How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your dog’s food does not need to be complicated. With a little planning and a simple routine, many owners find that moving to raw dog food becomes an easy part of everyday life.
At Riker’s Pet Food, we’re proud to support owners who want to explore raw feeding for dogs. We’re an independent, family-run business based near Ringwood, with years of experience in the pet feed industry. Our aim is to provide good-quality food, straightforward advice and personal service without making feeding feel difficult.
This five-step guide is designed for owners who are new to raw feeding and want a clear place to start.
Important: Choose a commercially prepared complete raw food and follow the feeding guidance provided with the product. Puppies, elderly dogs, pregnant or nursing dogs, and dogs with health conditions may need a more individual plan. Speak to your vet if you are unsure.
Step 1: Plan the change before the first raw meal
A smooth transition starts with a few practical preparations.
Choose a complete raw food
For everyday feeding, select a complete frozen raw dog food that is formulated to provide the nutrients your dog needs when fed as directed. A complete food is the simplest choice for first-time raw feeders because the meal has already been prepared with nutritional balance in mind.
You can browse our raw dog food range, including:
Check how much your dog needs
Feeding amounts vary according to your dog’s:
- Age
- Weight
- Breed and size
- Activity level
- Current body condition
- Life stage
Use the feeding guide supplied with your chosen raw food as your starting point. Weigh portions rather than guessing, particularly during the first few weeks. The amount can then be adjusted if your dog is gaining or losing weight.
Prepare your freezer and equipment
Frozen raw food needs to be stored correctly. Before ordering, make sure there is enough room in the freezer for the amount you plan to buy.
It is useful to have:
- A set of washable food containers
- A dedicated scoop or kitchen scale
- A stainless steel or ceramic dog bowl
- A washable mat or preparation surface
- Antibacterial spray and kitchen towels
Move the next portion from the freezer to the fridge in a sealed container, usually the night before feeding. Follow the product instructions and use defrosted food within the recommended time.
Step 2: Start with one simple protein
Variety is one of the useful features of raw feeding, but there is no need to offer several different foods on the first day.
Start with one suitable protein and give your dog time to become familiar with it. Chicken is a common starting point because many dogs enjoy it, but other options may suit your dog better.
Keep the first meals simple for around five to seven days. This gives you time to observe:
- Appetite
- Energy levels
- Stools
- General comfort
- Whether your dog enjoys the food
A complete raw meal is the most straightforward option. Avoid creating a homemade mixture from separate ingredients unless you have received advice from a qualified canine nutrition professional. The aim is to make the first stage simple and nutritionally appropriate.
Some dogs take to raw food immediately. Others need a little more time to understand that the new food is their meal. Serve it calmly and allow your dog to eat without being rushed.
Step 3: Choose a transition method that suits your dog
There are two common ways to move from your dog’s current food to raw dog food.
Option A: A gradual change
A gradual transition can be useful for dogs that are sensitive to changes in food or for owners who prefer to increase raw food in stages.
A simple schedule could look like this:
- Days 1–2: Around 25% raw food and 75% of the current food
- Days 3–4: Around 50% raw food and 50% of the current food
- Days 5–6: Around 75% raw food and 25% of the current food
- Day 7 onwards: Move to 100% raw food if your dog is comfortable
The percentages refer to the overall daily amount. Keep the raw portion to one protein during this stage.
Some owners prefer to feed the old and new foods as separate meals rather than mixing them in the same bowl. For example, the usual food can be offered at one meal and raw food at the other. This can make portions easier to manage.
If your dog’s stools become loose, stay at the current stage for a few more days before increasing the raw portion. There is no need to rush.
Option B: A direct change
Some healthy adult dogs move directly from their current food to a complete raw meal. This means finishing the previous food and offering raw food at the next planned meal.
A direct change can be simple, but it is not the only option. A gradual transition is perfectly suitable if that feels more comfortable for you and your dog.
For puppies, older dogs, dogs with sensitive digestion or dogs receiving treatment, ask your vet for advice before making a direct change.
Step 4: Introduce more variety slowly
Once your dog is settled on the first protein, you can begin to add variety.
Introduce one new protein at a time and keep it in the diet for several days before adding another. For example, a rotation might develop like this:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Lamb
- Turkey or duck
- Fish
The exact order is not important. What matters is giving your dog time to adjust to each new food.
Different proteins can provide different flavours and textures, which helps keep meals interesting. Riker’s frozen raw dog food range makes it easier to build a practical rotation, with prepared options that can be stored and portioned as needed.
You can also use our raw dog bones range if suitable for your dog and in line with the product guidance. Always supervise your dog with any chew, and choose products appropriate for their size and chewing habits.
Step 5: Monitor your dog and settle into a routine
After the transition, keep checking your dog’s body condition and everyday response to the food.
A suitable feeding routine should leave your dog:
- Interested in meals
- Comfortable after eating
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Bright and active
- Producing consistent stools
If your dog gains weight, reduce the daily portion slightly. If your dog loses weight or seems genuinely hungry, increase the amount gradually. Treats should also be included when considering your dog’s overall daily intake.
Small changes in stools can happen while a dog adjusts to a new diet. If there is ongoing diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, marked tiredness, weight loss or another concern, stop and contact your vet. You can also contact us for practical guidance about the food itself and how to follow the feeding instructions.
Keep raw food handling straightforward
Good hygiene is an important part of raw feeding for dogs. These simple habits help keep the routine clean and manageable:
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw food.
- Defrost food in a covered container in the fridge.
- Keep raw food separate from food prepared for people.
- Wash bowls, utensils and preparation surfaces after use.
- Do not refreeze food once it has defrosted.
- Follow the storage and use-by guidance on the product packaging.
- Keep raw food away from children and other pets until it is ready to serve.
For further general information about raw diets and safe handling, see the PDSA guide to feeding your pet a raw diet.
Choosing the right food from Riker’s Pet Food
Raw feeding is our main passion, but we know that every owner needs practical choices. Our range includes frozen raw food, wet food, dry food, natural treats and supplements.
For owners looking for a high-meat, grain-free dry food alongside or instead of raw meals, our Riker’s Recipe Superfood 65 Grain Free range contains 65% meat and includes:
The range is available in selected 2kg and 12kg bags, with prices shown online. It offers high-quality ingredients and an affordable option for everyday feeding.
Delivery information
🚚 Free local delivery with no minimum order is available to:
- Ringwood
- Fordingbridge
- Verwood
- Alderholt
- Three Legged Cross
We also offer free 48-hour delivery on orders over £54.99 across England and Wales : excluding horse and farm feeds. Delivery details can be checked through our online shop.
A simple start to raw feeding
The best way to begin raw feeding is to keep the first stage clear:
- Plan your portions, storage and equipment.
- Choose a complete raw food and one starter protein.
- Change gradually or directly, depending on your dog and your preference.
- Add new proteins one at a time.
- Monitor your dog and adjust the routine when needed.
We’re here to make raw feeding feel practical and approachable. If you are choosing your first frozen raw dog food or would like help finding a suitable option, contact Riker’s Pet Food. We’re happy to provide straightforward support from our independent family-run business.