Transitioning your Dog from a Kibble based diet:
February 13, 2021 – Amanda Monsma
How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet
When switching an adult dog to a new diet, especially one who has been on a kibble diet for many years, we recommend doing a gradual transition. The guide below will explain why a slow introduction is beneficial, provide a step by step guide on how to complete the process, and how much to feed your adult dog. Let's get started!
1. ASSESS WEIGHT BEFORE STARTING
Before your dog starts their new diet, we suggest weighing your dog first. There are two reasons for this. First the recommended feeding quantity is based on your dog’s weight. Second, it allows you to determine a baseline for their weight. When you have a baseline to start with, it makes it easier to be in tune with their weight and notice when they have gained/lost weight. Before starting raw, ask yourself: are they a healthy weight or do they need to lose/gain? Answer yourself honestly and then allow that to inform your decision when determining how much food to feed.
In addition to weighing them, you can also assess their weight with the following questions. Can their ribs be felt? Does the belly tuck up when seen from the side? Do they have a visible waist when looking from above? These are all indicators of a healthy weight. I would suggest assessing your dog regularly. Weight gain can start to creep up on us if we aren't paying attention and excessive weight gain can predispose your dog to health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, breathing issues. It is also hard on your dogs joints. Keeping your dog at a consistent, ideal weight is crucial for their quality and longevity of life.
2. DETERMINE HOW MUCH TO FEED
When deciding how much to feed your dog, think in terms of guidelines not rules. The amount you feed is dynamic and should be tailored to the phase of life your dog is in. The amounts we share here are not set in stone and should be used as a baseline to determine what is the best for for your dog right now.
Variables that would require an adjustment of food would be:
- pregnancy/nursing
- health status
- medication
- activity levels
- Weather changes (especially if they are outdoors most of the time)
- weight loss or gain
Inactive - A dog that spends most of their time indoors with smaller bursts of activity and walks for maximum a half hour a day. These dogs will fall on the lower end of the scale and should start at 2%.
Average - A dog that gets an hour to a couple hours of exercise everyday can start at 1.5-2%
Active - An active dog spends most of their time outside with activity filling most of their day. They are dogs who enjoy lots of hiking, biking, and playing with their humans. These dogs would have food intake at 2% to 3% of their weight.
For dogs who require weight loss, calculate the percentage based on their ideal weight not their current weight. Start at the higher range (2%) and see what results are yielded from that. If you don't see any changes, you may need to drop down further. Once you reach their ideal weight, make sure to adjust as needed and appropriate for their activity level.
We need to be honest about our dog’s activity level and be mindful of where they are in life, adjusting their food intake accordingly. These are the same principles we apply to our own food intake and weight management as dog owners. Feeding amounts require attention and being intentional to keep ourselves and our dogs healthy.
This recommendation is not for puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs. For how much to feed puppies, check out our Guide to Feeding Raw to Puppies. (or see below)
3. INTRODUCE SLOWLY
As mentioned in the introduction, dogs over a year old and have only ever eaten kibble, should have a slow transition to the diet. While some raw feeders will tell you to never mix the two foods, I believe that in the case of transitioning it's important to in order to give your dogs body and mind time to adjust.
After eating kibble for a long period of time, your dogs body is used to a diet with high starch and low quality protein. In order for kibble to bind it needs at least 30% starch included; some have as much as 60%. This is a lot when you consider the fact that dogs have little biologic need for starch in their diet. Raw diets have as little as 0-15% starch. Raw is also made up of real sources of protein rather than protein mixed with a whole lot of plant protein. Because of the varying composition kibble and raw, the foods are digested differently in the body making it important ease into the new diet.
You also want to take into consideration that your dog's mindset needs time to adjust to the new way of eating. Some dogs can be stuck in their ways and when there is a drastic change to their food, they might resist. This can cause stress for you and your dog. The transition should be a positive experience.
The graphic below is provided an outline of a slow transition over the course of six days. Use this as a guideline - some dogs may take to it quicker and others may take to it slower. Watch how your dog is doing and adjust the days as needed. Your dog may have a couple days where their poop is a little runnier than normal, this is normal. Within a week or so the poop should start to become smaller and harder which is normal for a raw fed dog.
4. START WITH ONE PROTEIN AT A TIME, THEN FEED VARIETY
To prevent overwhelming a dog's system, I recommend feeding one protein at a time with zero supplements (with the exception of the ones listed below). This also allows you the opportunity to notice any potential food intolerances from the beginning. Think of this time as a gut assess & reset for your dog.
My recommendation is to start with a single protein, feed for 2 weeks, then move on to the next protein choice. Allow about 1-2 weeks for each protein option.
