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Transitioning to a New Pet Food

Why do a pet food transition?

Transitioning your dog or cat to a raw pet food diet can offer numerous benefits for their health and well-being. Raw food closely mimics their natural diet, providing essential nutrients, and promoting better digestion. However, transitioning requires patience, as every pet adjusts differently. Below, is a transitioning schedule, and offer specific tips for dogs and cats to ease the process.

Transitioning Schedule

Day 1 - 3: Feed 25% raw food and 75% old food.
Day 4 - 6: Feed 50% raw food and 50% old food.
Day 7 - 9: Feed 75% raw food and 25% old food.
Day 10+: Feed 100% raw food.

Tips for Getting Dogs to Try Raw

  • Add a probiotic like our Protein Bites, raw goat milk, or kefir to aid digestion.
  • Introduce tasty toppers such as egg, crushed anchovies, or organic fish oil.
  • Mix the old food and raw together thoroughly to prevent picking out the old food.
  • Use freeze-dried as a training treat or crumble it over their current food.
  • Serve food at different temperatures; slightly warmed food enhances the aroma.
  • Set designated meal times rather than leaving food out all day.

Tips for Transitioning Cats to Raw

Cats who have only eaten dry foods may be more challenging to switch to fresh food. It's essential to be patient and NOT use a tough love approach, as cats will starve themselves which can cause serious health issues quickly, especially in overweight cats.

Here are tips for transitioning cats:

  • Crumble freeze-dried over their existing food to encourage exploration.
  • Establish designated meal times to stimulate hunger.
  • Hide freeze-dried nuggets around the house for them to discover.
  • Start with a protein your cat enjoys.
  • Offer the raw in a new place, away from their normal feeding area
  • Warm the food slightly to enhance the aroma.
  • Rehydrate freeze-dried with something tasty like bone broth or tuna juice.

By following these tips and being patient with your pet, you can successfully transition them to a raw pet food diet, promoting their health and happiness in the long run.

What to Expect After Transitioning to Raw

After transitioning to a new diet, your pet may experience a detox period as their body adjusts to the fresh food. Below are a few temporary symptoms owners may encounter:

  • Mild Digestive Upset: Some pets, especially those not accustomed to diet changes, may experience symptoms like gas and loose stools as their digestive system adapts. The enzymes required to break down a raw diet differ from those needed for processed food. While these symptoms are not uncommon and should be temporary, they can often be avoided with a slower transition. Monitor your pet's poop, and if they need an extra week, that's totally fine. Go at their pace.

  • Appetite Changes: Raw diets are more nutrient-dense compared to processed foods. While your pet may seem hungrier initially due to the lack of fillers, they will adjust, and increased hunger will become less noticeable within a week or so.

  • Lower Water Intake: The higher moisture content in raw food may cause them to drink less water because they receive more moisture from their food. This will likely be their new normal. Always have clean water available, but raw-fed pets rarely visit their bowls.

If you encounter persistent issues or have questions, we are here to help! Feel free to reach out for assistance or guidance during this transition period.