Are you worried about how to take a dog off raw food?

So, you have decided to switch from raw dog food because you are out of stock or have a hint of its immense adverse effects. But the question is how to do so. Definitely, you want to accomplish this task without pushing your dog into unpleasant circumstances such as an upset stomach or diarrhoea.

Don’t worry!

We have got you covered with some safe and easy ways to take your dog off raw food without any side effects in ten days. Let’s explore them.

Why is there a Need to Take Dogs off Raw Food?

The raw diet generally includes muscle meat, organ meat (kidneys and liver), raw eggs, ground or whole bones, dog-safe vegetables, fruits, and some dairy, for example, yoghurt. Various variants of raw food have emerged, such as freeze-dried, homemade raw food, commercially processed frozen, or a combination diet of vegetables and grains combined with raw meat.

Scare tactics online about processed foods are compelling people to opt for a raw diet. Raw food can be controversial despite its rising popularity. It has risks, which are discussed in various veterinary journals and studies.

Malnutrition is the foremost consequence of raw food consumption. It is nearly impossible to formulate a raw food diet that is balanced enough to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs, especially growing puppies and adolescents. Nutritional imbalance is obvious. Some raw diets can have excess nutrients or nutrient deficiencies that can result in severe health complications if fed for a long time. However, if your pup is thriving on a raw food diet and your Vet is happy, then you can stick with it.

Another pitfall associated with raw food is the safety of your canine. Raw bones are risky. They can result in complications such as gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, fractured teeth, and gastrointestinal perforation.

Raw homemade dog food has a likely chance of bacterial contamination. A raw food diet also poses a threat to the one who mixes and formulates the food, especially those with a weaker immune system. It is advised to thoroughly rinse your hands with water and soap for 20 seconds once you touch raw pet food. Also, disinfect the surfaces that have been in contact with raw food to eliminate the bacteria. Furthermore, discard the uneaten remains immediately, as they can serve as a hub for bacteria.

If your fluffball is suffering from cancer, pancreatitis, or immunosuppressive diseases, then raw food isn’t advised. Changing dog food is essential as soon as possible for such dogs.

Moreover, raw food has a generally high protein count. Owing to this, you can’t feed protein-rich food to dogs going through liver failure or kidney diseases.

Puppies are at even greater risk with this diet. Most of the time, it doesn’t supply the required ratio of phosphorous and calcium, resulting in growth issues and bone deformities.

Potential advantages of a raw diet include healthier skin, increased energy levels, and a shinier coat. In the course of raw diet for dogs before and after transformation, you might witness changes in these areas. However, the shinier coat resulting from the high-fat components of raw food can be achieved through commercial food rich in fats. Supplements can also lead to the same effect. You should prioritise your dog’s health instead of a shinier coat.

Food encompasses your dog’s daily life. It’s a crucial aspect of their health and survival. As a dog owner, it’s your prime responsibility to choose the type of food that is best for your fluffy companion’s physical well-being, enjoyment, and energy level.

Your dog’s diet should be balanced in accordance with their health, age, activity level, size, and their personal taste. Investigate allergies, as some dogs might be allergic to particular ingredients or proteins. If you want to move your dog from raw to commercial food, it is essential this is done properly over a short period.

How to Take a Dog off Raw Food in Ten Days

If you want to take your dog off raw food, there are certain caveats you need to consider.

Firstly, if you think the food you are switching to can provoke digestion complexities, temporarily transition to a diet designed specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Afterwards, you can follow up with your desired food.

Secondly, a dog gone off raw food abruptly is exposed to a number of dangers. A slow transition is required to make your dog’s gastrointestinal tract accustomed to the new diet regime. Take at least 7-12 days to take off raw food and switch to a new one. Be patient in the process of transitioning between foods if you want to ensure a seamless and smooth change. A slow transition won’t disrupt your pup’s gastric system and will provide ample time to adapt to the new change.

Start with fasting. Yes!

Fast your furry companion prior to swapping food. Don’t abandon the entire raw food altogether at the next feeding time. Fasting is particularly beneficial if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Withhold the raw food for a day and then start with small additions of new meals.

The ideal technique to swap food is to break the days into four portions and slowly increase the quantity of new food while heading towards the next portion. Let me explain how.

Day 1-3

Start with designing a diet plan constituting 75% raw food and 25% of the one you want to introduce.

Day 4-6

Increase the quantity of new food to 50% while the raw food still comprises a 50% portion.

Day 7-9

Further, decrease the amount of current food to 25% and steadily increase new food to about 75%.

Day 10

By now, you can entirely phase out the raw food. You can offer 100% of the new food to your dog.

If your dog has an upset stomach during any of these stages, then maybe don’t move to the next ratio and stick to the existing one. Moreover, you can also skip a meal to cater to this. It will render time for your dog’s gastric system to recover.

You can also add supplements or probiotics while changing food for the puppy. This step will optimise your pup’s gut health, avoiding significant disturbances.

What Can You Expect When Switching from Raw to Cooked Dog Food?

Some dogs might not encounter problems while switching from raw to cooked dog food. In contrast, some may have a lot of problems. The journey varies depending on your dog’s immune system, general health, pre-existing illnesses, age, and, most importantly, your transition technique.

A sudden switch to cooked dog food can cause vomiting, gas, diarrhoea, and gastrointestinal upset. It is because your dog’s digestive system isn’t accustomed to this new food.

To deal with diarrhoea, you can serve homemade dog food for diarrhoea. You can find numerous recipes for this. Be careful not to offer it once your dog recovers from diarrhoea. It isn’t meant to be fed for a longer duration of time. Homemade dog food for the upset stomach is also appropriate for instant relief of the pain afflicted on your four-legged pal.

Can You Feed Raw and Kibble?

Yes, you can feed raw and kibble. It’s perfectly OK.

You might have come across that switching dog food without mixing is the right approach. People say it can be problematic to feed both because raw and kibble are digested at different rates. Plus, they also say that mixing will disturb the pH level of your dog’s stomach. These ideas are primarily based upon myths without any scientific facts to back them.

Switching dog to raw or kibble can be done by mixing them, which is entirely safe. Your dog is well-equipped to cope with both types simultaneously. Make sure to follow a gradual approach to refrain from digestion issues.

Adding kibble alongside raw meals makes a balanced diet that is healthy and convenient. Moreover, it makes your dog’s mealtime more nutritious and appealing.

However, if your dog has an unhealthy or sensitive digestive system, then don’t feed raw food and kibble altogether. Your dog’s gastric system undergoing illnesses might react negatively to this mix of raw and kibble. It’s better to be on the safer side than experimentation.

Conclusion

If you have started switching from raw dog food, remember that it takes time. It is a slow process, and you have to be patient with it. You can’t take off your dog from raw food overnight. Slowly incorporate the new food along with the existing raw food diet. In this way, your dog’s digestive system will become used to the new diet regime without going through any severe implications such as vomiting, an upset stomach, or diarrhoea. Avoid a sudden switch under all circumstances.

Dig through the above-mentioned techniques and let your pup enjoy the new food without consequences.