Once you have offered all protein options, vary the protein on a regular basis to ensure your dog is getting as much nutrients as possible from their food.
Vary as often as you are able. It can be hard to do it on a weekly basis as your freezer situation might not allow it. So determine a plan that makes the most sense for you. That could mean every month you switch. Or you buy one protein at the beginning of the month and then halfway through another protein and then switch it up daily from there. Find what works for you, the most important thing is that over time your dog is getting a variety in their diet.
5. LEAVE SUPPLEMENTS TO THE END
There are two supplements I would suggest adding in from the start of your dog's raw food journey. Those items are digestive enzymes and Apple Cider Vinegar. Digestive enzymes can be found here in our store and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can be found in the grocery store.
The longer your dog has been fed a kibble diet, the more support they might need to help restore your dogs natural ability to digest bones and get the most out of the food they eat. The truth is, feeding kibble throws your dogs digestion out of balance due to the higher starch content and the cooking process.
One affect that kibble has on your dog is that it causes their PH levels to rise in their stomach making it less acidic. Your dog's PH should be around a level 2 in order to properly break down the bone they eat and better absorb the vitamins and minerals from their bone and food. ACV is one way to help restore the acid levels to a natural state. ACV has the same PH levels as when a dog is fed a raw diet from day one.
Below are Apple Cider Vinegar daily serving sizes based on body weight:
While a dog is able to produce their own digestive enzymes, being fed a cooked or kibble diet, limits the amount of enzymes produced. As dogs grow older their ability to produce enzymes is also reduced. Enzymes help break down their food into smaller pieces allowing them to take in their nutrients more efficiently. Supplementing with digestive enzymes or probiotics will help set your dog up for success on their new diet.
If you are someone who has decided to feed raw mixed with kibble or a cooked diet, I would suggest supplementing with ACV and/or digestive enzymes for as long as you choose to feed that way.
Once you are through the transition period with the protein, you can start to add in more supplements. As with the protein, I believe it's important to introduce supplement slowly to watch for intolerances. Watch for digestive upset as you introduce foods.
6. FOCUS ON FOUNDATION
Once you have completed your transition, your main goal is to maintain a balance of the foundational components of a raw diet. When balance isn't achieved over time, that is when nutrient deficiencies can start to pop up.
The foundational components of a raw fed diet (the mandatory items that a dog must have every day) are muscle meat, bone, and organs. The bone in the diet provides calcium which works together with the phosphorus found in the meat. The organs are nature's multivitamin, providing a wide array of natural vitamins and minerals.
In addition to the foundation, you can choose to add supplements. The two supplements I recommend on a weekly basis 1-2 times a week are fish/fish oil and eggs.
Fish provides Omega 3 which helps balance out the Omega 6 from the meat. Omega 3 and 6 work together in the body to create a balanced immune system. My recommendation is either sardines which can be found at the grocery store (make sure it's packed in water with no other ingredients) or Green Lipped Muscle Oil/ tablets.
Eggs are a complete protein source containing all of the amino acids your dog requires. Eggs are especially important if a dog has intolerances and can't be fed a variety of meat - the eggs ensure your dog is getting all their essential amino acids when meat choices are limited. If you feed the eggs with the shells, the shells provide additional calcium.
Other supplements like fruits, veggies, oils, etc. can be fed daily or 2-4x a week. Depending on your dogs requirements and phase of life they are in.
Amanda Monsma
How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet
When switching an adult dog to a new diet, especially one who has been on a kibble diet for many years, we recommend doing a gradual transition. The guide below will explain why a slow introduction is beneficial, provide a step by step guide on how to complete the process, and how much to feed your adult dog. Let's get started!
1. ASSESS WEIGHT BEFORE STARTING
Before your dog starts their new diet, we suggest weighing your dog first. There are two reasons for this. First the recommended feeding quantity is based on your dog’s weight. Second, it allows you to determine a baseline for their weight. When you have a baseline to start with, it makes it easier to be in tune with their weight and notice when they have gained/lost weight. Before starting raw, ask yourself: are they a healthy weight or do they need to lose/gain? Answer yourself honestly and then allow that to inform your decision when determining how much food to feed.
In addition to weighing them, you can also assess their weight with the following questions. Can their ribs be felt? Does the belly tuck up when seen from the side? Do they have a visible waist when looking from above? These are all indicators of a healthy weight. I would suggest assessing your dog regularly. Weight gain can start to creep up on us if we aren't paying attention and excessive weight gain can predispose your dog to health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, breathing issues. It is also hard on your dogs joints. Keeping your dog at a consistent, ideal weight is crucial for their quality and longevity of life.
