How to transition from Kibble to Raw

  • How to transition from Kibble to Raw:

    For a successful transition to feeding your dog raw food, it's crucial to take it gradually over a 10-day period. Start by mixing 75% of their old pet food with 25% new raw food, then increase the proportion of raw food by 25% every few days. Here's a breakdown: 
    - Days 1-3: 25% raw, 75% old food 
    - Days 4-6: 50% raw, 50% old food 
    - Days 7-9: 75% raw, 25% old food 

    Remember, every dog is different, and some may need a longer transition period. Don't worry if your dog takes more time to adjust. 

    If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it's best to introduce raw food in small amounts. This approach allows you to monitor their response closely and experiment with different ratios of kibble and raw food before making a full switch.

  • Anticipated Changes When Transitioning from Dry Food to Raw:

    When transitioning a pet from kibble to a raw food diet, their body may undergo a detox phase as it adapts to receiving essential nutrients. This detox period can vary in duration from a few days to several months or may not occur at all.

    Typical signs of detoxification include vomiting, loose stools, bad breath, and gas. To address loose stools, you can incorporate plain canned organic pumpkin (without additives) into their meals to help regulate their digestive system. Additionally, we suggest including a high-quality pre/probiotic and plain non-dairy fat yogurt in their diet before and during the transition.

    It's important to recognize that your dog's digestive system is naturally suited to process a raw meat-based diet, and experiencing detox symptoms is a normal part of the adjustment process.

  • Monitoring Stool Changes and Water Consumption Following the Switch to a Raw Canine Diet:

    When transitioning your dog from kibble to raw food, you may observe changes in their bowel movements. Your dog might have reduced bowel movements because the body is efficiently digesting and utilizing most of the food, resulting in less waste. The presence of white stools can be attributed to the bone content in the new diet.

    Stools covered in mucus can occur at any point, regardless of how long the dog has been on a raw diet, and is typically not a cause for alarm. During the initial switch to a raw diet, mucus-covered stools may indicate the body is expelling toxins. Raw diets are about 70% moisture and have low sodium content, unlike kibble which lacks moisture, requiring dogs to drink more to stay hydrated. Although dogs may drink less on a raw diet, it's essential to ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water.

WHY FEED RAW?

At Iron Dog Raw, we believe in the numerous benefits a raw diet can offer your beloved pets.
Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider switching to a raw diet for your
canine companions:

Improved Digestion:

Raw food is easier for pets to digest than processed kibble, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall digestive health.

Better Weight Control:

The natural balance of nutrients in raw food can help pets maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.

Cleaner Teeth:

Chewing on raw bones and meat can naturally clean your pet's teeth, promoting good dental hygiene and reducing the risk of dental problems.

Healthier Skin and Coat:

Raw food's high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids can help
improve your pet's skin and coat, leading to a shinier and healthier appearance.

Smaller, Firmer Stools:

Raw diets are more easily digested, resulting in smaller, firmer stools that are easier to clean up and indicate better digestive health.

Strong Immune System:

A balanced raw diet can support your pet's immune system, helping it better fight infections and diseases.

Mealtime Delight:

Many pets relish the taste and texture of raw food, adding a spark of joy to their mealtime and making feeding a more pleasurable experience for both you and your pet.

Reduction in Allergies:

Some pets may have food sensitivities or allergies to certain
ingredients commonly found in processed pet foods. Switching to a raw diet can help reduce
these allergic reactions and improve your pet's overall well-being.