Transition / Starting Raw

🥩 Transitioning a Dog to Raw Feeding

A structured transition helps dogs adjust comfortably to a fresh, minimally processed diet. Most dogs adapt quickly, but understanding the process ensures a smoother experience for both dog and guardian.

A direct switch works well for the majority of dogs and is widely used across all ages—from young puppies to senior dogs—because it provides clear dietary consistency from day one.

🩺 Health Considerations Before Switching

A raw transition is a dietary change, so it’s sensible to consider your dog’s current health status.

• A recent veterinary check is helpful if your dog hasn’t had one.

• Dogs with existing medical conditions may need tailored guidance from a pro‑raw or holistic vet or a qualified nutrition professional.

• If your dog is on prescription medication, veterinary approval is important before making dietary changes.

• HUA Dalmatians require a modified approach due to purine‑processing genetics. Our Dalmatian blog and the Raw Fed Dalmatians Facebook group offer breed‑specific guidance.

  
  

🛠️ Useful Equipment for Raw Feeding

A few practical tools make raw feeding easier and safer:

• Digital kitchen scales for accurate portioning

• Defrosting board to safely speed up thawing

• Freezer space large enough for rotating stock and storing bulk orders

  
  

🏪 Raw Food Brands Commonly Used by Owners

Different brands offer different textures, bone ratios, and protein options. These examples reflect what many raw feeders choose based on availability and preference.

Budget‑Friendly

• Durham Animal Feeds — 454g blocks or 500g trays, single‑protein options.

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Tripe‑Free Options

Often chosen for dogs with sensitivities or those who do better without tripe.

• 4PAWSRAW 80/10/10

• Dougies 80/10/10

• Cotswold Butchers Block Range

• Naked Dog Pure Range

• Prodog Raw Pure Range

  
  

Tripe‑Containing Options

Tripe can be nutritious but may not suit every dog.

• Henley Raw Just Range (Ox and Lamb include 30% tripe)

Some dogs experience itching or stool changes with tripe. If this happens, tripe‑free feeding for 12 weeks helps assess tolerance.

Henley Raw also offers a wide variety of recipes, making it easy to rotate proteins.

🐕 Protein Allergies and Sensitivities

True protein allergies are uncommon, but sensitivities can occur.

• Many dogs with dry/kibble sensitivities transition well to raw.

• Confirmed chicken allergy? Many owners begin with Cotswold Butchers Block Turkey.

• Blood tests showing multiple protein “positives” can be misleading; holistic veterinary guidance is recommended.

• If intolerances are suspected but untested, the standard transition plan is usually appropriate.

Budget brands may use mixed offal or bones from other species, which can complicate strict single‑protein feeding.

🍼 If Your Dog Was Previously Raw Fed

Not all raw diets are balanced or consistent. A short reset helps stabilise digestion.

• Feed 3 days of boneless chicken or turkey (whichever protein you’re transitioning with).

• This supports digestive comfort before introducing full 80/10/10 meals.

  
  

🥩 Three‑Week Protein Transition Plan

Introducing proteins gradually helps you observe tolerance and maintain digestive stability.

Week 1

• Chicken OR Turkey (80/10/10)

• Use gut support and general health supplements if desired.

  
  

Week 2

• Introduce Beef OR Duck using a gradual ratio shift:

  • Day 1: ¼ new protein

  • Day 2: ½ new protein

  • Day 3: ¾ new protein

  • Day 4–7: 100% new protein

    
    

Week 3

• Repeat the same process with Lamb OR Pork.

At the end of Week 3, gut support supplements can be reduced unless stools still need firming.

🦴 Managing Bone Content

Bone percentage varies between brands, especially poultry.

• If stools become white, crumbly, or hard, dilute with boneless meat.

• If stools are loose, allow a few days for adjustment or use gut support.

• Always check minces for large bone fragments before feeding.

Our stool‑consistency blog offers more detail on what to expect.

📌 Key Transition Tips

• Choose single‑protein 80/10/10 meals for the first three weeks.

• Keep boneless mince available to adjust bone levels.

• Monitor stools daily to understand how your dog is adapting.

• Maintain consistency—variety comes later.

  
  

🥩 Step‑by‑Step Transition Guide

Step 1: Calculate Feeding Amounts

Use our website tools:

• Feeding Allowance Calculator

• Fish Calculator

• Transition Breakdown Calculator (helps estimate how much to buy for Weeks 1–3)

  
  

Step 2: Choose Supplements for the First 3 Weeks

Supplements are optional but can support digestive comfort and general wellbeing.

Gut Support Options:

• ✔️ Dorwest Herbs Tree Barks

  ✔️ Proflax Tummy Tastic

  ✔️ River & Wren Botanical Digestive Blend

  ✔️ Colostrum (Prodog)

  
  

General Health Options:

• Dorwest Herbs Easy Greens

• Dorwest Herbs Keepers Mix 

• Proflax Flax Range Oil 

• River & Wren Botanical Everyday Blend

After 3 weeks, gut support can be used occasionally, and supplements list can be continued or replaced with fresh foods.

Step 3: Find a Supplier

Use our Supplier Map to locate local or Nationwide suppliers (UK-based)

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Step 4: Begin the Transition

Start raw feeding the morning after your dog’s final non‑raw meal.

🦴 Week‑by‑Week Overview

Week 1: Chicken or Turkey

• Feed single‑protein 80/10/10

• Use gut support and general health supplements

• Add Bone Broth: Alexander’s Natural OR Karnlea (or make your own with our Bone Broth Blog)

• Include 2–3 servings of oily fish and egg across the week

  
  

Common early symptoms:

• Foamy vomit — often linked to an empty stomach; offer a small snack like a bit of JR Pet Products Pate a few hours before the symptoms usually appears

• Regurgitation — try a slow feeder

• Loose stools — usually settle; if diarrhoea occurs more than three times, seek veterinary advice

• Hard stools — add boneless meat

  
  

Week 2: Beef

Follow the gradual introduction method.

Week 3: Lamb

Repeat the same pattern.

By the end of Week 3, most dogs are fully transitioned.

🔹 Breed‑Specific Considerations

Blue, Fawn, Merle, or Lilac Dogs

These colours are linked to a genetic predisposition for coat‑related conditions such as Colour Dilution Alopecia (CDA).

Nutrient‑dense herbal blends may support normal skin and coat structure:

• Dorwest Keepers Mix

• Kelp Seaweed

• Easy Greens

• River & Wren Seaweed Topper

Use 2–3 days per week, avoiding ingredient overlap.

CDA is genetic; supplements support general nutrition but do not treat or prevent the condition. Veterinary diagnosis is important if symptoms appear.

🍖 Expanding the Diet After Transition

Once the initial three weeks are complete:

• Introduce raw meaty bones using our Bones Guide

• Explore different brands and complete meals using our Raw Brands Guide

• Add new proteins gradually

• Aim for 5+ proteins per week over time

• Introduce vegetables and fruits using our Feeding Guide

• Explore enrichment foods such as day‑old chicks or ducklings

• Review our Supplements List  for long‑term options

Supplier deals can help reduce costs during the expansion phase.

Final Thoughts

A structured transition helps dogs adjust comfortably to raw feeding while supporting digestive stability and nutritional balance. With consistent feeding, appropriate protein rotation, and careful observation, most dogs adapt quickly and thrive on a fresh, minimally processed diet.