2. DETERMINE HOW MUCH TO FEED
When deciding how much to feed your dog, think in terms of guidelines not rules. The amount you feed is dynamic and should be tailored to the phase of life your dog is in. The amounts we share here are not set in stone and should be used as a baseline to determine what is the best for for your dog right now.
Variables that would require an adjustment of food would be:
- pregnancy/nursing
- health status
- medication
- activity levels
- Weather changes (especially if they are outdoors most of the time)
- weight loss or gain
Inactive - A dog that spends most of their time indoors with smaller bursts of activity and walks for maximum a half hour a day. These dogs will fall on the lower end of the scale and should start at 2%.
Average - A dog that gets an hour to a couple hours of exercise everyday can start at 1.5-2%
Active - An active dog spends most of their time outside with activity filling most of their day. They are dogs who enjoy lots of hiking, biking, and playing with their humans. These dogs would have food intake at 2% to 3% of their weight.
For dogs who require weight loss, calculate the percentage based on their ideal weight not their current weight. Start at the higher range (2%) and see what results are yielded from that. If you don't see any changes, you may need to drop down further. Once you reach their ideal weight, make sure to adjust as needed and appropriate for their activity level.
We need to be honest about our dog’s activity level and be mindful of where they are in life, adjusting their food intake accordingly. These are the same principles we apply to our own food intake and weight management as dog owners. Feeding amounts require attention and being intentional to keep ourselves and our dogs healthy.
This recommendation is not for puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs. For how much to feed puppies, check out our Guide to Feeding Raw to Puppies. (or see below)
3. INTRODUCE SLOWLY
As mentioned in the introduction, dogs over a year old and have only ever eaten kibble, should have a slow transition to the diet. While some raw feeders will tell you to never mix the two foods, I believe that in the case of transitioning it's important to in order to give your dogs body and mind time to adjust.
After eating kibble for a long period of time, your dogs body is used to a diet with high starch and low quality protein. In order for kibble to bind it needs at least 30% starch included; some have as much as 60%. This is a lot when you consider the fact that dogs have little biologic need for starch in their diet. Raw diets have as little as 0-15% starch. Raw is also made up of real sources of protein rather than protein mixed with a whole lot of plant protein. Because of the varying composition kibble and raw, the foods are digested differently in the body making it important ease into the new diet.
You also want to take into consideration that your dog's mindset needs time to adjust to the new way of eating. Some dogs can be stuck in their ways and when there is a drastic change to their food, they might resist. This can cause stress for you and your dog. The transition should be a positive experience.
The graphic below is provided an outline of a slow transition over the course of six days. Use this as a guideline - some dogs may take to it quicker and others may take to it slower. Watch how your dog is doing and adjust the days as needed. Your dog may have a couple days where their poop is a little runnier than normal, this is normal. Within a week or so the poop should start to become smaller and harder which is normal for a raw fed dog.
4. START WITH ONE PROTEIN AT A TIME, THEN FEED VARIETY
To prevent overwhelming a dog's system, I recommend feeding one protein at a time with zero supplements (with the exception of the ones listed below). This also allows you the opportunity to notice any potential food intolerances from the beginning. Think of this time as a gut assess & reset for your dog.
My recommendation is to start with a single protein, feed for 2 weeks, then move on to the next protein choice. Allow about 1-2 weeks for each protein option.
Once you have offered all protein options, vary the protein on a regular basis to ensure your dog is getting as much nutrients as possible from their food.
Vary as often as you are able. It can be hard to do it on a weekly basis as your freezer situation might not allow it. So determine a plan that makes the most sense for you. That could mean every month you switch. Or you buy one protein at the beginning of the month and then halfway through another protein and then switch it up daily from there. Find what works for you, the most important thing is that over time your dog is getting a variety in their diet.
5. LEAVE SUPPLEMENTS TO THE END
There are two supplements I would suggest adding in from the start of your dog's raw food journey. Those items are digestive enzymes and Apple Cider Vinegar. Digestive enzymes can be found here in our store and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can be found in the grocery store.
The longer your dog has been fed a kibble diet, the more support they might need to help restore your dogs natural ability to digest bones and get the most out of the food they eat. The truth is, feeding kibble throws your dogs digestion out of balance due to the higher starch content and the cooking process.
One affect that kibble has on your dog is that it causes their PH levels to rise in their stomach making it less acidic. Your dog's PH should be around a level 2 in order to properly break down the bone they eat and better absorb the vitamins and minerals from their bone and food. ACV is one way to help restore the acid levels to a natural state. ACV has the same PH levels as when a dog is fed a raw diet from day one.
