The Definitive Handbook for Transitioning Your Pet to a Raw Food Diet.

Let’s delve into the rationale behind switching your cherished pet to a raw food diet.

Beyond the undeniable boon of bolstering your pet’s overall health, it’s crucial to recognize that animals, in essence, are carnivores. A genuinely wholesome diet for your feline or canine companion should mirror, as closely as possible, the natural diet of their wild counterparts.

Raw feeding aligns seamlessly with the physiology and digestive mechanisms of dogs and cats, far more so than cooked and processed foods. It caters to their innate instincts, offering nourishing raw fare imbued with flavors and aromas that captivate their palates.

The essence of a raw food diet lies in what it lacks—it’s not subjected to heating or extensive processing, negating the need for synthetic vitamin and mineral fortification or copious amounts of starches and cereals to maintain its form as convenient kibble. In essence, a raw diet is defined by what it doesn’t contain.

Whether for your pet or yourself, a robust immune system originates in the gut. Investing in quality nutrition is the first line of defense against illness. Superior nutrition is the bedrock of robust health, while inadequacies in nutrition are a primary instigator of disease.

Within this comprehensive guide to raw feeding, we will explore:

• How to smoothly transition your pet to a raw food regimen.
• Tailoring raw feeding for cats.
• Adapting dogs to a raw food lifestyle.
• The shift from kibble to raw pet food.
• The suitability of raw diets for pets with underlying illnesses.
• Its appropriateness across all life stages of pets.
• The judicious inclusion of raw bones.
• The manifold advantages of raw feeding.
• A list of ailments that raw feeding can alleviate.
• Ensuring the safety of both you and your pet.
• Anticipated changes you can expect to witness.

How to Transition Your Pet to a Raw Diet

As with any dietary shift, abrupt changes are ill-advised. Raw food possesses a distinct texture and aroma compared to most other pet foods, and it is generally more digestible. Therefore, it’s prudent to allocate some time for the transition process.

Initiate the process by introducing a small amount of raw food alongside your pet’s existing diet. Once your dog or cat demonstrates acceptance of the new food, gradually elevate the proportion of raw food while diminishing the quantity of their current diet until the transition is complete.

While patience may be required, particularly with some finicky felines, the endeavor is undeniably worthwhile for the profound benefits it bestows upon your beloved pet.

What to Do When Your Pet Refuses to Embrace Raw Food

Should your beloved dog or cat show initial reluctance toward raw food, consider these steps:

1. Revert to Their Previous Diet: Return to their prior food and attempt the transition at a later juncture or reduce the quantity of raw food you’re mixing with their current diet.
2. Texture and Aroma Differences: Our raw food maintains a distinct texture and smell, devoid of processed ingredients or artificial odor enhancers. Sometimes, it may take a few attempts for your pet to acclimate to the new olfactory experience before they dive in.
3. Win Over the Skeptical Cat: Cats, in particular, tend to be wary of novel fare. Try placing a small amount of raw food in a separate dish alongside their regular food during each meal for several weeks until the raw food is no longer considered ‘new’ (ensure you use fresh food each time). This gradual approach may pique their curiosity or allow for a gradual reduction in their regular food intake to encourage raw food consumption.

Is Raw Food Suitable for Cats and Kittens?

Absolutely. Cats are natural carnivores, and consuming meat is biologically imperative for their survival. They are categorized as “obligatory carnivores,” with digestive systems finely tuned for raw consumption. Cats possess short digestive tracts and limited capacity to synthesize amino acids and vitamins within their bodies, unlike some other animals. Taurine, an essential nutrient for cats, is primarily found in flesh. They rely on a high protein intake to convert into glucose, rather than digesting carbohydrates. In essence, every aspect of a cat’s digestive system is evolutionarily adapted for raw food consumption—it’s an essential dietary choice for cats.

How to Commence Feeding Your Cat/Kitten?

First and foremost, we recommend discontinuing the practice of leaving food out all day.

