From Kibble to Raw

Transitioning My Dog to Fresh, Raw Food

Feeding whole, nutritious food to our dogs doesn’t have to be complicated, but it may require a change in mindset. Many people feed kibble or processed food simply because they don’t know there is a better option.

Even if you’re not ready for a full diet change, adding any fresh food will positively impact your dog’s health. You can start small by replacing treats with fresh options like yams, sardines, or small measured portions of Feed the Beast raw food. You can also mix some raw food into your dog’s existing meals. Do what feels comfortable for you and watch how your dog responds.

Switching Meals Slowly

Anytime you change your dog’s main food, the transition should be gradual. This is especially important when switching to raw food if your dog is older or has been eating the same brand for a long time. Raw food and kibble digest differently, with raw digesting more quickly.

A simple way to begin is to replace 10–20% of your dog’s current food with the new raw food for a few days. Stick with one new protein at first before introducing others. Mix the old and new food well, and add a tablespoon of warm water if your dog prefers a softer texture.

Monitor your dog’s stool:

• If it becomes loose, do not increase the amount of raw food yet.
• Wait until stools are firm again before continuing.

This slow adjustment helps your dog’s gut adapt to the new nutrients and supports a healthy microbiome. Keep increasing the portion of raw food as your dog tolerates it, until you reach the amount you want to feed. We feed 100% raw, but a combination of kibble and raw is still beneficial if that works better for you.

What to Expect During the Transition

Every dog adjusts differently. Some may have temporary loose stools or slight changes in appetite — this is normal as their digestive system recalibrates.

If stools do not firm up over time, reduce the raw portion and allow a longer adjustment period.

Benefits You’ll Notice After Adjustment

Once your dog adapts, you should see:

• Smaller, firmer stools
• More stable energy
• A healthier, shinier coat

Adding Vegetables (Optional)

After your dog is comfortable eating raw meat, you can add small amounts of cooked, soft vegetables, such as:

• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Squash

Start slowly and observe digestion.