Transition Your Dog to Raw Food: UK Guide

Week 1: Transition & Initial Detox

Days 1-3:

• • Stools firm (still mostly kibble)
• • Appetite normal or slightly reduced
• • Energy levels steady

Days 4-7:

• • Stools become softer as raw percentage increases
• • Possible mucus in stool (yellow/white coating)—this is detoxification, not disease
• • Some dogs may vomit once or twice—usually just expelling excess stomach acid
• • Appetite may temporarily decrease (this is normal; don't force-feed)
• • Increased thirst (also normal)

Normal "detox" signs: Runny stools, mucus in poop, occasional vomiting, temporary reduced appetite. These resolve within 7-14 days and indicate the body is clearing out kibble residue. Not a sign to stop raw feeding.

Weeks 2-4: Settling In & Improvements

Week 2:

• • Stools firm up and normalise by end of week (may still be soft mid-week)
• • Appetite returns to normal or increases
• • Energy levels rise noticeably
• • Breath becomes fresher

Weeks 3-4:

• • Coat begins to look shinier (usually visible after 2 weeks)
• • Stools are smaller and more formed (less volume because raw is more digestible)
• • Teeth appear whiter and cleaner
• • Weight may adjust (often dogs lean out if overweight on kibble)
• • Skin clarity improves (itching may reduce in 4-8 weeks)

Months 2-3: Full Adaptation

• • Coat transformation complete (noticeable gloss and healthiness)
• • Stable, consistent energy levels
• • Most dogs show improved mobility and playfulness
• • Digestive system fully adapted
• • Skin and allergy improvements continue (especially for itchy dogs)

Diarrhoea (Loose/Runny Stools)

This is normal during transition. Expected timeframe: Days 3-7, resolves by day 10.

What to do:

• • Slow the transition—stay at current ratio 1-2 extra days before advancing
• • Ensure you're not mixing raw and kibble improperly (some dogs do better with separate meals)
• • Add a probiotic designed for dogs (Vitally, Pro-Kolin, etc.) for 2-3 weeks
• • Reduce portion size slightly (your dog may be eating more total calories than before)
• • If diarrhoea persists beyond day 10 or worsens, consult your vet

Constipation (Hard Stools or Straining)

Less common, but can occur if bones are added too aggressively or too much bone content.

What to do:

• • Reduce bone content immediately (remove soft bones for 2-3 days)
• • Increase muscle meat portion relative to bone
• • Ensure adequate water intake (raw-fed dogs drink less due to food moisture)
• • Add organ meat or a small amount of pumpkin puree to soften stools
• • Reintroduce bones more gradually

Refusal to Eat Raw (Dog Prefers Kibble)

Some dogs, especially kibble-addicted ones, refuse raw initially.

What to do:

• • Warm the raw meat to 40°C—increases aroma and palatability
• • Try different proteins (chicken may not appeal; beef or lamb might)
• • Hand-feed the first few meals to encourage eating
• • Reduce kibble portion even more aggressively (encourage hunger)
• • Mix raw thoroughly into kibble, gradually increasing raw ratio
• • Be patient; most dogs adapt within 3-5 days once hungry

Vomiting During Transition

A single vomit or two during week 1 is usually just the stomach clearing. Ongoing vomiting is concerning.

What to do:

• • Single vomits: Likely normal detox; monitor and continue transition
• • Multiple vomits: Slow transition further; skip a meal and reintroduce softer protein
• • Vomiting bile (yellow/green): Dog may have empty stomach; feed smaller portions more frequently
• • Persistent vomiting (3+ times): Contact your vet to rule out obstruction or illness