For optimal feline health, establish regular meal times, with adult cats typically requiring two to four meals a day. Kittens under one year of age will need more frequent feeding; please refer to our feeding guide for specific recommendations.

Young kittens usually take to raw food readily due to its alignment with their natural instincts. It’s essential to introduce various meats as part of their diet, ensuring a well-rounded nutritional profile. Explore our range of raw cat food options to diversify their diet.

For older cats accustomed to a different diet, commence by incorporating a small amount of raw food into their current meals. Gradually increase the proportion of raw food while reducing the other food until the transition is complete.

Some cats prefer their food to be “body temperature” warm, so you can immerse the food bag in a bowl of warm water before serving.

If your cat has been on a kibble diet for an extended period, adapting to raw food may necessitate time and patience. Not all cats will immediately embrace the change, so perseverance is key. The health benefits reaped by your cat are well worth the transition.

Is Raw Feeding Safe for Dogs with Health Concerns?

Before making any dietary changes for your cat or dog, particularly if they have pre-existing health issues, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance, monitor your pet’s condition, and make informed assessments to ensure the best course of action.

Starting Your Puppy/Dog on a Raw Diet

To embark on a raw feeding journey with your canine companion, consider the following steps:

1. Ditch Free-Feeding: The practice of leaving food out all day should be discontinued. Opt for structured meal times to promote optimal health. Dogs can be fed once or twice daily, with puppies requiring more frequent meals. Refer to our feeding guide for specific recommendations.
2. Puppy Introduction: Young puppies typically embrace raw food readily, given its alignment with their natural instincts. It’s imperative to introduce a variety of meats to ensure a well-rounded nutritional intake. Explore our seasonal feeding guide for dogs to diversify their diet.
3. Transitioning Older Dogs: For older dogs accustomed to a different diet, initiate the transition by gradually incorporating raw food into their existing meals. As they become accustomed to raw feeding, gradually increase the proportion of raw food until you can eliminate their previous diet.

Dogs are often adept at adapting to raw feeding quickly. In some cases, a direct transition from the old diet to raw food can be successful. However, it’s crucial to gauge your dog’s comfort and minimize stress during the transition. Meal times should remain as stress-free as possible.

Is Raw Food Suitable for Small Dogs?

Indeed, raw food is ideally suited for small dogs. It boasts exceptional digestibility, catering to animals with smaller digestive systems and elevated nutritional demands, such as small breeds, cats, kittens, and puppies. These petite companions can extract a wealth of nutrients from small, raw meals compared to other food alternatives.

Is Raw Food Risky for Toy Breeds?

Raw food poses no greater risk to toy breeds than it does to larger breeds. The consensus among veterinarians worldwide is that raw food is inherently safe. Furthermore, if you opt for kibble over raw food, your dog is likely to encounter dental and oral health issues.

Toy breeds, in particular, are susceptible to rapid dental deterioration, necessitating regular anesthesia for dental procedures—a risky endeavor in itself. Poor dental health is linked to heart disease in pets.

By feeding your toy breed a raw food diet, you can significantly reduce dental problems and the need for anesthesia. Embracing raw feeding is a sound choice, even for the tiniest of dogs, as it contributes to their overall well-being and health.

I’m Providing My Pet with Premium Commercial Food – Why Consider Changing Their Diet?

Recent research, involving 79 veterinarians spanning 11 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations, examined the dietary transition of over a quarter-million pets to raw feeding. The unequivocal finding was that 85% of pets previously thriving on commercial diets exhibited noteworthy improvements.

These improvements encompassed several vital indicators of health:

1. Cleaner Respiratory Systems: Pets experienced reduced respiratory issues.
2. Oral Health: Dental health improved, with cleaner teeth.
3. Skin Odor: There was a decrease in skin odor.
4. Skin Irritation: Reduced itchiness and skin irritations.
5. Coat Quality: Less greasiness in the coat.
6. Digestive Health: Improved digestion and reduced flatulence.
7. Stool Quality: Better-formed and healthier stools.
8. Anal Gland Issues: Fewer problems related to anal glands.