Below are Apple Cider Vinegar daily serving sizes based on body weight:
- 1 tsp for dogs up to 15 lbs
- 2 tsp for dogs 16 to 35 lbs
- 1 tbsp for dogs 36 to 84 lbs
While a dog is able to produce their own digestive enzymes, being fed a cooked or kibble diet, limits the amount of enzymes produced. As dogs grow older their ability to produce enzymes is also reduced. Enzymes help break down their food into smaller pieces allowing them to take in their nutrients more efficiently. Supplementing with digestive enzymes or probiotics will help set your dog up for success on their new diet.
If you are someone who has decided to feed raw mixed with kibble or a cooked diet, I would suggest supplementing with ACV and/or digestive enzymes for as long as you choose to feed that way.
Once you are through the transition period with the protein, you can start to add in more supplements. As with the protein, I believe it's important to introduce supplement slowly to watch for intolerances. Watch for digestive upset as you introduce foods.
6. FOCUS ON FOUNDATION
Once you have completed your transition, your main goal is to maintain a balance of the foundational components of a raw diet. When balance isn't achieved over time, that is when nutrient deficiencies can start to pop up.
The foundational components of a raw fed diet (the mandatory items that a dog must have every day) are muscle meat, bone, and organs. The bone in the diet provides calcium which works together with the phosphorus found in the meat. The organs are nature's multivitamin, providing a wide array of natural vitamins and minerals.
In addition to the foundation, you can choose to add supplements. The two supplements I recommend on a weekly basis 1-2 times a week are fish/fish oil and eggs.
Fish provides Omega 3 which helps balance out the Omega 6 from the meat. Omega 3 and 6 work together in the body to create a balanced immune system. My recommendation is either sardines which can be found at the grocery store (make sure it's packed in water with no other ingredients) or Green Lipped Muscle Oil/ tablets.
Eggs are a complete protein source containing all of the amino acids your dog requires. Eggs are especially important if a dog has intolerances and can't be fed a variety of meat - the eggs ensure your dog is getting all their essential amino acids when meat choices are limited. If you feed the eggs with the shells, the shells provide additional calcium.
Other supplements like fruits, veggies, oils, etc. can be fed daily or 2-4x a week. Depending on your dogs requirements and phase of life they are in.
Amanda Monsma
Feeding your Puppy
Feeding puppies can seem like a daunting task. You want the best for them while making sure your puppy is getting all the nutrients they need to grow into healthy adult companions. Can this be done with a raw diet? The answer is a resounding YES! If you are armed with information and resources, feeding your puppy a raw diet is achievable and not as difficult as one might think.
WHY RAW FOR MY PUPPY?
Puppies grow rapidly at the beginning of their lives and they need proper food to fuel that growth. When they are fed a biologically appropriate diet, their little bodies are given the opportunity to focus solely on their growth and they are better able to absorb nutrients from the food they eat. When they are fed food that they aren't built to digest, like processed food filled with starchy carbs, this can cause stress in their bodies. If this stress continues through out their life, it could lead to chronic stress.
Chronic stress can create inflammation in the body and present itself as food intolerances, allergies, skin issues, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer as they grow older. Feeding a fresh, raw food, protein rich diet from the beginning can help prevent unnecessary stress and helps your puppy build up their immune system appropriately setting them up to lead longer, healthier lives.
Feeding a fresh, whole foods diet allows you to know exactly what your dog is eating. The ingredient list is natural and doesn't require extra filler or synthetic vitamins and minerals.
With raw, you are feeding fresh, quality protein. Protein is comprised of building blocks called amino acids. Your dog requires 10 of these essential amino acids from their diet; ideally from meat protein. If his diet is lacking these amino acids, it could lead to protein deficiency and health problems down the road. While kibble will include these essential amino acids, most of it will be provided in a synthetic form or through plant protein which isn't optimal for your dog's digestion.
Picky eaters are becoming a trend among dogs. While each dog is different as to why they refuse their food, one way that might help eliminate picky eater syndrome is starting with fresh food and exposing them to a wide range of safe food from the beginning. Kibble is produced with making their food as palatable as possible. Similar to if we eat a diet of mostly junk food, our dogs will be accustomed to this highly palatable food and will only prefer it after a while.
"...with respect to puppy growth, there's research showing that diets higher in protein, calcium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and antioxidants support healthy cartilage and increase lean body mass as puppies grow. Feeding a fresh, whole food, preferably raw meat based diet is also one of the best things you can do for your adult dog's overall health."
Katie Kangas DVM CVA CVCP
Excerpt from Dogs Naturally Article titled "Solutions for Arthritis" in July/August 2020 Issue
HOW TO GET STARTED
Start as soon as you bring your dog home. Dog's under a year old can handle the switch cold turkey. At this age, mixing kibble with raw for the transition is not required. Nor is it required as a supplement - your puppy will get all the nutrients they need through the raw food assuming you are feeding a balanced diet (more on what a balanced diet is below).
