How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food Safely

Making the switch to raw feeding does not have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation and a gradual approach, most dogs transition smoothly and owners quickly wonder why they did not do it sooner. Here is a straightforward guide to getting started.

Why Go Gradually?

A sudden change in any dog's diet can cause digestive upset. Introduce a new food gradually where practical, observe your dog's appetite and stools, and adjust the pace with veterinary advice if needed. There is no reliable rule that every dog must follow the same timetable.

The Gradual Transition Method

This is the approach we recommend for most dogs, particularly those coming off kibble or wet food:

• Days 1 to 3: Replace 25% of your dog's current food with raw. Keep the rest as their usual food.
• Days 4 to 6: Move to a 50/50 split.
• Days 7 to 9: Increase raw to 75%, reduce the old food to 25%.
• Day 10 onwards: Transition fully to raw.

Some dogs, particularly younger ones or those with robust digestion, can switch more quickly. Others, especially older dogs or those with sensitive stomachs, may need two to three weeks. Follow your dog's lead.

What to Feed During the Transition

Start with a single, easy-to-digest protein. Chicken and turkey are popular choices as they tend to be gentle on the stomach. Our complete raw minces are ideal for this stage as the ratios of meat, bone and offal are already balanced, so you do not need to think about getting the mix right yourself.

Avoid introducing multiple new proteins at once during the transition. Once your dog is settled on raw, you can start rotating proteins to broaden the nutritional profile.

What to Watch For

Some dogs have a temporary change in their stools when changing food, but persistent diarrhoea, blood in the stool, repeated vomiting or lethargy should not be dismissed as a normal transition. Contact your vet if your dog becomes unwell, and get prompt advice for puppies or vulnerable dogs.

If loose stools persist beyond a week, try slowing the transition down or switching to a leaner protein. If your dog seems unwell, lethargic or is vomiting, speak to your vet.

Tips to Make It Easier

• Raw and kibble can be combined when appropriate. There is no good evidence that different digestion speeds make mixing inherently unsafe. Some owners prefer separate meals for portion control. Whichever approach you choose, use appropriate complete foods, adjust the total daily ration and handle raw meat hygienically.
• Defrost in the fridge rather than on the worktop. Move the next meal from freezer to fridge the night before.
• Keep it simple at first. One protein, one meal format. You can add variety once your dog is settled.
• Be patient. Most dogs take to raw quickly, but some need a little longer to adjust.

Ready to Get Started?

Our raw feeding guide covers everything from portion sizes to protein rotation in more detail. And if you want to browse what is available, our complete raw meals are a great starting point. We offer nationwide delivery and collection from Moordown and Blandford.

Veterinary advice and food safety sources

For independent guidance, see PDSA's advice on changing your dog's diet and the Food Standards Agency's raw pet food guidance.