Furthermore, overall vitality and energy levels surged, while pets displayed increased satisfaction with their diet. The consensus was clear: nearly every aspect of a pet’s health stands to benefit from a raw food diet, and most pets exhibited enhanced well-being and contentment on such a regimen.

Can I Mix Kibble with Raw Food for My Cat/Dog?

Ideally, it’s advisable to avoid combining kibble and raw food in the same meal. Kibble, even if it’s labeled as grain-free, contains carbohydrates used as binders to give the pellets their shape. Carbohydrates are digested in the stomach at a moderate acidity level. In contrast, proteins necessitate an acidity level 10-100 times more concentrated for proper digestion. Mixing proteins and carbs in the same bowl compromises the efficient digestion of both, resulting in suboptimal nutritional absorption.

How Long Can I Combine Kibble and Raw Food for My Cat/Dog?

If you’re transitioning a kibble-fed dog to a raw diet, it’s acceptable to combine the two in the same bowl, but only for a limited period, generally around a week.

To facilitate the transition, follow a gradual weaning process. Start with a mixture of 1/7th raw and 6/7ths kibble on the first day, then progress to 2/7ths raw and 5/7ths kibble on the second day, and so forth. Within seven days, the dog should be fully transitioned to a raw diet. Some dogs may adapt more swiftly, while others might make the switch instantly. Puppies, being more in tune with their natural instincts, often adapt rapidly.

Cats, however, may resist change due to their aversion to unfamiliar foods. To acclimate them, place a small amount of raw food in a separate bowl next to their regular food for 2-3 weeks, gradually increasing the raw portion while reducing the kibble. Kittens, typically more receptive to their natural inclinations, often embrace raw feeding immediately.

Are There Risks or Side Effects in Combining Kibble and Raw Food, Short-Term or Long-Term?

In general, the risks of combining kibble and raw food are minimal. Some temporary side effects may include mild stomach rumbling, slight bloating, or occasional loose stools. However, if kibble is a necessity, feed it as a separate meal, such as kibble for breakfast and raw food for dinner. Never mix raw and kibble in the same bowl for an extended period. For more clarity, refer to the response to the question “Can I combine raw with kibble.”

Is Raw Food Appropriate for Pets with Health Conditions?

The suitability of raw food for pets with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, IBD, or food intolerances, varies. While raw food may be a viable option for some, it may not be ideal for every ailing dog or cat. To determine whether raw food recipes are suitable for your pet’s unique condition, it is crucial to engage in a conversation with your veterinarian.

Is Raw Food Suitable for Pets at Different Life Stages?

In the wild, dogs and cats of varying ages all partake of the same food, and this principle holds true for domestic pets as well. When provided with a nutritionally balanced, high-quality raw food like Authentica’s offerings, dogs and cats of all ages can efficiently digest and utilize the nutrients tailored to their specific life stages, eliminating what they do not require. Our raw dog and cat food is suitable for both kittens and puppies immediately following weaning.

When Should I Introduce Bones into Their Diet?

Bones should be introduced regularly, ideally at least twice a week. Puppies and kittens can be introduced to soft bones as soon as they commence solid food. Initially, their small teeth and mouths limit them to licking and sucking on the bones, but this early exposure familiarizes them with the texture, smell, and size of bones, preparing them for when they can eventually consume bony material, typically a few weeks or months later.

Bones can remain a part of a dog’s or cat’s diet throughout their life or until they no longer possess sufficient teeth to handle them. In such cases, it’s essential to incorporate bony material into their meals, such as minced bone.

What Type of Bones Should I Offer My Cat or Dog?

Crucially, it’s imperative to provide RAW bones, not cooked ones. For dogs, ideal raw bone choices include non-weight-bearing bones, such as necks, jaws, skulls, backbones, ribs, and brisket bones. Meanwhile, cats can benefit from raw bones like chicken wings, chicken carcasses, turkey necks, and turkey backs. Refer to our Raw Bones Guide for Cats and Dogs to determine the most suitable bone options for your pet.

