How to Switch Your Dog to Natural Raw Food Without Upset Stomachs

Quick answer

Transition your dog to natural raw food over 7–10 days by replacing a small portion of their current meal with raw, then gradually increasing the raw ratio while reducing the old food. Keep the protein consistent in the first week, feed at the same times daily, and monitor stools. If loose stools appear, slow the pace or pause at the current ratio for two days before continuing.

Why a slow transition matters more than the food itself

A dog's digestive system adapts to the food it receives regularly. Switching abruptly from dry kibble to raw changes the moisture content, fat level, and protein structure all at once, which is the most common cause of loose stools during a raw dog food transition. The goal is not to delay the change but to give gut bacteria time to adjust. A 7–10 day window works for most healthy adult dogs, but puppies, seniors, and dogs with sensitive digestion may need 14 days or more. If your dog has a diagnosed medical condition, ask your vet before changing their diet.

Set up the first raw meal correctly

Start with a single protein your dog has eaten before, such as turkey or duck, so you can tell whether any reaction comes from the format change rather than a new ingredient. For the first two days, replace about 10–15% of their current meal with raw food. If your dog weighs 20 kg and normally eats 400 g of dry food daily, that means roughly 40–60 g of raw food mixed with 340–360 g of their usual kibble. Feed this at their normal mealtime and remove anything uneaten after 15 minutes. Never leave raw food sitting out for hours, especially in warm weather.

Increase the raw ratio every two to three days

After two days of firm stools, increase the raw portion to 25%, then 50%, then 75%, holding each ratio for two to three days before moving on. If stools become soft or your dog seems uncomfortable, stay at the previous ratio for an extra two days. Some dogs sail through in a week; others need a slower ramp. During the transition, avoid introducing new treats, chews, or table scraps, because they make it impossible to identify what caused a digestive upset. Keep the total daily food volume roughly the same so your dog does not get too much or too little.

What to watch for and when to pause

Loose stools are the main signal to slow down. A single soft stool is not a crisis, but two or more in a row means you should return to the last ratio that worked and hold there for three days. Other signs to watch include vomiting, excessive gas, or a sudden drop in appetite. If any of these persist for more than 24 hours, stop the transition and contact your vet. Do not fast your dog as a fix, and do not add extra bone or supplements to firm things up without guidance, because too much bone can cause constipation.

Step-by-step raw food transition plan

1. Day 1–2: Replace 10–15% of the meal: Mix a small amount of raw food into your dog's current meal at their normal feeding time. Use a protein they have eaten before. Checkpoint: stools should stay firm. If they soften, reduce the raw portion slightly.
2. Day 3–4: Increase to 25% raw: If stools are still firm, raise the raw portion to a quarter of the meal. Keep the rest of the meal unchanged. Common mistake: increasing too fast because your dog loves the raw food. Stick to the schedule.
3. Day 5–6: Move to 50% raw: Split the meal evenly between raw and the old food. Feed at the same times each day. Checkpoint: if gas or loose stools appear, go back to 25% for two days.
4. Day 7–8: Reach 75% raw: Most of the meal is now raw. Keep the protein consistent and avoid new treats. Common mistake: adding a new protein or chew now. Wait until the transition is complete.
5. Day 9–10: Complete the switch to 100% raw: Serve a full raw meal. Continue monitoring stools and energy levels for the first week after the switch. Next step: once stools are consistently firm, you can introduce variety or new proteins one at a time.

Raw feeding products that support a smooth transition

• Natures Menu Raw Duck Wings for Dogs: Natures Menu Raw Duck Wings for Dogs are soft and chewy, responsibly sourced, and suitable for dogs over 10 weeks of age on a raw diet. Pack size 5 x Duck Wings. These can be used as a crunchy snack or as part of a home-prepared raw meal, giving you a single-protein option to introduce during the transition without changing too many variables at once.
• Natures Menu Freeze Dried Topper - Turkey 40g: Natures Menu Freeze Dried Topper - Turkey 40g is made from 80% premium quality turkey and is designed to be poured over your dog's food and mixed in. Suitable for adult dogs over 5 kg. If your dog is reluctant to try raw, this topper adds a boost of taste and nutrients to their existing meal, which can make the first steps of the transition easier.