Nutrition & Diet at Cradle Kennels

At Cradle Kennels, we believe that a strong, healthy life begins with what our puppies eat. Nutrition plays a vital role in their growth, immune strength, digestion, coat condition, and long-term wellness. For this reason, we follow a natural, research-informed approach to feeding that supports the whole dog.

Puppy Feeding Guide

A healthy puppy starts with a healthy diet.

In today’s world, many dogs and cats struggle with issues linked to highly processed foods, such as:

  • Itchy, inflamed skin or chronic eczema

  • Sensitive or upset digestive systems

  • Rapid plaque buildup and black tartar on teeth

And later in life, many pets unfortunately develop conditions like:

  • Diabetes

  • Kidney failure

  • Pancreatitis

  • Cancer

  • And other chronic illnesses

At Cradle Kennels, we have taken this seriously.

After extensive research and observation over many years, we have moved primarily to a raw feeding approach, using high-quality dry food only as a supplement when needed.

The Result?

Our puppies and adult dogs thrive.
We see:

  • Stable digestion

  • Healthier skin and coats

  • Strong teeth and jaw development

  • Calm, balanced energy

  • A more natural relationship with food and mealtime

Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker explains many of these benefits well.

You can learn more in this short talk:

Learn More

How We Introduce Raw Feeding

Starting from 5 weeks old, our puppies are gradually exposed to natural chewing and real food textures that promote healthy development. They are offered:

  • Whole fish (including the bones)

  • Beef lung pieces

  • Chicken and duck heads

  • Beef tripe (rumen/stomach lining)

  • Small portions of raw liver

After these chew sessions, we still offer ground meat with bone included to ensure they are satisfied and nourished.

By 7–8 weeks, our puppies are capable of safely eating:

  • Whole beef lung and tripe

  • Chicken heads including the bones

Their digestive systems and jaw strength develop naturally and gradually, the way nature intended.

Why Chicken & Duck Heads?

This may sound unusual at first, but the benefits are proven:

  • Cost-effective and accessible

  • Naturally balanced ratio of muscle, bone, and organs

  • Helps puppies learn to chew correctly

  • Supports strong teeth and jaw development

  • Encourages calm, satisfied eating behaviors

If preferred, chicken or duck heads can be replaced with other bone-in cuts from the same animals.

For balanced nutrition, we recommend:

  • 50% chicken or duck heads (or substitute bone-in meat)

  • 50% fish, meat, and organs from various animals

This variety supports broad nutrient intake and gut health.

In Short

We feed real food to raise real health.

Our puppies leave Cradle Kennels confident eaters with strong digestion, shiny coats, and happy tummies — ready to thrive in their forever homes.

Puppy Feeding Guide

Puppy Feeding Guide

Starter food packs available at Cradle Kennels

At Cradle Kennels, we feed Hill’s dry food only 3 mornings per week, and the rest of the time our puppies receive raw food. In other words, we follow roughly a 70% raw / 30% dry (70/30) balance.

If you are not yet familiar or comfortable with raw feeding, you can start with a 50/50 approach:

  • Morning: Hill’s dry food

  • Evening: Raw food

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • We do not limit the amount of food until your puppy is 16 weeks old — only the time.
    Leave the food out for 10–15 minutes, then remove whatever is left.

  • Puppies 7–9 weeks old may eat 100–150g of raw food per meal, twice a day.

  • Combine fish & lung with other meat and bone, because feeding fish or lung alone can cause very loose stools the next day.

  • Do not feed more than 1 chicken heart OR 2 teaspoons of large animal heart 3 times per week.

  • Feed 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of any animal liver, 3 times per week.

Get Your Hill’s Science Diet 50% Discount Voucher Here!

Butchery Items – R180

  • Chicken hearts — R20

  • Chicken necks — R25

  • Chicken liver — R20

  • Chicken heads — R20

  • Beef heart — R5

  • Whole sardines — R25

  • Sliced horse mackerel — R20

  • Sliced pilchard — R20

  • Sliced beef lung — R20

  • “Long-and-bone” beef mince roll — R20

Branded Products – R470

  • Paleo Pet 1.2kg — R160

  • Doggobone 500g — R40

  • Hill’s Perfect Digest 1.5kg — R265

Special Offer – R470 🐾

Buy one of each of the branded products and get all the butchery items FREE!