Making the Switch to Raw

So, you’ve decided to make the switch to raw. We’re glad you’re here! At Rawsome Pet Pantry, we know you’re beginning this journey because you love your pet and want to do all you can to keep him or her healthy longer. And we hope to make your journey as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.

Here are some simple tips for successfully transitioning your pet to a raw diet.

1) Start slow.

Most dogs and cats instinctively love raw food and take to it quickly and easily. To help their digestive tracks get accustomed to their new diet, the following schedule is recommended.

• Days 1-4: Feed 25% raw food with 75% old food.
• Days 5-8: Feed 50% raw food with 50% old food.
• Days 9-12: Feed 75% raw food with 25% old food.
• Day 13+: Go all raw!

If your pet is a little pickier or has a more delicate stomach, use this schedule but extend each step by a couple of days or until your pet has comfortably adapted to their new diet.

2) Mind the portions.

Raw food has more healthy calories and is more nutritionally dense, so your pet will need less raw food than commercial kibble or canned food.

A good rule of thumb for portion control is to provide your pet with a daily portion weighing 2.5% of their total body weight. You can feed that all at once or in two meals over the day.

If your pet appears too thin or is super-active, feed a little more, but avoid overfeeding. Instead, try a 3% portion for a more gradual weight gain. If your pet is overweight, older, or naturally takes less exercise, feed a little less.

Pregnant and nursing mothers need a daily portion that’s 5-10% of their body weight, as do puppies and kittens.

3) Peep the poop.

With less bulk and filler food going in, your pet will poop less. Fewer (and often smaller) stools are just the natural result of feeding raw.

During the first transition phase, if your pet's stool is normal and your pet is eating the raw food eagerly, you can move to the next phase. However, if your pet's gut seems overstimulated, reduce the amount of raw food to spoonful or two mixed with their previous regular food.

If your pet does seem to be straining or uncomfortable, adding a spoonful or two of canned pumpkin, some shredded raw carrot, or sweet potato should help them poop happily again.

Once your pet has fully transitioned to raw food, you can reference this handy feeding schedule from our friends at Albright's.

We hope these tips help you and your pet stay happy and healthy on your Rawsome feeding adventure.

Your Friends at Rawsome Pet Pantry

Rawsome Pet Pantry exists to bring premium, nutritious and affordable raw pet food to as many pets as possible. Whether you want a BARF or PMR type of food for your pet, we have what you want. Plus, your dog or cat will love it! We’re located in Fair Oaks, CA, conveniently close to Orangevale, Folsom, Roseville and other cities in the Greater Sacramento area.