How to Transition to Raw. Part 2

Making the switch to raw feeding is one of the best things you can do for your dog's health — but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. The good news is that transitioning to raw doesn't have to be complicated. With a little patience and the right approach, most dogs adapt quickly and thrive. Here's everything you need to know.

Before You Begin

First, a few things to bear in mind:

• Every dog is different. Some dogs switch to raw overnight with no issues at all. Others — particularly those with sensitive stomachs or a long history of kibble — may need a more gradual approach.
• Puppies can start raw from 4 weeks old during weaning, making it even easier to set them up with great habits from the start.
• There's no single right way. The two most common methods are the cold turkey switch and the gradual transition — we'll cover both below.

Method 1: Cold Turkey (Recommended for Most Dogs)

The cold turkey method means stopping kibble entirely and starting raw straight away. This is the preferred approach for most healthy adult dogs because mixing raw and kibble in the same meal can cause digestive upset — the two foods digest at very different rates.

How to do it:

1. Choose your first raw meal — a single protein complete mince is ideal. Chicken or beef are great starting points as they're easily digestible and widely available.
2. Feed your dog's normal daily portion as raw instead of kibble.
3. Expect some loose stools or detox symptoms in the first few days — this is completely normal as the body adjusts.
4. Stick with one protein for at least two weeks before introducing variety.

Method 2: Gradual Transition (For Sensitive Dogs)

If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, is elderly, or has been on the same food for a very long time, a slower transition may be more comfortable.

How to do it:

1. Days 1–3: Feed 75% kibble, 25% raw (in separate meals, not mixed in the same bowl).
2. Days 4–6: Feed 50% kibble, 50% raw.
3. Days 7–9: Feed 25% kibble, 75% raw.
4. Day 10+: Fully raw.

Remember to feed kibble and raw at separate meal times rather than mixing them together in one bowl.

Weaning Puppies onto Raw

Raw feeding is a wonderful foundation for puppies and can be introduced from as early as 4 weeks old during the weaning process. Starting young means your puppy's digestive system adapts naturally, without ever having to transition away from processed food later in life.

For weaning puppies, we recommend beginning with a very finely minced complete raw food — our smaller packs are ideal as they're processed through a finer mincer for a softer, more manageable consistency. Start with small amounts alongside mother's milk, gradually increasing the proportion of raw as weaning progresses. Browse our Raw Food range to find the right option for your puppy.

As with all aspects of puppy care, we always recommend consulting your vet before making changes to your puppy's diet, particularly during the weaning stage. Every puppy is different, and your vet can offer tailored guidance based on your puppy's breed, size, and health.

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

A little digestive adjustment is completely normal. You may notice:

• Softer or looser stools initially — this usually settles within a week
• Smaller, firmer stools once fully adjusted — a sign nutrients are being absorbed properly
• Increased thirst — raw food contains more moisture than kibble, but some dogs still drink more initially
• A temporary dip in appetite — some dogs take a few days to recognise raw food as food, especially if they've only ever eaten kibble

Choosing Your First Raw Meal

We recommend starting with a complete raw mince — these contain the right balance of meat, bone, and offal so you don't need to worry about getting the ratios right yourself. Chicken or beef are great first proteins as they're gentle, digestible, and widely available. Browse our full Raw Food collection to find the right starting point for your dog.

How Much Should I Feed?

As a general guide, adult dogs should be fed approximately 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day, split across two meals. Puppies typically need more — around 5–8% of their body weight depending on age and breed. For a full breakdown, take a look at our raw feeding weight guide.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Keep it simple at first. Stick to one protein for the first two weeks before rotating.
• Don't panic about detox symptoms. A little loose stool or mucus in the first week is the body clearing out — it passes.
• Feed at consistent times. Routine helps dogs adjust more quickly.
• Store raw food safely. Keep frozen until needed, defrost in the fridge overnight, and serve within 2–3 days of defrosting.
• When in doubt, ask your vet. If your dog has an existing health condition or you have any concerns during the transition, always seek veterinary advice.

Raw feeding can be introduced from 4 weeks old during weaning, and it's never too late to start — even senior dogs can make a successful switch and see real improvements in their health and vitality.

Ready to get started? Browse our full Raw Food range here and take the first step towards a healthier, happier dog.