Step by step transitioning your dog to a raw food diet

Transitioning Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transitioning your dog from commercial dry or wet food to a raw diet to one with fresh food ingredients  can feel a little daunting, but with a gradual approach and plenty of patience, it’s entirely doable. Every dog is different, so it’s important to take it at your pet’s pace and monitor how they’re adjusting along the way.

Why Transition Slowly?

 If your dog has been eating commercial pet food, their digestive system has adapted to that diet, often high in carbohydrates. This results in a specific gut pH level that differs from what’s needed to digest raw food. A sudden switch can lead to tummy troubles, so giving your dog’s gut time to adjust is key.

Some dogs adapt quickly, while others may take a little longer—and that’s perfectly okay! Remember, there’s no rush. The goal is to make the transition as comfortable as possible for your furry friend.

Step-by-Step Transition Guide

1. Days 1-2: Start Slow

• Replace about 10% of your dog’s current food with raw food.

• Keep an eye on their poop—make sure it’s well-formed and that your dog seems happy and healthy.

• If everything looks good, repeat this step the next night.

2. Days 3-4: Gradually Increase

• Up the raw food portion to 20% while reducing the old food.

• Monitor your dog’s poop and behaviour. If all is well, continue with this ratio for another day.

3. Day 5-7: Half and Half

• Move to a 50/50 split of raw and old food.

• Stick with this ratio for about three days to give their system time to adapt.

4. Days 8-9: Almost There

• Increase the raw food to 75% and reduce the old food to 25%.

• Keep watching for any signs of digestive upset.

5. Day 10: Full Transition

• If all has gone well, it’s time to move to 100% raw food!

• Continue monitoring your dog’s poop and overall well-being.

What If My Dog Has an Upset Stomach?

If at any point your dog shows signs of an upset tummy—like loose stools or discomfort—simply revert to the previous step and slow down the transition. Some dogs might take a few weeks, while others might need a few months. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so go at your dog’s pace and don’t feel pressured to rush.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from an even slower transition, holding each step for a few days longer. It’s all about what works best for your individual dog.

Things You Might Notice After Transitioning

• Reduced Thirst: Raw food naturally contains more moisture than kibble, so your dog may drink less. That’s normal! Just make sure they’re still drinking regularly, and consider adding water to meals if you’re concerned.

• Smaller, Less Smelly Poops: One of the biggest perks of raw feeding! Your dog will likely have smaller, firmer poops that are less odorous. This is because raw food is more digestible and nutrient-dense, leaving less waste.

Transitioning to a raw diet can seem overwhelming, but remember—it’s a journey, not a race. Listen to your dog’s needs. You’ll soon notice the positive changes in their health and happiness, and you won’t look back!

If you have any questions or need guidance during the transition, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your dog’s well-being is worth the effort. info@naturalanimalnutritionists.com.au