Is it difficult to switch from kibble to raw pet food?

Transitioning Your Pet from Kibble to Raw Food: A Comprehensive Guide 

Switching from kibble to raw pet food will be your biggest step towards improving your pet’s diet and health. When people make the switch, they often ask what the best way to transition their pet really is. Pet parents are naturally worried about causing stress or an upset stomach for their animals. Lynn Menard is an Advanced Pet Nutritionist and owner of Everything Raw Doggie Café and she is here to address different transition methods and help you to get your pet happily eating raw with the least amount of stress. 

Understanding the Transition: Cold Turkey vs. Slow Transition Methods 

Cold Turkey Method: An Immediate Switch 

For many dogs without major problems in the gut, or major food sensitivities, switching to a raw diet is usually easy, by simply replacing the kibble with the raw dog food. It’s a sudden shift, but with the good flavours that they desire, it’s generally well-received by dogs, and they will transition fine. 

Slow Transition Method: Gradual Introduction 

On the contrary, Lynn recommends a more supportive method for pets with sensitive tummies or who’ve been on kibble for a long time. This method mixes raw food in with your dog or cat’s current kibble diet and increases the amounts of raw food over time. Providing your animal with just a small portion of raw pet food on a normal feeding schedule along with their usual food, and then, day by day, or week by week, increasing the raw portion, gives them time to adjust and reduces the likelihood of digestive upset. 

Tips for a Successful Transition to Raw 

• Monitor your pet for signs of reaction: Watch your pet’s reaction to the new diet. If you notice signs of digestive discomfort or allergies, slow the transition process. 

• Get advice from your vet first: It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to address any specific concerns based on your pet’s health history and nutritional needs. 

• Weigh carefully: The raw dog food you give your furry friend must be produced to high quality standards and be suitable for pets to eat. Look for products made specifically for pet consumption, which will be formulated with the right balance of nutrients. 

• Hygiene Practices: When handling raw food, you should take care to properly wash your hands to avoid cross-contamination to other surfaces or areas of the body such as eyes, mouth and nose. Wash any surfaces or utensils that have come in contact with the raw food. 

The Benefits of Switching your pet to Raw Food 

Lynn advises that the switch to raw dog food can improve digestion, skin and coat, energy levels, dental heath and more. Raw food is much closer to a natural diet for pets, with more nutrients in a more optimal format of natural absorption. 

Thinking of feeding your dog a raw diet? Contact the pet nutrition experts at Everything Raw to discuss how to make the switch!