Looking To Transition Your Dog To Raw Food?

It’s always a good idea to consult with a vet before making a major dietary change, especially if your pet has any underlying health issues. A vet can provide guidance specific to your pet’s needs.

There are two common methods for transitioning from kibble to raw: Gradual and Cold Turkey (immediate switch). Here’s how each works:

• Gradual Transition: This is often recommended for pets with sensitive stomachs. Start by mixing a small portion of raw food with their kibble, slowly increasing the amount of raw food and decreasing the kibble over 7 to 14 days. This helps your pet’s digestive system adjust gradually.
• Cold Turkey Transition: This approach involves switching from kibble to raw food all at once. It’s typically recommended for pets with resilient digestive systems or when advised by a veterinarian. Some pet owners find this method works best with a brief fasting period (12-24 hours) to allow the pet’s stomach to empty before introducing raw food.

When beginning a raw diet, it’s best to introduce a single, easily digestible protein, like chicken or turkey. Avoid complex mixes at first to let your pet’s system adjust to one protein at a time. After a week or so, gradually introduce other proteins to provide variety and balanced nutrients.

Raw food is more nutrient-dense than kibble, so portion sizes may be smaller. Follow the feeding guidelines for your pet’s weight and activity level, and be sure to measure portions carefully. Regular feeding times can help pets adjust to the new food more predictably.

During the transition, some pets may experience mild digestive changes like softer stools, slight gas, or slight lethargy as they adjust. This is normal, but if symptoms persist for more than a few days or become severe, consult your vet.

Probiotics can help aid digestion and ease the transition. Some raw foods come pre-mixed with probiotics, but if not, adding a pet-safe probiotic supplement may support a healthy gut flora balance during the change.

Pets can sense changes in their diet, so be consistent in portions and feeding schedules. Consistency helps build trust and comfort with their new food.

Raw food has a higher moisture content than kibble, so pets generally drink less water on a raw diet. Monitor their hydration, and always have fresh water available.

With time and careful observation, your pet will likely adapt to and thrive on their new raw diet, leading to improvements in energy, coat condition, and overall well-being.