How To Transition Your Dog to a Raw Diet
Firstly, there are several transition methods. The method you choose should be the one that suits your schedule, lifestyle, and comfort level. It’s not a “one size fits all” approach.
Below we will break down the various transition options, the pros and cons of each and how to do each step-by-step.
We will discuss everything you need to know so you can determine the option which is best for you and your dog; and we will do so step-by-step.
1. The Immediate (Cold Turkey) Switch
Some dog owners believe in transitioning their dog to raw food immediately. This normally happens once they hear of the benefits of raw food and negative effects of regular food on their dog’s metabolism. They quickly throw out all the processed food, run to the store, stack up on prepackaged raw food and never look back. They switch A.S.A.P!
Pros
• Your dog will receive the benefits of raw foods immediately
Cons
• Digestive issues may occur with some dogs
• Some dogs will refuse the immediate switch
Best Suited for:
• Puppies
• Young dogs
2. The Gradual Switch
This is the opposite of the immediate switch. With this process, instead of switching immediately, you transition your dog to raw food gradually.
By slowly introducing new foods
1. Raw treat first switch
2. Combined switch
3. Separate meals switch
you will decrease the risk of upsetting your dog’s GI tract. Moreover, slowly switching to raw foods will help you to gauge your dog’s preferences for certain raw foods as well as discover whether any intolerances exist for most dogs, the switch will last just about one or two weeks.
Pros
It’s a good way to test the waters
Great for avoiding stomach upset
Cons
The potential for stomach-upset stills exists because you will be moving from treats to raw in a short period of time.
Best Suited For:
• Dogs with sensitive GI tracts
• Young dogs
• Puppies
3. The “Combined” Switch
With this combined or mixed approach, you will offer your dog both types of food at the same time. Every time you feed your dog, you will offer less processed food and more raw food so you are esentially gradually swithcing out the processed food and gradually switching in raw food in a combined manner.
We consider this a good approach because combining both foods will allow your dog’s digestive system to wean itself of processed food while gruadually building up the ability to properly digest raw foods.
Consider the following as a starting point:
We are going to gradually switch your dog to raw food over a week or so:
• Day 1: feed 1/8th of raw food, 7/8th of the old food
• Day 2: feed 1/4th of raw food, 3/4th of the old food
• Day 3: feed 1/2 of raw food, 1/2 of the old food
• Day 4: feed 3/4th of raw food, 1/4th of the old food
• Day 5: feed 7/8th of raw food, 1/8th of the old food
• Day 6: feed 100% of natural raw food
For many dog owners, starting with a larger dose of say 1/4 raw food and 3/4 old food is simpler and easier. However, if your dog is hyper sensitive or has GI issues, start at 1/8th or even less if you wish. Also, please feel free to extend the transition time to two weeks or longer if you wish. As long as you feel it will make it easier on your dog and your family, we are ok with it.
Pros:
Great for avoiding stomach upset
Works well for dogs that refuse raw food after an immediate switch
Cons
Requires measuring food which may be inconvenient
Best Suited for:
• All dogs
• Older Dogs
• Dogs with sensitive digestive systems
Quick Selection
Below we have a quick selection of the process you can use to switch your dog depending on your circumstances. Once you choose a method, you can then read about the process further below:
Puppies
Your dog is a young, healthy puppy – Use the immediate switch
Your dog regularly experiences digestive issues – Use the gradual switch
Mid Age Dogs
Your dog is healthy and is not used to raw food – Use the gradual switch
Your dog regularly experiences digestive issues – Use the gradual switch
Senior Dogs
Your dog is senior is not used to raw food – Use the gradual switch
You’ve Always Fed Your Dog Cooked Food – Use the combined switch
Your Dog Is Not Interested In Raw Food – Use the combined switch
