Natural Puppy Nutrition: How I Feed My Puppies and Why It Matters

Hi, I’m Heather—and I love my fur babies like they’re family. Because to me, they are.

After more than a decade of raising Mini Golden Retrievers and over twenty years of motherhood, I’ve come to understand that raising a happy, healthy puppy starts with natural puppy nutrition.

From choosing clean, nourishing food to avoiding over-vaccination and supporting the gut and teeth early on—everything I do with my puppies is focused on building health from the inside out.

Let me walk you through exactly how I approach feeding and wellness here at Big Hearted Breeders, and why I believe in going back to nature to raise strong, thriving dogs.

Why natural puppy nutrition is my foundation

I used to be overwhelmed by pet food marketing. So many labels. So many promises. But when I dug deeper—both as a mom and later as a certified pet nutrition coach—I realized how much misinformation was out there.

That’s why I made the shift to natural puppy nutrition, and I’ve never looked back.

My puppies now enjoy:

• Healthier digestion
• Stronger immunity
• Softer, shinier coats
• Clearer eyes and balanced energy
• Fewer allergies and sensitivities

All because I started feeding them food that actually supports their bodies, not just fills their bowls.

The food I trust (and why it’s non-negotiable)

I’ve been working exclusively with PawTree for over eight years now. Their food is made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables, free from by-products, artificial dyes, corn, soy, and wheat.

It’s nutrient-dense, highly digestible, and—best of all—it works.

Their Whitefish & Brown Rice formula has been my go-to for young puppies, and I love topping it with a small pump of Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and a sprinkle of pawPairings superfood seasonings for extra variety.

This is natural puppy nutrition at its best, and my Mini Goldens absolutely thrive on it.

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil: a daily dose of brilliance

Salmon oil is something I’ll never go without. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support:

• Cognitive development
• Heart and joint health
• Smooth skin and soft, shiny coats
• Reduced inflammation

When your puppy’s body has the right building blocks, you can see it in their behavior, their fur, their eyes—and their smile.

Gut health is whole-body health

Did you know over 70% of a dog’s immune system lives in the gut?

That’s why I include Gastro Pro Plus, PawTree’s daily digestive supplement, in all my puppies’ routines. It’s a natural way to support their gut biome—especially during weaning and the transition to a new home.

Better digestion means better absorption and a stronger immune system. It’s all connected, and it starts with natural puppy nutrition and daily probiotic support.

Dental health can (and should) start young

Clean teeth are about more than fresh breath—they’re a vital part of long-term health.

That’s why I include Plaque Control dental treats in my puppy training sessions. They’re gentle, natural, and help reduce tartar without adding stress or struggle to tooth care.

Establishing a healthy mouth early on is a gift to your future self—and your dogs.

Why I recommend titer testing over annual vaccines

I’m not anti-vaccine. I’m pro personalized care.

Rather than automatically giving annual boosters, I recommend titer testing. This simple blood test checks whether your dog still has immunity from past vaccines—so you can avoid over-vaccinating if it’s not needed.

This gentle approach aligns with my natural puppy nutrition philosophy: give the body what it needs, and don’t overwhelm it with what it doesn’t.

A look at my daily feeding routine

Morning:

• PawTree Real Whitefish & Brown Rice kibble
• 1 pump Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
• A sprinkle of pawPairings
• 1-2 chews of Plaque control (depending on weight)
• 1-2 chews of Gastro Pro Plus (depending on weight)

Midday training:

• Freeze-dried beef bites or Plaque Control treats

Evening:

• One of pawTree’s kibble formulas

That’s it. Clean, simple, natural. And every ingredient has a purpose.

Why I’m so passionate about natural puppy nutrition

This isn’t just about what goes in the bowl. It’s about raising dogs who feel amazing in their own skin.

When I switched to natural feeding and holistic support, I saw easier transitions, fewer upset stomachs, and more resilience in stressful situations. Puppies felt good—and it showed.

It’s not just theory. I live it every day, with every litter.

Want to start a natural nutrition plan for your pup?

Whether you’re bringing home one of my Mini Goldens or just looking to support your current dog in a better way, I’m here to help.

I offer a free 15-minute nutrition consultation for families who want to take a more intentional, natural route. We’ll talk about food, supplements, treats, titer testing—whatever you need.

Because raising a healthy dog starts here

At Big Hearted Breeders, I don’t just raise puppies. I raise companions.

And I do it through natural puppy nutrition, gentle care, and a whole lot of love.

When you feed your puppy with purpose, you’re giving them a future full of energy, confidence, and joy. And I’ll be right here to walk with you every step of the way.