The Expert Guide to Transitioning from Kibble Feed to a Prey Model Raw Diet

🐾 Transitioning to Raw with Ancestral Raw Nutrition
Your Guide to a Smooth Switch

Switching your pet to a raw diet can feel like a big step—but we’re here to guide you through it. Whether you choose a rapid switch or a gradual transition, this guide will help ensure your pet adjusts comfortably and safely.

—

🔥 The Rapid Switch Method

This method is ideal for healthy pets with strong digestive systems.

1. Skip your pet’s evening meal to allow for an 8–12 hour fast

2. In the morning, introduce their first raw meal

We recommend starting with a simple, lean protein like our La Casa Blend or Turkey Blend for the first 3–4 days. Once your pet is showing firm stool and good digestion, rotate in red meats such as our Beef Blend or Power Blend for another 3 days.

✅ Rapid Switch Tips:

• Avoid feeding raw meals cold during early transition days. Cold food may trigger vomiting or diarrhea in some pets.

• Allow food to come to room temperature by sitting it out for 20–25 minutes before serving.

• After 4 days, most pets can comfortably eat meals straight from the fridge.

Please note: Mild stomach upset (such as soft stool or temporary diarrhea) can be normal as your pet’s digestive system adapts to raw food.

—

🐕 The Gradual Transition Method

This is the most recommended method—especially for pets who are older, sensitive, or have digestive issues.

Begin by dividing each meal into two parts and feed them separately:

• Days 1–2: 25% raw, 75% original food

• Days 3–4: 50% raw, 50% original food

• Days 5–6: 75% raw, 25% original food

• Day 7+: 100% raw

❗ Important: Do not mix raw and kibble in the same bowl. Feed them separately, several hours apart. They digest at different rates and combining them can cause stomach upset.

If your pet experiences loose stools during the transition, reduce the raw portion and slow the progression. Look for small, firm stools—this is a sign of optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Some pets may transition faster than others. Once your pet is producing consistent firm stools, you can complete the transition.

—

🔍 Key Considerations Before Switching

If your pet has been on a commercial diet for most of their life, consider adding supportive aids to ease the digestive transition:

✔️ Probiotics – help establish healthy gut flora
✔️ Digestive enzymes – assist in breaking down raw proteins and fats
✔️ Raw green tripe or raw goat’s milk – soothe the digestive tract and boost gut health

Also, understand that:

• Raw food digests faster than kibble, so your pet may appear hungrier during the first week. This is normal and should balance out as their body adjusts.

• Raw diets are more nutrient-dense and moisture-rich (75% water), requiring less digestive effort and smaller serving sizes than dry food.

• Kibble expands in the stomach, creating a false sense of fullness, while raw does not—leading to a natural adjustment period.

—

📦 Need Help Choosing the Right Blend?

Start with La Casa Blend or Turkey Blend for gentle digestion, then introduce Beef or Power Blend once your dog adjusts.

We’re here every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

💚 Ancestral Raw Nutrition
Real Food. Real Results. Naturally.