Getting Started - An Easy Transition to Feeding A Fresh Raw Dog Diet 

Feeding a raw diet begins as a journey to the ultimate destination of your pet experiencing the benefits of a fresh, raw food diet.  But this process can be daunting and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.  In just a bit, you’ll be a raw feeding pro too!  

The first step is Trial and Transition.  

Try a bit of raw with your pet first.  We always have samples of many of our raw formulas for you to try at home.  We can also share with you lots of tips and tricks to helping your dog or cat get used to a fresh, raw diet if they’re immediately enamored with it.  Remember, this is very different for many of our pets who’ve only experienced a dry, processed diet up to this point.   

If your dog is enjoying the experience of fresh, raw foods then it’s time to jump in and begin the transition.  Every dog is different but generally speaking starting with ¼ of the daily recommended amount and reducing their regular dry diet by ¼  is a good place to start. Then begin to slowly transition to 100% fresh, raw foods within 1-2 weeks depending on how your dog is doing.  Doing a daily check of their stools  and temperament is a good way to monitor their progress.  You might see loose stools in the beginning as their body adjusts to a fresh, raw food diet and that’s perfectly normal.  The slower you go the easier it will be.  You can also add in a probiotic to help their gut microbiome adjust to fresh foods and add in a bit of raw goat milk or pumpkin while they’re transitioning.   Over time, you’ll see smaller and less smelly stools, which is bonus we can all appreciate!   

The second step is how much to feed  

Once your dog has transitioned to their raw diet, you’ve got to figure out their daily feeding amounts.  But remember, this is only a starting point.  Some dogs require more food depending on their own metabolism, activity level, age, breed and other factors.  You know your own dog best.  Just monitor their weight and adjust accordingly.  Here’s a good guide to help you get started.  

We like to use your dog’s body weight as a guide and use a % to know how much raw to feed.   

% of Total Body Weight to Feed Daily  

1.5% Weight Loss
2% for Non-Active Dogs*
(most of our dogs will fall into this level to start unless their exercising 1+ hour per day)  
2.5% for Active Dogs to Maintain Weight  
3% for Slight Weight Gain  
3.5% for Significant Weight Gain  
4% Kittens and Puppies (8 weeks to one year)
4.5% Kittens and Puppies (4-8 weeks)
4% - 8% Pregnant or Lactating  

Average Weight 2% of Adult Weight: Example
Daily amounts - Feed between 2-3 meals per day  

10 lb – 0.2 lb or 3.2 oz
15 lb – 0.3 lb or 4.8 oz
20 lb – 0.4 lb or 3.2 oz
30 lb – 0.6 lb or 9.6 oz
40 lb – 0.8 lb or 12.8 oz
50 lb – 1 lb – 16 oz  

For More Information on Getting Started in Feeding a Fresh Raw Food Diet - Click Here