Thinking about switching your dog to raw? You're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear is, "What's the best way to transition my dog to raw food?"

The good news is that most dogs can make the switch without any problems. Some settle into their new diet straight away, while others may benefit from a more gradual transition.

Here's how to make the move to raw as simple as possible.

Should you switch gradually or all at once?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Some owners choose to switch straight over to raw, while others prefer to introduce it gradually over the course of a week or two. The right option often depends on your dog's age, previous diet, and how well they adapt to change.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach or you're unsure where to start, taking things slowly can help them adjust.

A simple 7-day transition plan

If you're making the switch gradually, you don't need to change everything overnight. Introducing raw over the course of a week gives many dogs time to adjust to their new diet.

A simple transition plan looks like this:

This is simply a guide. Some dogs are happy to switch straight away, while others may benefit from taking things more slowly.

As with any dietary change, keep an eye on your dog's appetite, body condition and stools, and adjust the pace if needed.

Start with a single protein

When introducing raw food, it's often a good idea to start with one protein before adding more variety.

Chicken and turkey are popular starting points, although the best option will depend on your dog's preferences and any dietary requirements.

Once your dog is eating comfortably, you can gradually introduce other proteins such as beef, lamb, duck or fish.

Feed the right amount

Getting portion sizes right is just as important as choosing the food itself.

As a general guide, adult dogs are often fed around 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day, although this can vary depending on their age, activity level and body condition.

If you're unsure how much to feed, our Raw Feeding Calculator is a great place to start.

Can I mix raw dog food with kibble?

If you're interested in raw feeding but don't want to switch completely, you might be wondering whether you can feed raw food and kibble together.

The short answer is yes. Many dog owners choose to mix feed, combining raw food with kibble as part of their dog's diet. Whether it's for convenience, cost, or simply finding what works best for their dog, mixed feeding is a popular option.

What changes should you expect?

Every dog is different, so it's normal for things to look a little different during the first few weeks.

Some owners notice changes in their dog's stools as they adjust to a new diet, while others find the transition happens with very little difference at all.

Give your dog time to settle into their new routine and avoid making lots of changes at once.

Keep treats simple

If possible, stick to the same protein when choosing treats during the transition.

Keeping things simple makes it easier to introduce new ingredients gradually, rather than changing everything at once.

Natural treats can also be a great way to reward your dog without straying too far from their usual diet.

Can puppies and older dogs switch to raw?

Yes. Dogs can start eating raw at almost any age.

Many raw food brands offer recipes specifically designed for puppies, while adult and senior dogs can also make the switch. The key is choosing food that's suitable for your dog's life stage and feeding the right amount.

If your dog has an existing medical condition or specific dietary needs, it's always worth seeking advice before making significant changes to their diet.

Common transition mistakes

Switching to raw doesn't need to be complicated, but these are a few mistakes worth avoiding:

• Changing between several proteins straight away.

• Feeding too much or too little.

• Introducing lots of new treats at the same time.

• Giving up too quickly if your dog needs a little time to adjust.

• Forgetting to store and handle raw food correctly.

Keeping things simple usually leads to the smoothest transition.

Frequently asked questions:

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to raw food?

Every dog is different. Some settle into a raw diet straight away, while others may take a week or two to fully adjust.

Can I mix raw food with kibble?

Some owners choose to feed a combination of raw food and kibble, while others switch to raw completely. The right approach depends on you and your dog.

What if my dog won't eat raw food?

Some dogs take to raw immediately, while others need a little encouragement. Trying a different protein or introducing raw gradually can help.

When can I introduce new proteins?

Once your dog is eating comfortably and has adjusted to their new food, you can start introducing different proteins one at a time.

Final thoughts

Transitioning your dog to raw doesn't have to be difficult. Start with quality food, keep things simple, and give your dog time to adjust.

Before long, feeding raw becomes part of your everyday routine—and with plenty of different proteins, meals and treats to choose from, there's lots for your dog to look forward to.