Transition to Raw
We recommend you talk to an expert before switching from kibble to raw diet if your
pet has chronic health or digestive concerns.
When transitioning to raw, your pet will go through a transition period of detoxification.
Some owners will fast their pet for a day, maybe two depending on the health of
their pet, before beginning the process. (Attention cat owners, it is recommended
that cats do not fast but rather be feed regularly).
If your pet is middle age, inactive or has been eating dry kibble for a length of
time, they may experience some constipation due to ground bone contained in our
blends. Sometimes when the dogs are elderly and/or sick we often suggest they start
out with a cooked diet (lightly cooked as to not destroy all the natural enzymes
and nutrients in the raw meat) along with probiotics and digestive enzymes until
their body can grow stronger - staying on the probiotics and enzymes for several
months sometimes. Some dogs need it even though they're getting a raw diet and we're
not certain why. Perhaps generations of dogs over vaccinated and kibble fed have
messed up the genetics so it can take time to get well.
Healthy/Active Dogs:
Although many pet owners mix raw food with kibble by cutting back on the portion
of kibble by the same amount of raw food added for periods of up to two weeks and
experience no significant problems, we do not recommend mixing dry kibble with raw
food because both digest at a different rate i.e., raw meat from four to six hours
through their intestinal tract and kibble much longer, ten to twelve hours. (Your
pet could experience gastric upset). Try cutting back on the portion size of kibble
by the same amount of raw food being added. Gradually increase the amount of raw
food each day until they are comfortable with only the raw. If your pet is finicky,
try mixing in a favorite treat or a table spoon of gravy.
To determine how much raw food to feed, use the calculator below. The daily amount
can be fed in a single meal or, as we prefer, divided into multiple meals.
Feeding Calculator
In general, feed young, small, active, underweight, and growing dogs more food;
and feed older, sedentary, overweight, and larger dogs less food.