How to Convert to a Raw Diet for Dogs

Dog food recalls have many dog owners switching their pet's diet from a commercial pet food to a raw food diet. A raw food diet for a dog consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. Proponents of the raw food diet claim this type of feeding leads to shinier coats and all-around healthier animals. If you have decided to go the raw foods route with your dog, take the time to make the transition easier for your pet.

Instructions

    • 1

      Alter your pet's feeding schedule. If you usually leave food out all day, implement a schedule. Set food out once or twice a day and then take it away after 15 minutes. Follow this routine for six days.

    • 2

      Put out only water on the seventh day. Check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog doesn't have any illnesses or issues that would make fasting dangerous.

    • 3

      Mix the new, raw food with the old food you've been feeding your pet. For young, healthy dogs, start with a ratio of 25 percent raw food and 75 percent dog food. Do this for a few days to a week. Older dogs and dogs with health issues may be more resistant. Start with less raw food and hide it in the old food.

    • 4

      Reduce the amount of old food and replace with raw food gradually until your dog is eating all raw foods.