Dogs

Introducing Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet

Nicole Groshek  |  August 28, 2023  |  3 minute read

Share this post

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Have you ever considered introducing a raw food diet to your dog? A raw diet offers many benefits that support your dog’s overall health and provides the meat your dog naturally craves. Learn more about raw food and a B.A.R.F. (biologically appropriate raw food) diet for your dog.

What is a Raw Food Diet?

A raw diet consists of uncooked, unprocessed food. Typically, commercial raw food diets for dogs, like Stella & Chewy’s, are formulated to mirror a dog’s ancestral diet with 85-95% meat, organs, and bone. These diets are packed with protein and nutrients that support healthy teeth and gums, optimal digestion, vibrant skin and coat, and stamina. Raw food diets also contain a high moisture content that helps keep your dog hydrated.

You may have concerns about the potential dangers of raw foods for your dog but there are safe ways to feed raw. Learn more about safe raw feeding and Stella & Chewy’s food safety.

Is a Raw Food Diet Right for My Dog?

Stella & Chewy’s frozen and freeze-dried raw diets offer complete and balanced nutrition for All Life Stages. This means that a raw diet is appropriate for puppies, adults, and seniors alike. Dogs at any life stage can benefit from raw!

Raw Food Diets for Dogs Promote Healthy Digestion

Raw diets digest more gently and efficiently and can be helpful for dogs with stomach issues. Our recipes also include added probiotics to promote optimal digestion. Once your dog is fully on a raw diet, you may even notice that their stools are less frequent as their body is utilizing so much of the food.

Raw Food Diets are Helpful for Allergies

Allergies can cause a variety of issues including tummy troubles, itching, dry and flaky coat, and more. Raw diets can be beneficial for dogs with allergies as they contain quality ingredients and natural oils to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. Stella & Chewy’s also offers many single source protein recipes as well as novel protein options such as venison, pork, and rabbit.

Raw Food Diets are Great for Senior Dogs

Whether you choose a frozen raw option or a freeze-dried raw option, raw diets are easy to eat even if your older pup is missing teeth or has mouth problems.The high moisture content in raw food diets can make you feel confident that your dog is getting proper hydration from their meals which is so important for kidney function.

How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet

As with any new food, you should always start with a slow transition over 7-10 days. Introducing a new food or new food type, like raw, too quickly can lead to stomach upset or diarrhea. Your dog may also need some time to get used to a new texture if they’re used to eating dry kibble.

• Days 1-3:

  Mix 75% of the old food with 25% of the new raw food.

• Days 4-6:

  Mix 50% of the old food with 50% of the new raw food.

• Days 7-9:

  Mix 25% of the old food with 75% of the new raw food.

• Day 10:

  Feed 100% of the new raw food.

If your dog experiences any digestive issues from a raw diet, you can extend the transition over a longer period of time.

Read more about raw diets for dogs and common misconceptions pet parents have in our Why Raw section. Or read through our FAQ for an abundance of topics on our products.