Switching to raw food is a loving choice for your pet's health—and yes, it can feel a bit overwhelming. You're doing a great job just by exploring it.
The good news? Thousands of pet parents have made the switch. With a simple plan and a little patience, you can, too. So, let's keep it easy and make this journey smooth for both of you.
Pets are creatures of habit. If your dog has been on the same kibble for months (or years), his digestive system is used to that routine.
Switching to raw is like you going from pizza to sushi overnight—your body would need time to adjust. That's why we recommend a gentle, gradual transition to keep tummies happy.
The most common mistake we see? Pet parents getting so excited about raw food (and we love that enthusiasm!) that they make the switch too quickly. While their hearts are in the right place, this can lead to:
• Upset stomachs and loose stools
• Food rejection or pickiness
• Unnecessary stress for both pet and parent
• Giving up before seeing the benefits
This approach has worked for countless pets, and we're confident it'll work for yours too! The best barometer is to keep an eye on your dog's stool—if it is too loose or too hard, slow the pace and give their tummy time to adjust.
Days 1-3: The "Hello, Nice to Meet You" Phase
Start with 75% of your pet's regular food and just 25% raw food. This tiny introduction lets your pet's digestive system say "hello" to the new food without any shock. Mix the raw food right into the kibble.
Days 4-6: The "Getting Comfortable" Phase
Now we're at 50% regular food and 50% raw food. You might notice your pet starting to get more excited about mealtime during this phase. That little tail wag when you're preparing dinner? That's a great sign!
Days 7-9: The "Almost There" Phase
Shift to 25% regular food and 75% raw food. By now, your pet's digestive system should be humming along nicely with the new routine. Don't be surprised if they start giving you those pleading eyes for more of the good stuff!
Day 10: The "We Did It!" Celebration
Welcome to 100% raw food! Take a moment to celebrate—you've successfully transitioned your pet to a diet that'll support their health for years to come.
Some pets need a little extra convincing, and that's perfectly okay! If your furry friend is giving you the stink eye about this whole raw food situation, try the "topper method."
Start by using just a tiny bit of raw food as a topper or gravy mixed into their regular meal. They can't pick it out, but they'll start getting used to the smell and taste. Once they're eagerly anticipating meals with their special topper, you can begin the gradual transition we outlined above.
Pro tip for our cat parents: Cats can be especially particular about food changes. If your kitty decides to stage a hunger strike (because drama is their specialty), don't panic! Some cats need 1-6 weeks for a complete transition. Just remember—patience and persistence always win with our feline friends.
Our Canine Companions
Most dogs are wonderfully enthusiastic about trying new foods—they're often ready to dive headfirst into that raw food bowl! However, if your pup has a sensitive stomach or has dealt with digestive issues before, take it even slower. There's no rush, and every dog deserves to feel comfortable with their new diet.
Our Feline Friends
Cats... well, they're cats! They can be incredibly finicky, and unlike dogs who might reluctantly try something new, cats will sometimes choose to go without food entirely rather than eat something unfamiliar. This makes patience absolutely essential. Remember, your cat isn't being stubborn—they're just being true to their cautious nature.
As you go through this transition, you might notice some changes, and that's completely normal! Here's what to expect:
Normal Adjustment Signs:
• Smaller poops (and let's be honest ... who doesn't love that?)
• Increased enthusiasm for mealtime
• More energy and alertness
• Shinier coat (this usually takes a few weeks)
When to Slow Down:
• Loose stool or constipation (even early on) or upset stomach—this is your cue to slow the transition and give your dog's digestive system time to adjust
• Complete food refusal for more than 24 hours
• Unusual lethargy or discomfort
If you notice any concerning signs, simply go back to the previous ratio for a few more days. Your pet's comfort and health always come first!
Let's be honest—not every day of this transition will be smooth sailing, and that's okay! If your pet seems hesitant or you're feeling uncertain, take a deep breath. You're not doing anything wrong. Remember that you're doing something wonderful for your pet's long-term health and those benefits are worth the patience required during this transition period.
• Begin with tiny amounts and really pay attention to how your pet responds. Every animal is different, and you know your furry friend better than anyone!
• Jot down what you're feeding and how your pet reacts. This can be incredibly helpful if you need to adjust the timeline or troubleshoot any issues.
• If your pet needs an extra week at any phase, that's perfectly fine! There's no prize for finishing fastest—there's only the prize of a healthy, happy pet.
• Try mixing the raw food more thoroughly with the regular food, or add a splash of warm, plain, salt-free bone broth to enhance the aroma. Some pets respond better to different textures or temperatures, and finding what works for your pet is part of the journey.
The transition to raw food is truly a gift you're giving your pet—better nutrition, improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and often increased energy and vitality. Yes, it requires patience; but watching your pet thrive on their new diet is worth it.
Breathe! Take it one day at a time, trust your instincts as a loving pet parent, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Your furry family member is lucky to have someone who cares enough to make this positive change for their health and happiness!
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