How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food: A 7-Day Plan That Actually Works
- Storms Raw
- 19 hours ago
- 8 min read
By Vicky @ Storm's Raw Emporium
If you're thinking about switching your dog to raw food, you've probably asked yourself one question more than any other:
"Will raw upset my dog's tummy?"
It's the fear that stops most dog owners. And honestly? It's completely understandable.
You've spent years feeding kibble. Your dog's digestion has settled into a rhythm. Now you want to introduce something completely different — and you're terrified you'll end up with digestive chaos, diarrhoea, and a very unhappy dog.
Here's what I tell everyone who comes into the shop with that worry:
Most dogs transition to raw with zero issues.
Around 10% might have a slight wobble — usually just softer poo for a day or two — and even that settles quickly when you keep things simple.
It's very rarely anything dramatic.
The difference? A proper plan. One that's calm, realistic, and actually fits into real life.
Why Week One Matters (And Why Your Approach Changes Everything)
I've been helping dog owners transition to raw for years now. I've seen dogs thrive within days. I've also seen owners panic at the first sign of softer poo and abandon the whole thing.
The difference isn't the dog. It's the plan.
A rushed transition causes problems. A panic-driven approach causes problems. But a steady, gentle, confident approach? That's when magic happens.
That's what this 7-day plan is designed to do.
The Real Truth About Week One
Let's be honest: week one isn't about creating the "perfect" raw diet. It's about:
Giving your dog's digestive system time to adjust
Helping you feel confident instead of scared
Understanding what's normal and what's not
Building a foundation that lasts
This is the settling-in phase. Once your dog's digestion is calm and consistent, that's when we layer in all the good stuff — variety, supplements, extras. But right now? Keep it simple and let their tummy do the work.
What You Actually Need to Get Started on Raw, Fresh Food for Your Dog
Here's where most people get overwhelmed. They think raw feeding requires:
A shopping list the length of their arm
Supplements, oils, vegetables, special powders
Complicated calculations
A degree in nutrition
None of that is true for week one.
For your first week, you need exactly three things:
80.10.10 Raw food. That's it. Just choose the proteins your dog enjoys. You don't need supplements, oils, veg, or add-ons. Your job is to settle the tummy, not build the perfect bowl.
A bit of freezer space. Enough room for a few tubs or chubs.
A bowl. Any bowl. Ceramic, stainless steel, whatever you already use.
Optional but useful: kitchen scales if you like being precise, and a storage tub or two.
That's genuinely all you need.
How Much Should You Feed? The 2-3% Rule (Made Simple)
This is the question I get asked most, and it's the one that confuses people the most.
But here's the secret: it's not complicated at all.
Most adult dogs do well on 2–3% of their body weight per day.
Here's how to pick your starting point:
2% — A great starting point for most adults. This is where most dogs land.
2.5% — Often suits dogs who like being on the go or have a naturally lean build.
3% — Young, busy, or very energetic dogs who burn through calories quickly.
Once you know which percentage you're using, the math is simple. A 20kg dog on 2% = 400g per day. That's it.
If your dog needs to lose weight, feed 2% of their ideal weight, not their current weight. And if you're feeding raw and kibble together (which many families do), just split the daily amount between both meals so your dog isn't overfed.
Quick Reference:
Dog's Weight | 2% (most adults) | 2.5% (on the go) | 3% (young/energetic) |
10kg | 200g | 250g | 300g |
15kg | 300g | 375g | 450g |
20kg | 400g | 500g | 600g |
25kg | 500g | 625g | 750g |
30kg | 600g | 750g | 900g |
(Not seeing your dog's weight? Download our full guide for a complete table and personalised calculation space.)
Your Day-by-Day Plan
Week one is straightforward:
Feed the daily amount you've calculated (split into however many meals your dog normally has — 1, 2, or 3)
Use complete raw minces your dog already enjoys (or might enjoy — this is fine to experiment)
Add variety if your dog is happy with it (but don't force it)
Keep treats simple (stick to what your dog's used to)
No veg, oils, SmartBarf, or supplements just yet (just letting their tummy settle)
The only extra we might think about adding is a good probiotic to help settle their stomach. You can learn more here:
Don't be afraid to ask. We are here to help and support you.
That's it.
Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just real food your dog can digest easily.
What's Actually Normal on Raw Dog Food (And What Isn't)
Here's where a lot of new feeders panic unnecessarily.
Raw poo often looks different from kibble poo. And that's completely normal.
You might see:
Colours: Brown is ideal. Dark brown or almost black is common with beef or venison. Yellowish/tan is normal with turkey or duck. Pale or white means that the meal had more bone (offer a lower-bone protein next time).
Textures: Small and firm is very common on raw. Soft at first is perfectly normal during transition. Crumbly usually means higher bone.
What's Normal:
Smaller, firmer poo
Less smelly poo
Colour changes depending on what they've eaten
Slightly softer poo in the first couple of days
A bit of excitement or fussiness
Minor appetite changes
All of these are completely normal during the first week.
What Needs Attention:
Soft poo: Totally normal — keep going
Very loose poo: Stick to one protein for a couple of days
Leaving food: Reduce the portion slightly and build back up
Acting extra hungry: Check your percentage — they may just need a little more
Vomiting more than once: Send me a message so we can adjust things
The difference between "normal transition" and "something's not right" is usually pretty clear. But if you're unsure, ask. No question is silly.
The Questions People Always Ask Me
"Should I offer different proteins in week one?"