How Frequently Should I Give My Cat or Dog a Raw Bone?

Even if your pet is on a high-quality diet like Authentica, which includes bone within the meals, it is still advisable to offer raw bones for dental care. These natural toothbrushes assist in plaque breakdown, strengthen jaw muscles and chest muscles, and provide valuable mental stimulation.

Raw bones can be introduced two or three times a week. However, if your pet primarily consumes processed and cooked food, it is essential to supervise them during bone consumption. Processed food is typically vacuumed up, while raw bones require chewing and breakdown. It is crucial to closely monitor your pet during the initial bone experiences to ensure they are chewing and digesting the bone properly instead of gulping it down.

Can Raw Bones Pose a Choking or Throat Damage Risk to My Pet?

Feeding raw chicken or turkey necks, wings, and similar items to cats poses an exceptionally low risk of issues since felines, even the ones that share your bed, typically retain their wild instincts when handling such bones.

For dogs, there is a slight chance of encountering issues when first introducing raw bones into their diet. To minimize this risk, initiate raw bone consumption after your dog has been on a raw food diet for at least two months. Begin with a large bone to prevent the possibility of them swallowing it whole, and gradually reduce the size of the bone.

Avoid feeding leg bones and opt for chicken or turkey necks, jaws, skulls, backbones, ribs, and brisket bones. Feeding two dogs together may lead to competition, so it’s advisable to separate them during bone consumption.

When it comes to medium-sized dogs, opt for large or small bones rather than medium-sized ones. Small dogs are typically too petite to face bone-related issues, while large dogs can often swallow bony parts without complications.

Is Raw Bone Feeding Riskier for Toy Breeds?

Raw bones do not inherently pose greater risks to small dogs than they do to their larger counterparts. In fact, small dogs are generally more manageable when it comes to raw bone consumption because the chances of them swallowing a bone whole are exceedingly minimal.

It’s crucial to avoid feeding leg bones to your dog, unless they are seasoned raw bone consumers with about a year’s experience.

Benefits of Transitioning to a Raw Diet

The prevalence of pet health issues like heart problems, obesity, dental concerns, dull coats, diabetes, urinary tract ailments, and premature mortality has surged due to the consumption of subpar ingredients in pet food. Regrettably, these problems have become the new norm.

However, for pets on a raw food diet, these issues are far from normal. Transitioning to raw feeding can lead to rapid improvements, typically visible from the third day onward, including:

1. Lustrous, Softer Coats
2. Enhanced Dental Health
3. Fresher Breath
4. Odorless, Smaller Stools
5. Increased Overall Well-Being

Long-term benefits of raw feeding encompass:

1. Elimination of Allergies and Health Issues
2. Reinforced Immune System, Resisting Diseases and Allergies
3. Improved Life Expectancy
4. Enhanced Reproductive Abilities
5. Strengthened Jaw, Shoulder, and Neck Muscles from Chewing Raw Meat and Bones
6. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Balancing Body pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)

A natural diet derived from nature itself can be regarded as a fast track to vibrant health and happiness for your pet. Nothing surpasses the importance of providing your pet with a biologically appropriate diet to promote a long and healthy life. For an in-depth exploration of raw feeding’s significance for your pet’s digestive system, delve into our mini-series on prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and mitochondria to further enhance your understanding of your pet’s well-being.

Health Issues in Pets Not Fed a Raw Diet

Raw food offers exceptional benefits for dogs and cats, and if you’ve raised your pet on a raw diet, chances are they enjoy robust health. This positive outcome aligns with the experiences of countless veterinarians specializing in raw feeding worldwide. To explore the adverse effects of an inappropriate diet for your canine or feline companion, you can find more information here.

