There are two methods used when transitioning from a commercial dry kibble or cooked food to raw food. When transitioning, it is important to remember that your dog’s stomach is accustomed to its current diet. The enzymes and acidity levels required to digest raw food’s high quality protein content are completely different, your dog may experience some loose stools and or vomiting through this transition. Although this can be alarming, it is your dog adjusting to its new healthier nutrient dense diet.
Method 1: Fast Switch (Recommended for Puppies, and active dogs)
- Fast your dog for 24 hours.
- Serve poultry (chicken, turkey, or duck) for the first few meals at room temperature. Most dogs have an easier time digesting poultry than red meats, and serving at room temperature or with a bit of warm water can make it easier on your dog’s stomach as well as more appetizing.
- After 3-4 days add red meat proteins (beef, pork) and gourmet blends.
- Continue to rotate proteins every few days to see how your dog is reacting to each protein.
- After another 3-4 days pay close attention to your dog’s stool as this is an indicator of how their digestive system is reacting. They should be fully transitioned at this point so any diarrhea or dry stool may be caused by a food intolerance/allergy.
Method 2: Gradual Switch (Recommended for less active dogs, Older and or overweight)
- Begin slowly transitioning your dog’s food from dry to raw, starting with 25% raw and 75% dry. Serve the dry and raw separately at different times as they are both digested at different rates. Serve poultry (chicken, turkey, or duck) for the first few meals at room temperature. Most dogs have an easier time digesting poultry than red meats, and serving at room temperature or with a bit of warm water can make it easier on your dog’s stomach as well as more appetizing.
- After a few days increase the amount of raw food to 50% and add in a red meat protein (beef or pork). Make sure to pay close attention to your dog’s stool as this is a great indicator of how their digestive system is reacting. If they are experiencing loose stools or diarrhea decrease the amount of raw and increase at a slower rate to allow your pet to adjust.
- Continue gradually increasing the amount of raw food until it’s a completely raw diet, and rotate every few days to see how your dog is reacting to each protein.
- For the next 3-4 days pay close attention to your dog’s stool as this is an indicator of how their digestive system is reacting. They should be fully transitioned at this point so any diarrhea or dry stool may be caused by a food intolerance/allergy.