How to Switch Your Dog to a Raw Diet

Can Every Dog Switch to Raw?

Most healthy dogs can successfully switch to a complete and balanced raw diet, regardless of whether they're currently eating kibble, wet food or another diet. Every dog is an individual, however, so the best transition method may vary depending on their age, health and previous diet. After years of helping owners switch their dogs to a healthy raw diet, we recommend following our 4 Week Easy Switch Plan below. 

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Healthy Adult Dogs

Healthy adult dogs are usually the easiest to transition. Many owners choose to make a straight switch from their existing food to raw, while others prefer a more gradual approach. Both methods can be successful, and we'll explain below how we recommend to make the switch. 

Puppies

Puppies also thrive on a nutritionally complete raw diet, but their nutritional requirements differ from those of adult dogs. If you're introducing a puppy to raw, it's important to choose a diet that's specifically formulated for growth and to ensure they're receiving the correct amount for their age and expected adult weight.

We offer a range of products specifically formulated for puppies. 

Senior Dogs

Age alone isn't a reason to avoid raw feeding. Many older dogs transition successfully and continue to enjoy a complete raw diet. There are a range of health benefits that go hand in hand with feeding a raw diet.

We offer a range of products specifically formulated for Senior dogs. 

Dogs with Existing Health Conditions

Dogs with diagnosed medical conditions, food sensitivities or those on prescription diets may still be able to eat a raw diet, but it's sensible to seek advice before making significant dietary changes. If your dog has a medical condition or you're unsure whether raw feeding is suitable, speak to your vet or a qualified canine nutrition professional before beginning the transition.

Top Tip

Most healthy dogs don't need a complicated transition plan. Whether you choose to switch straight away or gradually over a number of days, monitoring your dog's appetite, stools and overall wellbeing will help you decide if any adjustments are needed as they settle into their new diet.

Choosing the Best Transition Method

Straight Switch

We recommend the below 4 week plan. There is no need to gradually introduce raw, sticking with the below plan that we've developed has helped thousands of dogs make the transition to a healthy raw diet. 

The Easy Switch 4 Week Plan

Week 1: Classic Turkey or Classic Lamb Tripe and Turkey

Week 2: Classic Beef Tripe and Chicken or Classic Beef Tripe and Duck

Week 3: Classic Beef and Duck or Classic Beef, Rabbit and Duck

Week 4: Paleo Plus Lamb & Mint complete or Paleo Plus Tukey & Fish complete

Week 5: Try some more flavours from our Classic 80-10-10 or Paleo Plus ranges of complete feeds. We also do some great hampers.

Gradual Transition

If you wish to add raw in increasing amounts, while decreasing the old food over 3-5 days, that is fine. There are no hard and fast rules here, so do what you feel is right for your dog and his or her needs. The most important thing is that you have chosen to make the switch, and whether you do it right away or over a few days, you will be doing the best thing you could do for your dog!

Now your dog is fully transitioned, you should be seeing the many benefits of raw feeding. Excitement at mealtimes, less upsets and/or allergies, softer coat, cleaner teeth, healthier with more vitality and happy and fulfilled, to mention a few!

Why Variety Matters in a Raw Diet

When raw feeding, variety is essential. Dogs will gain different levels of nutrients from different animals so, the more variety the better.

You should be aiming to feed at least 5-6 different species i.e. lamb, beef, duck, chicken, fish, pork, venison, turkey, kangaroo etc over a 2-month period. Once fully transitioned to raw, you can add a raw egg (including the shell) or whole fish once or twice per week. Bone broth is a great addition too!

To ensure your dog is getting everything they need after you have fully transitioned to raw dog food, we recommend choosing a variety of complete feeds from our Classic Range of 80-10-10 complete meals and our Paleo Plus complete meals.

Fruit & Veg

Many people like to add vegetables and/or fruit to their dog’s raw diet. Our Paleo Plus range includes a nutritious mix of superfoods. 

For those who do not wish to feed fruit or veg, our Classic Range 80-10-10 meals and DIY range are perfect.

Dogs do not possess the stomach enzymes capable of breaking down vegetable matter, so mostly it just passes through. This is why blitzing, pulping or grinding is always recommended.

A raw fruit or vegetable treat like a carrot or banana, goes down well with many dogs and is certainly better than a processed treat. Blueberries are excellent for training, not only are they delicious, they are packed with antioxidants.

Bones

Chewing on bones offers a great source of mental and physical enrichment for your dog. Bone should be fed sparingly and should always be supervised. Too much bone will cause constipation and could lead to impaction.

Dogs that are given bone too early when switching, often vomit it back up a few hours later (some don’t and that's fine too). This is because the stomach acids have not increased sufficiently to properly digest bones. Don’t panic! If they are sick and seem fine in every other way, they may just need a little more time for their stomach to adjust.

Top Tip

Wait until your dog has completed the transition before introducing recreational raw bones. 

Raw fed dogs have much higher stomach acidity than kibble fed dogs. This is perfectly natural and is important in helping dogs to digest meat and bone.

Water Intake

Raw fed dogs obtain a lot of moisture from their food so you will notice your dog drinking less. If you are switching from kibble, there can be a very noticeable reduction in water intake. This is perfectly normal.

Dogs should always have unlimited access to fresh water.

Less Frequent Stools

Raw fed dogs poop much less. When switching to raw, dogs can often go a day or two without pooping at all. Raw is totally natural and as such is moisture rich and highly digestible. Waste is minimal as the body utilises all the moisture and goodness.

Smaller Stools

Raw fed dogs produce stools that are much smaller, and pellet-like. Often only passing stools once a day, sometimes skipping a day. This is totally normal. As long as your dog is happy and comfortable, this is fine.

If you have any concerns at all, please do not hesitate to contact us on:

info@paleoridge.co.uk

02394 210800