How to transition from dog kibble to a raw meat diet
By Traci Needles, Founder and Owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds
Published: October 27, 2024
So you’ve researched the benefits of a raw food diet for your German Shepherd and you’ve made the decision to switch to raw. Or you curious about the process of switching to raw and what it entails. Use this guide to learn all about transitioning your dog from a kibble-based diet to a raw food diet.
Still researching a raw diet for your dog or German Shepherd? Read the Nadelhaus German Shepherds’ beginners guide to raw food for dogs.
Video: How to transition your dog from kibble to a raw food diet
View our step by step process on how to transition your dog from kibble to a raw food diet. Also learn what to look for in your dog during the transition and how to monitor changes in your dog’s stool
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
0:26 - The typical amount of time it takes to transition
1:04 - What to watch for
2:03 - How many times a day to feed
2:21 - Changes in your dog's stool
3:26 - Changes in stool size and color
4:21 - How long will it take before I see results?
5:16 - Transitioning from kibble to raw - Step 1 (25% raw)
6:04 - Transitioning from kibble to raw - Step 2 (50% raw)
6:32 - Transitioning from kibble to raw - Step 3 (75% raw)
7:00 - Transitioning from kibble to raw - Step 4 (100% raw)
Why is it important to slowly transition tour dog's diet from kibble to raw food?
At Nadelhaus, we suggest gradually changing your dog’s diet to raw food instead of switching all at once. A slower transition helps your dog’s digestive system to adapt effectively to the new diet and will minimizes the risk of your dog having an upset tummy and diarrhea. By taking the time to transition slowly, you support your dog’s health and comfort throughout the process.
Signs of a smooth transition vs. digestive issues
When transitioning your dog from kibble to a raw diet, it's common to observe changes in their stool. You may notice firmer, smaller stools as their digestive system adapts to the new food. However, diarrhea can occur, especially during the initial stages of the transition. If your dog experiences diarrhea, it is essential to slow down the transition process by reducing the amount of raw food being introduced. You might return to a previous feeding ratio—if your dog was eating two cups of kibble with a golf ball-sized amount of raw, consider reducing it to half that size. Additionally, integrating probiotics can help support their gut health. Remember, stool changes are significant indicators of how well your dog is adjusting to their new diet.
Addressing common challenges in the transition from kibble to a raw food diet
It’s uncommon for a dog to be reluctant to accept raw food, but sometimes it does happen. This is why it is important to start with a small amount of raw food mixed with the dog’s existing kibble diet and to slowly increase the amount over time. If your dog is still resistant, consider adding a splash of bone broth, goat milk, or a sprinkle of their favorite treat can also stimulate interest. If all else fails, consider transitioning with Fido Fuels Freeze-Dried Raw Food which is a bit closer in consistency and texture to kibble. With patience and watchfulness, you can make the healthy transition to raw for your furry friend.
How much raw food should I feed my dog?
Aim to feed your dog a daily amount of raw food equally around 2-4% of the dog’s body weight. When transitioning, feed raw portions at the same times you would normally feed your dog its kibble. Larger dogs may need closer to 4% and smaller dogs may need less.
A 80 pound dog should eat between 1.5 to 3.2 pounds per day, or 11 to 24 pounds per week
A 60 pound dog should eat between 1.2 to 2.4 pounds per day, or 8 to 18 pounds per week
A 40 pound dog should eat between 0.8 to 1.6 pounds per day, or 5.5 to 12 pounds per week
A 25 pound dog should eat between 0.5 to 1 pounds per day, or 3.5 to 8 pounds per week
A 10 pound dog should eat between 0.2 to 0.4 pounds per day, or 1.5 to 4 pounds per week
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and individual food needs can vary. Monitor your pet closely and adjust the food quantity as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