The only time we recommend mixing kibble with raw is when you are transitioning an older dog who has been fed for a long period of time.
Introduce one protein source at a time. Allow a week trial period and if no digestive upset, move onto the next protein. Repeat as many times as needed.
Feed 3 times a day until they are 6 months old. Growing bodies need fuel during the day. Transition to 2 times a day and after a year decide if you will continue to feed twice a day or drop down to once a day.
Leave supplements to the end. Allow your dog to make their way through the protein transition before adding supplements like vegetables, fruit, etc. As with the protein, introduce slowly and watch for digestive upset each time you introduce something new.
Feed variety. Rotating proteins and feeding fresh fruits and vegetables as best you can is the best way to ensure your dog is getting a wide range of nutrients from their food.
HOW MUCH TO FEED
There are two ways to determine how much to feed. The first is calculating a percentage of their ideal adult weight. If your dog is a purebred dog or a dog from a breeder where you know the parents, this might be easy for you to figure out. A simple google search will return the average weight of your breed or you can ask your vet for their advice. Once you decide the ideal weight you are going to base your calculations on, you can calculate 2-3% of that ideal weight to get your feeding amount.
If you aren’t sure what their ideal adult weight will be, the second option would be to use the outline listed below.
2 - 4 months = 8%-10% of current weight
4 - 6 months = 6% - 8% of current weight
6 - 8 months = 4% - 6% of current weight
8 - 12 months = 2% - 4% of current weight
When determining what percentage to work with one of the most important aspects to consider is your dog's activity level. Below is a guide originally found on the Primal Pooch website using our percentage recommendation to help determine where your dog might sit.
Inactive - A dog that spends most of their time indoors with smaller bursts of activity and walks for maximum a half hour a day. These dogs will fall on the lower end of the percentage range.
Average - A dog that gets an hour to a couple hours of exercise everyday can start at the low to mid range.
Active - An active dog spends most of their time outside with activity filling most of their day. They are dogs who enjoy lots of hiking, biking, and playing with their humans. These dogs would have food intake at the higher end of the range.
Allow a steady weight gain. Too much weight too soon can be hard on their body and joints. Your dog is a healthy weight when their ribs can be felt, their belly tucks up when seen from the side, and they have a visible waist when looking from above.
THE FOUNDATION
When considering raw for your puppy, these components are your foundation: bone, muscle meat, and organs. These are the mandatory aspects that will provide your puppy a balanced, nutrient rich diet. Our formulas (with the exception of the tripe) includes all of these foundational components. To learn more about the food we provide, click here.
BONE + MUSCLE MEAT - No raw diet is complete without these two components. Your puppy needs the calcium from the bone in order for their bones to develop and the muscle meat helps their tissues grow and it promotes hormone health. It is crucial that the raw diet has a balance between calcium and phosphorus as the minerals work closely together in your dogs body. Muscle meat is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so a diet without bone could cause issues down the road. Aim for 15-20% bone and 60-80% muscle meat for puppies.
ORGANS - Organs are nature's multivitamin. You want to ensure your dog is getting a wide array of vitamins and minerals, especially in their first year of life. Including organs in their diet is the best way to do that. Aim for 10-25% organs.
Our formulas follow an 80/10/10 ratio: 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs. This means that for bone in particular, some supplementation will be needed to increase the calcium content. This can be done with tripe or egg shells (more on them below) or bone powder.
CLICK HERE FOR BETTER BONES DRIED BONE POWDER
SUPPLEMENTS
When it comes to supplements, these are what I would consider the most important to include in a puppies raw diet for optimal health. There are a wide range of supplements you could consider over time; it just really depends on your dog and their health requirements.
Once you are complete with the protein transition, you can start to add in these supplements. Making sure to watch how your pup does with each introduction so you can catch any reactions as they occur.
FISH - Including fish like herring or green lipped muscle oil / tablets 1-2x a week ensures your dog is getting Omega 3 in their diet. Most dogs on a raw fed diet are getting a lot of Omega 6 through the protein they are eating particularly if they eat a lot of chicken. Omega 3 and 6 work closely together in the body which is why balance is needed for the two to build a strong immune system.
PROBIOTICS - Probiotics are key for starting your dogs gut health on the right track. They are the good bacteria found in your dogs digestive tract and are responsible for regulating the immune system, protecting your dog from cancer causing toxins, ensuring nutrient absorption, and protecting your dog from harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E.Coli.