If your dog is young, healthy, and has no known digestion issues, absolutely offer variety from day one. Fussy dogs often do better when they get a bit of choice. Older or more sensitive dogs might prefer sticking to one or two proteins at first. Follow your dog's lead — they'll tell you what works.
"Can I feed raw and kibble together?"
Yes — if that works best for your home. Just feed them in separate meals, not mixed together. It's gentler on digestion and makes things easier to monitor. Some raw is better than none, and lots of families do perfectly well this way.
"Can my dog still have treats?"
Absolutely. No need to take all the fun away. Just stick to simple treats this week and don't introduce loads of new ones at once.
"What if something goes wrong?"
Most things that look "wrong" in week one are actually just part of the transition. Softer poo? Normal. Slight excitement about meals? Normal. A day where they're not as hungry? Normal. But if you're genuinely concerned, drop me a message. I can help you work out what's actually happening and what to adjust.
By the End of Week One
Things should be settling down nicely.
If your dog is happy and digestion looks steady, you're ready for week two — adding veg, oils, exploring more proteins, and building a more complete diet.
If things feel a bit up and down, that's fine too. We just adjust and keep going.
The point is: you've done it. You've made the leap. Your dog is eating real food. Everything else is just fine-tuning.
Getting the Full Picture
This blog post covers the essentials of transitioning — but there's so much more to raw feeding once you've got past week one.
Questions like:
How do I build a balanced meal?
What's the 80-10-10 rule (and do I need to follow it)?
How do I know if my dog's getting everything they need?
What about supplements and add-ins?
How do I handle a fussy eater?
What do I do if my dog has skin issues or allergies?
These are the questions my Raw Feeding for Dogs: A Beginner's Quick Start Guide was designed to answer.
It includes:
A simple, step-by-step feeding guide (exactly what you need to get started)
First-week expectations laid out clearly (so you know what's normal)
Common questions new feeders ask (with honest answers)
An easy-to-understand poo guide (because poo tells you everything)
Troubleshooting tips if things seem off
Your dog's personal page (to track their weight, chosen percentage, and notes)
A week-one food & poo diary (to spot patterns and see what works)
It's the same calm, realistic approach I use in my consultations — no overwhelm, no pressure, just practical guidance.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
You're learning something new. Your dog is learning something new. And that's okay.
There's no "perfect" start. You're not trying to get raw feeding exactly right on day one. You're just taking it one gentle day at a time, watching your dog, and letting them tell you what works.
That's all you need to do.
Take it slow. Keep it simple. And remember: I'm always here if something doesn't make sense.
No question is silly. Seriously.
Ready to get started?
Download your free guide — it's got everything you need for week one and beyond.
Or if you'd like a more personalised approach — especially if your dog has skin issues, gut sensitivities, weight concerns, or ongoing itching — book a consultation with me here. It's relaxed, practical, and completely tailored to your dog.
Either way, you've got this.
—Vicky @ Storm's Raw Emporium
Next Steps: Building on Week One
Once you've nailed week one, you might find yourself curious about specific things — whether that's adding probiotics, understanding why your dog's skin improved, or just diving deeper into the "why" behind raw feeding.
We're a fountain of knowledge, and I've created a whole range of blogs to help you learn more. Check out the full range here:
Here are my suggestions on what to read next:
Digestive Support & Gut Health
The Top 5 Benefits of Probiotics for Your Dog — Your dog's immune system starts in the gut, and gut health is vital, which is why I talk about probiotics so much. This blog goes deep into how probiotics support immunity and digestion.
The Top 5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs — Explains the science, dosing, and how it supports digestion and overall wellness — it's way more detailed than what I can fit in the guide.
Building Nutritional Depth
The Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs: A Nutritional Powerhouse — It's not just about bone broth — it's about understanding how to layer nutrition into raw feeding. This blog goes deep into why it matters, how to use it, and what it does for joint health, gut healing, and general vitality. It's the kind of detail that transforms how you feed.
Omega-3 for Dogs: Benefits, Balance & Best Sources — Learn why omega-3s matter and how they transform your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. This blog covers the science, dosing, and best sources in depth.
Understanding Raw Feeding Philosophy
Why Dogs Don't Need Carbohydrates: Exploring Canine Nutrition — Once you're comfortable with week one, it's worth understanding why raw works. This breaks down the science of canine digestion and nutrition in a way that might shift how you think about feeding altogether.
Unleashing the Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs — Goes into the bigger picture of what raw feeding actually does for your dog's health long-term.
If Your Dog Has a Condition
I've spent a lot of time working with dogs that have health concerns, especially skin issues. If that's your dog, read these:
4 reasons behind your dog's itching and scratching (it's not always allergies! — Many owners transition their dog to raw and discover the itching improves dramatically. If that's you, this explains what's actually happening, why digestion connects to skin health, and what you can do about it. It's way more detailed than a quick guide can be.
🌿 Histamine Overload in Dogs: The Seasonal Struggle You Might Be Missing — If your dog flares up seasonally or you suspect histamine sensitivity, this covers the deep connection between raw feeding, seasonal flare-ups, and what to adjust. This is the kind of specific knowledge that makes the difference between "my dog still itches" and "my dog finally feels comfortable."
Or visit our shop in Leeds — we're here Monday–Friday 10am–3pm, Saturday 10am–2pm. Come in, ask questions, and we'll help you find the right raw for your dog.
Storm's Raw Emporium
10 Bridge Court, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9UH
Tel: 07725 221 793
Same-day delivery available within 15 miles of Leeds (order before 12pm)
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