How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food (7-Day Plan)

To transition your dog to raw food, replace their current food gradually over about 7 days: 25% raw on days 1–2, 50% on days 3–4, 75% on days 5–6 and 100% from day 7. Sensitive dogs, puppies and seniors often do better over 10–14 days. Only step up when stools are firm.

Switching to raw is a big change for your dog's gut. Rush it and you'll likely be cleaning up an upset tummy. Go slowly and most dogs settle without fuss. Here's the plan we give Melbourne customers in our Moorabbin store.

What should you do before you start?

• Check with your vet first if you have a puppy, a dog with a medical condition, or anyone immunocompromised at home.
• Pick one protein to begin. A single, lean protein is gentlest, such as Big Dog Barf Single Protein Turkey or Proudi Chicken Raw. Save variety for later.
• Choose a complete diet. Pre-made complete BARF takes the guesswork out of meat, bone and organ ratios. Browse our raw & BARF range.
• Work out the daily amount. Adult dogs commonly eat about 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day; puppies need more. Use our raw feeding calculator and chart.
• Get the fridge ready. Thaw the next day's portion in the fridge overnight. Pre-portioned packs like Doctor B's Barf Frozen Raw Kangaroo (227 g each) make this easy.

What does a day-by-day raw transition look like?

Percentages are of the total daily amount, not extra food on top. If stools soften, go back one step for two or three days before trying again.

Who should use the slow plan?

Use the 14-day plan for dogs with sensitive stomachs, a history of food allergies, seniors, and puppies whose vet has okayed raw. Puppies also need a diet formulated for growth, and they eat more for their size, usually split across three or four meals. For tummy-sensitive dogs, read best raw food for sensitive stomachs.

Can you mix raw and kibble in the same bowl?

During a transition, mixing in the same bowl short-term is fine for most dogs. Long term, some owners prefer separate meals, for example kibble in the morning and raw at night. There's no single right answer; watch how your dog responds. Curious how they compare overall? Read raw vs kibble.

What's normal, and what's not?

• Normal: slightly softer stools for a day or two, smaller stools overall, and more interest at mealtimes.
• Slow down: soft stools lasting more than two days, or mild gurgling. Go back a step.
• Call your vet: repeated vomiting, diarrhoea lasting more than a day or two, blood in the stool, lethargy or refusing food.

How can you support gut health during the switch?

A probiotic may help some dogs settle; see BIG DOG Probiotics For Dogs or our gut health & digestive range. Keep treats simple and consistent, and avoid adding new foods during the transition.

Raw feeding safety basics

• Thaw in the fridge, not on the bench. Move tomorrow's portion from the freezer to the fridge the night before, and keep raw food below 5 °C.
• Wash hands, bowls and benches with hot soapy water after every raw meal, and keep raw away from ready-to-eat food.
• Pick up leftovers. Discard any uneaten raw after about 20–30 minutes rather than leaving it out.
• Check with your vet first if you're feeding a puppy, if anyone in the household is immunocompromised (very young, elderly, pregnant or unwell), or if your dog has a medical condition.

What comes after the transition?

Once your dog has been settled on one protein for a few weeks, introduce a second protein slowly, the same way. Check body condition every couple of weeks: you should be able to feel the ribs easily but not see them. Active dogs may need a little more in Melbourne's cooler months, and less if they're slowing down.

Key takeaways

• Move from 25% to 50% to 75% to 100% raw over 7 days, or 14 days for sensitive dogs.
• Start with one lean protein in a complete diet.
• Thaw in the fridge, keep raw below 5 °C and discard leftovers after 20–30 minutes.
• Step back if stools soften, and see your vet for vomiting or ongoing diarrhoea.

For the full picture, read the complete Melbourne raw feeding guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to transition a dog to raw food?

Most dogs transition over about 7 days. Sensitive dogs, seniors and puppies often do better over 10 to 14 days. Only move to the next step when stools are firm.

Can I switch my dog to raw food cold turkey?

Some dogs cope with an immediate switch, but a gradual change is gentler and reduces the chance of an upset stomach. We recommend the 7-day plan for most dogs.

Is it normal for my dog to have soft stools when switching to raw?

Slightly softer stools for a day or two can happen. If they last longer, go back a step for a few days. See your vet for vomiting, ongoing diarrhoea or blood in the stool.

Which raw protein is best to start with?

A single, lean protein such as turkey, chicken or kangaroo is usually gentlest. Keep to that one protein for a few weeks before adding variety.

Can puppies be transitioned to raw food?

Talk to your vet first. If raw is suitable, choose a complete diet formulated for growth, use a slower transition, and split the daily amount into three or four meals.