Every Life Stage.
Every Nutrient.
Covered.
A puppy doesn't eat like an adult. A nursing mother doesn't eat like either. RawPawIQ automatically adjusts NRC requirements based on your dog's life stage— because one-size-fits-all formulation doesn't work.
Why Lifestage Matters
NRC 2006 defines different nutrient requirements for different life stages. Feeding adult maintenance levels to a growing puppy—or vice versa—creates problems.
| Nutrient | Puppy | Adult | Lactating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 3,000 mg | 1,000 mg | 1,900 mg |
| Protein | 56.3 g | 25 g | 50 g |
| Phosphorus | 2,500 mg | 750 mg | 1,200 mg |
| Energy (RER) | 130 × BW^0.75 | 130 × BW^0.75 | 145 × BW^0.75 |
Values shown per 1,000 kcal ME. Early puppies need 3× the calcium of adults.
5 Life Stages Supported
Select your dog's life stage and requirements adjust automatically
Puppy (4-14 weeks)
Rapid growth phase with highest nutrient density requirements
- Higher calcium needs for bone development
- Increased protein for muscle growth
- Critical window for proper skeletal formation
- Ca:P ratio especially important
Nutrient imbalances during this stage can cause permanent skeletal problems
Puppy (14 weeks - 1 year)
Continued growth with gradually decreasing requirements
- Still elevated vs adult requirements
- Gradual transition toward maintenance
- Large breeds need careful calcium management
- Supporting joint and organ development
Over-supplementation can be as harmful as deficiency in growing dogs
Adult (Maintenance)
Baseline NRC requirements for healthy adult dogs
- Standard NRC 2006 maintenance values
- Adjusts based on body weight
- Activity level considerations
- Foundation for all other life stages
Pregnant (Gestation)
Increased energy and nutrients to support developing puppies
- Energy needs increase through pregnancy
- Higher protein requirements
- Increased mineral needs for fetal development
- Folic acid and other B vitamins critical
Nutrient timing matters—requirements change as pregnancy progresses
Lactating (Nursing)
Highest energy demands of any life stage
- Energy needs 2-4x maintenance levels
- Massive calcium demands for milk production
- Protein requirements significantly elevated
- Hydration critically important
Eclampsia risk if calcium needs not met during peak lactation
How It Works in RawPawIQ
Automatic adjustment, zero manual calculation
Create a Dog Profile
Enter your dog's date of birth, weight, and reproductive status. We calculate their life stage automatically.
Requirements Adjust Automatically
NRC targets update to match the selected life stage. A puppy sees puppy requirements; a nursing mom sees lactation requirements.
Formulate with Confidence
Build your recipe knowing the compliance targets are correct for your specific dog. Green means balanced for their life stage.
Automatic Age Transitions
When you enter a date of birth, RawPawIQ calculates the current age and suggests the appropriate life stage. As your puppy grows, update their profile and requirements adjust accordingly. No need to remember when to switch—we'll help you track it.
Formulate for Your Dog's Life Stage
Create a profile and get requirements tailored to their specific needs.