EGGS - Eggs are one of the most nutritious sources of food to supplement your raw puppy diet. Remember those amino acid building blocks? Eggs contain all 10 of the essential amino acids your dog requires. If your puppy eats limited proteins, eggs would be beneficial to supplement to ensure they get all the amino acids in their diet.
Eggs host an array of vitamins and minerals and the shell is also a great source of additional calcium. The egg yolk is a source of Vitamin D which is required in your dogs diet to ensure proper calcium and phosphorus absorption.
Raw egg is the most nutrient dense form for your pup. If they can't eat raw, you can feed lightly cooked, but some of the nutrient value may be lost.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES - Vegetables provide phytonutrients, which can only be found in plant sources. So if your dog eats only meat, they could be missing out on nutrients that can help prevent and treat disease and inflammation. Fruit contains polyphenols which also help in lowering inflammation. Fruit and vegetables help the probiotics grow and thrive aiding further in promoting a healthy gut.
A good rule of thumb is to try to incorporate 5-10% fruit and vegetables in your pups diet. To optimize nutrient absorption and digestion, either blend, lightly cook, or ferment veggies before feeding to your dogs. Fruit can be eaten as is and doesn't need to be blended.
TRIPE - Tripe is the stomach of a grazing animal, usually from cattle, pigs, sheep or bison. Natural untreated tripe is green. Raw green tripe contains natural digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion process and helps break down nutrients in your dogs body. The more enzymes available, the more their system will draw nutrients from the food they consume. Tripe contains healthy amounts of probiotics and is also a perfect 1:1 ratio of calcium and phosphorus.
Tripe can be fed as a whole meal or part of their meals. Tripe is very rich, so start slow with small amounts until your dog is used to it. Tripe can be supplemented 1-3 times a week.
CLOSING NOTES
For adult dogs, my approach to raw feeding is that balance is something that is achieved over time. Not every meal needs to be 100% on point with muscle meat, bone, and organs or have vegetables. Feeding a puppy is different. Their first year of life is when balance is critical. Feeding a puppy takes a little bit more detail and balance daily to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need at the beginning of life. They need the foundational components of a raw diet every day (muscle meat, bones, organs and fish (min 1-2x a week for fish)). This will allow your puppy to build up their nutrient stores to help fuel their growing body and prepare them for their health life ahead.
Expose them to as many nutrients as you can by feeding a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. If proteins are limited, consider feeding a whole raw egg (shell too if your dog can tolerate it!) a couple times a week to ensure they are getting all their essential amino acid building blocks.
If you are feeding our food, we include bone in the meal so their calcium intake should be covered. Watch their poop - if you find their poop to be white, chalky, and really hard, you might need to balance out the calcium with some additional organ meat. If you find their poop is consistently runny, you may need to add some additional calcium like chicken wings or neck to help bump up the calcium. Fiber through vegetables will also help firm up the poop.
Don't forget some recreational bone time! Recreational bones like marrow bones is a great way to provide your puppy with extra mental stimulation during the day. Bone chewing also helps to build their spine and neck muscles and cleans their teeth naturally.
RESOURCES
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-tips-for-raising-a-puppy/?fbclid=IwAR1Bnxm9kPjsJcynqt1O0Jj4yNDsAHqdfWPh6XF0MD3CaJo0QAH7Zwup2sk
https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/biologically-appropriate-raw-food-barf-for-puppies/
https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-puppy-guides/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/starting-puppy-on-raw-diet/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeding-primer/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/switching-dog-to-raw-food-diet/?fbclid=IwAR0XHz66QDBgDYCbvjqo64P1nQDVaH6d5neRLfOJGATKXvGCAL7B5OovwrM
WHY RAW FOR MY PUPPY?
Puppies grow rapidly at the beginning of their lives and they need proper food to fuel that growth. When they are fed a biologically appropriate diet, their little bodies are given the opportunity to focus solely on their growth and they are better able to absorb nutrients from the food they eat. When they are fed food that they aren't built to digest, like processed food filled with starchy carbs, this can cause stress in their bodies. If this stress continues through out their life, it could lead to chronic stress.
Chronic stress can create inflammation in the body and present itself as food intolerances, allergies, skin issues, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer as they grow older. Feeding a fresh, raw food, protein rich diet from the beginning can help prevent unnecessary stress and helps your puppy build up their immune system appropriately setting them up to lead longer, healthier lives.
Feeding a fresh, whole foods diet allows you to know exactly what your dog is eating. The ingredient list is natural and doesn't require extra filler or synthetic vitamins and minerals.
With raw, you are feeding fresh, quality protein. Protein is comprised of building blocks called amino acids. Your dog requires 10 of these essential amino acids from their diet; ideally from meat protein. If his diet is lacking these amino acids, it could lead to protein deficiency and health problems down the road. While kibble will include these essential amino acids, most of it will be provided in a synthetic form or through plant protein which isn't optimal for your dog's digestion.
