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
We don’t take shortcuts—especially not when it comes to a puppy’s development.
For families interested in continuing raw feeding at home, we’re always happy to recommend safe, reliable options. In fact, we feed and distribute Albright’s Raw Dog Food through our sister company, Hooraw—which we started to make raw feeding more accessible for our puppy families. If you’re curious or want help getting started, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Happens When They Go Home?
Once our puppies are weaned, they begin eating a carefully formulated raw diet that’s designed to support strong growth, steady energy, and healthy digestion. For families who choose to stick with raw, we’ll walk you through everything you need—from portion sizes and transition plans to sourcing and storage tips.
But if raw feeding isn’t the right fit for your home, that’s okay too. We’re not here to convince you one way or the other—we’re here to raise healthy, well-balanced puppies and support you in doing what works best for your lifestyle.
What matters most is that your pup continues getting nutrient-dense, high-quality food that supports the amazing foundation we’ve already started.
Whether you're curious about raw feeding or just want to understand what goes on behind the scenes, we’re always happy to answer questions. At the end of the day, nutrition is just one of the many ways we support your pup’s early development—and help set them up for a healthy, balanced life.
