How to Introduce Your Dog to Raw Food

How to Introduce Your Dog to Raw Food

Want to improve your dog’s health through better nutrition? Raw food can transform your pet’s wellbeing. This guide will show you how to switch your dog to raw meals safely and confidently, with expert guidance from Fetching Foods. Our handcrafted meals contain 95% meat and offal, with 5% organic plant matter, giving your dog complete nutrition from ingredients you can trust.

Benefits of Raw Food for Dogs

Your dog’s ancestors thrived on fresh, uncooked food – and so can your pet. Dogs eating raw diets show real improvements in their health, from cleaner teeth to better digestion. The natural enzymes in raw food help your dog break down nutrients more effectively.

When you switch to raw feeding, you’ll likely notice your dog’s coat becoming softer and shinier thanks to fresh proteins and healthy fats. Many of our customers tell us their dogs have more energy for play and fewer allergy symptoms after making the change.  Then there’s also far less poop, which is never a bad thing.

Planning the Transition

Moving to raw food takes some preparation, but you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. We’ll guide you through each step, from choosing your first ingredients to setting up your kitchen for success.

Choose Your Starting Point

Your dog’s raw food journey should start with a single protein that’s gentle on the stomach. At Fetching Foods, we recommend starting with the Sampler Pack.  This will tell you what your pup likes best before you purchase larger amounts.  Once you know what proteins are your dog’s favorites, stock up on those proteins. 

Set a Timeline

Take it slow especially if your dog has health issues – your dog’s body needs time to adjust to raw food. While most dogs adapt in 3-14 days, some need more time, especially older pets or those with sensitive digestion. Watch how your dog responds and adjust your pace accordingly. There’s no rush to reach the finish line.

Step-by-Step Transition Guide

Days 1-3

Start by mixing a small amount of raw food (25%) with your dog’s regular meals. Keep meal times consistent with your normal schedule. Pay attention to your dog’s energy and bathroom habits during this early stage.  Observe the quality of the stool.

Days 4-7

Now you’ll serve half raw food and half regular food. Your dog might get more excited about mealtimes – that’s a good sign! Keep watching how your pet responds to the increasing amount of raw food.

Days 8-10

Time to increase raw food to 75% of the meal. You might notice your dog’s coat looking better already. Many pet parents tell us their dogs have fresher breath by this point too.

Days 11-14

You’ve reached 100% raw food – congratulations! Your dog should be eager for meals and showing positive changes in health and energy. Keep your feeding schedule steady to help your dog thrive.

Best Practices for Success

Making raw feeding work for your household means following some simple but important guidelines. These practices will help keep both you and your dog safe and healthy as you embrace raw feeding.

Food Safety

Handling raw meat requires care, just like when you prepare your own meals. Keep raw food frozen until 1-2 days before use, then thaw it in your refrigerator. Clean your prep area, bowls, and tools after each use. Don’t leave raw food out for more than 30 minutes.

Store your dog’s raw meals at safe temperatures: 42°F or cooler in the fridge, 0°F or cooler in the freezer. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.

Portion Control

Your dog’s meals should match their needs based on weight, age, and how active they are. Younger dogs typically need more food, while senior pets might require less. Feed adult dogs twice daily, keeping mealtimes consistent.

Monitoring Progress

Keep track of how your dog changes during the switch to raw food. Notice their energy during walks, how their coat looks, and if their bathroom habits are healthy. Take weekly photos to see the improvements. Share what you observe with your vet at checkups.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even positive changes can bring temporary challenges. Here’s how to handle the most common hurdles you might face when switching to raw food.

Picky Eating

If your dog seems unsure about raw food, try serving it at room temperature to boost the natural scent. Set regular mealtimes and pick up uneaten food after 20 minutes. Our Fetching Foods recipes use high-quality ingredients that appeal to even selective dogs.  Here are tips and tricks to overcome pickiness LINK.

Digestive Adjustment

Some changes in digestion are normal at first. If you notice loose stools, slow down the transition and slightly reduce meal sizes until things improve.

Ready to give your dog the benefits of raw food? Visit Fetching Foods to find premium raw meals made just for dogs like yours. Our team will help you build a meal plan that matches your dog’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is raw food safe for all dogs?

All animals, except humans and their pets, eat and thrive on a fresh, raw diet. Including dogs. However, consult your veterinarian before switching, especially if your dog has specific health conditions.

How much raw food should I feed my dog?

Generally, adult dogs need 2-3% of their body weight daily. Puppies, senior dogs, and very active dogs may need adjusted portions.  Our FAQ has a feeding table to help you easily calculate starting point for how much to feed.

Can I mix raw food with kibble?

Yes.  There is no harm or issue with mixing the two together.  Read more HERE.

How long can I store raw dog food?

Thawed raw food stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If kept properly frozen, Fetching Foods will be good even after 12 months in the freezer.

Will raw food make my dog aggressive?

No scientific evidence supports this myth. Raw food doesn’t influence dog behavior.

What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

Start with a single protein source and transition very slowly – all of the proteins in the Only Dog Sampler Pack are single proteins.  Also select boneless products, since bone can be difficult to digest, especially in older dogs.

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