Picky eaters are becoming a trend among dogs. While each dog is different as to why they refuse their food, one way that might help eliminate picky eater syndrome is starting with fresh food and exposing them to a wide range of safe food from the beginning. Kibble is produced with making their food as palatable as possible. Similar to if we eat a diet of mostly junk food, our dogs will be accustomed to this highly palatable food and will only prefer it after a while.
"...with respect to puppy growth, there's research showing that diets higher in protein, calcium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and antioxidants support healthy cartilage and increase lean body mass as puppies grow. Feeding a fresh, whole food, preferably raw meat based diet is also one of the best things you can do for your adult dog's overall health."
Katie Kangas DVM CVA CVCP
Excerpt from Dogs Naturally Article titled "Solutions for Arthritis" in July/August 2020 Issue
HOW TO GET STARTED
Start as soon as you bring your dog home. Dog's under a year old can handle the switch cold turkey. At this age, mixing kibble with raw for the transition is not required. Nor is it required as a supplement - your puppy will get all the nutrients they need through the raw food assuming you are feeding a balanced diet (more on what a balanced diet is below).
The only time we recommend mixing kibble with raw is when you are transitioning an older dog who has been fed for a long period of time.
Introduce one protein source at a time. Allow a week trial period and if no digestive upset, move onto the next protein. Repeat as many times as needed.
Feed 3 times a day until they are 6 months old. Growing bodies need fuel during the day. Transition to 2 times a day and after a year decide if you will continue to feed twice a day or drop down to once a day.
Leave supplements to the end. Allow your dog to make their way through the protein transition before adding supplements like vegetables, fruit, etc. As with the protein, introduce slowly and watch for digestive upset each time you introduce something new.
Feed variety. Rotating proteins and feeding fresh fruits and vegetables as best you can is the best way to ensure your dog is getting a wide range of nutrients from their food.
HOW MUCH TO FEED
There are two ways to determine how much to feed. The first is calculating a percentage of their ideal adult weight. If your dog is a purebred dog or a dog from a breeder where you know the parents, this might be easy for you to figure out. A simple google search will return the average weight of your breed or you can ask your vet for their advice. Once you decide the ideal weight you are going to base your calculations on, you can calculate 2-3% of that ideal weight to get your feeding amount.
If you aren’t sure what their ideal adult weight will be, the second option would be to use the outline listed below.
2 - 4 months = 8%-10% of current weight
4 - 6 months = 6% - 8% of current weight
6 - 8 months = 4% - 6% of current weight
8 - 12 months = 2% - 4% of current weight
When determining what percentage to work with one of the most important aspects to consider is your dog's activity level. Below is a guide originally found on the Primal Pooch website using our percentage recommendation to help determine where your dog might sit.
Inactive - A dog that spends most of their time indoors with smaller bursts of activity and walks for maximum a half hour a day. These dogs will fall on the lower end of the percentage range.
Average - A dog that gets an hour to a couple hours of exercise everyday can start at the low to mid range.
Active - An active dog spends most of their time outside with activity filling most of their day. They are dogs who enjoy lots of hiking, biking, and playing with their humans. These dogs would have food intake at the higher end of the range.
Allow a steady weight gain. Too much weight too soon can be hard on their body and joints. Your dog is a healthy weight when their ribs can be felt, their belly tucks up when seen from the side, and they have a visible waist when looking from above.
THE FOUNDATION
When considering raw for your puppy, these components are your foundation: bone, muscle meat, and organs. These are the mandatory aspects that will provide your puppy a balanced, nutrient rich diet. Our formulas (with the exception of the tripe) includes all of these foundational components. To learn more about the food we provide, click here.
BONE + MUSCLE MEAT - No raw diet is complete without these two components. Your puppy needs the calcium from the bone in order for their bones to develop and the muscle meat helps their tissues grow and it promotes hormone health. It is crucial that the raw diet has a balance between calcium and phosphorus as the minerals work closely together in your dogs body. Muscle meat is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so a diet without bone could cause issues down the road. Aim for 15-20% bone and 60-80% muscle meat for puppies.
ORGANS - Organs are nature's multivitamin. You want to ensure your dog is getting a wide array of vitamins and minerals, especially in their first year of life. Including organs in their diet is the best way to do that. Aim for 10-25% organs.
Our formulas follow an 80/10/10 ratio: 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs. This means that for bone in particular, some supplementation will be needed to increase the calcium content. This can be done with tripe or egg shells (more on them below) or bone powder.
CLICK HERE FOR BETTER BONES DRIED BONE POWDER
SUPPLEMENTS
When it comes to supplements, these are what I would consider the most important to include in a puppies raw diet for optimal health. There are a wide range of supplements you could consider over time; it just really depends on your dog and their health requirements.
Once you are complete with the protein transition, you can start to add in these supplements. Making sure to watch how your pup does with each introduction so you can catch any reactions as they occur.
FISH - Including fish like herring or green lipped muscle oil / tablets 1-2x a week ensures your dog is getting Omega 3 in their diet. Most dogs on a raw fed diet are getting a lot of Omega 6 through the protein they are eating particularly if they eat a lot of chicken. Omega 3 and 6 work closely together in the body which is why balance is needed for the two to build a strong immune system.
PROBIOTICS - Probiotics are key for starting your dogs gut health on the right track. They are the good bacteria found in your dogs digestive tract and are responsible for regulating the immune system, protecting your dog from cancer causing toxins, ensuring nutrient absorption, and protecting your dog from harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E.Coli.
EGGS - Eggs are one of the most nutritious sources of food to supplement your raw puppy diet. Remember those amino acid building blocks? Eggs contain all 10 of the essential amino acids your dog requires. If your puppy eats limited proteins, eggs would be beneficial to supplement to ensure they get all the amino acids in their diet.
Eggs host an array of vitamins and minerals and the shell is also a great source of additional calcium. The egg yolk is a source of Vitamin D which is required in your dogs diet to ensure proper calcium and phosphorus absorption.
Raw egg is the most nutrient dense form for your pup. If they can't eat raw, you can feed lightly cooked, but some of the nutrient value may be lost.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES - Vegetables provide phytonutrients, which can only be found in plant sources. So if your dog eats only meat, they could be missing out on nutrients that can help prevent and treat disease and inflammation. Fruit contains polyphenols which also help in lowering inflammation. Fruit and vegetables help the probiotics grow and thrive aiding further in promoting a healthy gut.
A good rule of thumb is to try to incorporate 5-10% fruit and vegetables in your pups diet. To optimize nutrient absorption and digestion, either blend, lightly cook, or ferment veggies before feeding to your dogs. Fruit can be eaten as is and doesn't need to be blended.
TRIPE - Tripe is the stomach of a grazing animal, usually from cattle, pigs, sheep or bison. Natural untreated tripe is green. Raw green tripe contains natural digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion process and helps break down nutrients in your dogs body. The more enzymes available, the more their system will draw nutrients from the food they consume. Tripe contains healthy amounts of probiotics and is also a perfect 1:1 ratio of calcium and phosphorus.
Tripe can be fed as a whole meal or part of their meals. Tripe is very rich, so start slow with small amounts until your dog is used to it. Tripe can be supplemented 1-3 times a week.
CLOSING NOTES
For adult dogs, my approach to raw feeding is that balance is something that is achieved over time. Not every meal needs to be 100% on point with muscle meat, bone, and organs or have vegetables. Feeding a puppy is different. Their first year of life is when balance is critical. Feeding a puppy takes a little bit more detail and balance daily to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need at the beginning of life. They need the foundational components of a raw diet every day (muscle meat, bones, organs and fish (min 1-2x a week for fish)). This will allow your puppy to build up their nutrient stores to help fuel their growing body and prepare them for their health life ahead.
Expose them to as many nutrients as you can by feeding a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. If proteins are limited, consider feeding a whole raw egg (shell too if your dog can tolerate it!) a couple times a week to ensure they are getting all their essential amino acid building blocks.
If you are feeding our food, we include bone in the meal so their calcium intake should be covered. Watch their poop - if you find their poop to be white, chalky, and really hard, you might need to balance out the calcium with some additional organ meat. If you find their poop is consistently runny, you may need to add some additional calcium like chicken wings or neck to help bump up the calcium. Fiber through vegetables will also help firm up the poop.
Don't forget some recreational bone time! Recreational bones like marrow bones is a great way to provide your puppy with extra mental stimulation during the day. Bone chewing also helps to build their spine and neck muscles and cleans their teeth naturally.
RESOURCES
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-tips-for-raising-a-puppy/?fbclid=IwAR1Bnxm9kPjsJcynqt1O0Jj4yNDsAHqdfWPh6XF0MD3CaJo0QAH7Zwup2sk
https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/biologically-appropriate-raw-food-barf-for-puppies/
https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-puppy-guides/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/starting-puppy-on-raw-diet/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeding-primer/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/switching-dog-to-raw-food-diet/?fbclid=IwAR0XHz66QDBgDYCbvjqo64P1nQDVaH6d5neRLfOJGATKXvGCAL7B5OovwrM