On the other hand, pets not fed a raw diet often grapple with recurring issues, including:

1. Hot Spots
2. Ear Infections
3. Digestive Disturbances like Diarrhea, Colitis, and Vomiting
4. Anal Gland Problems
5. Tooth and Gum Disease
6. Hyperactivity
7. Obesity
8. Cancer and Tumors

Remarkably, these ailments are frequently accepted as commonplace when you have a pet and feed them processed foods. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these health problems should never be regarded as “the norm.”

Raw-fed dogs and cats are considerably less prone to this distressing array of conditions. To explore some of the most prevalent issues where raw feeding has shown remarkable efficacy in reversing these conditions, you can find more information here.

Is Raw Feeding Safe?

Yes, raw feeding is safe for dogs and cats, as they are naturally equipped to handle higher levels of microbial activity in their food. It’s we humans who may be less adapted to it.

The debate surrounding raw feeding often revolves around its safety, the purported superiority of processed pet food, and whether raw feeding is suitable for domesticated pets. To dispel common myths about raw feeding, you can find more information here.

When we apply common sense to the discussion, it becomes evident that, just like humans, pets cannot thrive on a diet exclusively composed of processed foods. Therefore, we must question why we’ve been convinced that a fully processed diet is suitable for our pets, especially when scientific evidence indicates that the digestive systems of cats and dogs have not evolved significantly.

Food quality is paramount for both humans and pets. Modern medical evidence establishes direct links between certain diseases and the consumption of specific foods in both species, including diabetes.

Furthermore, the connection between healthy eating and longevity applies to both humans and pets. Raw food operates at a cellular level and is a fundamental component of a long and healthy life for your pet. It holds similar benefits for humans as well.

Raw food has the remarkable ability to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins, addressing a myriad of minor and major health issues. It is so potent that medical professionals for both humans and animals recognize that transitioning to a more raw or species-appropriate diet can significantly improve certain medical conditions. Raw food is nature’s miraculous solution for optimal health.

When handling raw food, it’s essential to exercise the same hygiene practices you would when preparing raw ingredients for yourself. Wash your hands after handling the food and thoroughly clean all surfaces that come into contact with it. Never refreeze defrosted products.

Normal Changes You’ll Observe Within 3 Days of Transitioning Your Pet to Raw Food

Why Is My Dog/Cat Drinking Less?

When you switch your pet to a raw food diet, you may notice they drink less water. This is because raw food naturally contains a higher water content compared to most processed pet foods. As a result, their need for additional water may decrease. However, it’s essential to provide them with access to clean, fresh water throughout the day to ensure their overall well-being.

Why Has My Pet’s Stool Changed?

The transition to a raw food diet often leads to changes in your pet’s stool. Raw food is highly digestible, resulting in a reduction in the quantity of waste eliminated as stool. This improved digestion can also lead to less odorous stools. It’s not uncommon for the color of the stool to change, especially shortly after transitioning from dry food. These changes are entirely normal.

In fact, raw-fed cats and dogs typically have stools with a more solid consistency, indicating an enhanced digestive system and a healthier balance of beneficial gut bacteria. You can refer to our Pet Poo Scale to ensure that everything is in good order.

Why Is My Pet’s Fur Changing?

The fats and oils present in our raw food have not been subjected to high-temperature or high-pressure processing, which is common in the production of artificial pet food. As a result, the natural oils in raw food are more readily absorbed and utilized by your pets, leading to healthier, shinier, and virtually odor-free coats.

Switching to a raw food diet can significantly improve the overall condition of your pet’s skin and coat, leaving them with a beautiful, soft, and lustrous fur.

Why Is My Pet Itching or Developing Sores?

One of the earliest signs that a food may not be suitable for your dog or cat is dry, itchy skin. Skin inflammation can be a sensitivity response to food, akin to food allergies in humans. These sensitivities typically arise from one or more ingredients in the formula or from the industrial processing methods used in the production of processed pet foods.

Our raw recipes do not include any of the cooked ingredients that commonly trigger these sensitivity reactions. However, in rare cases, your cat or dog may still have a food sensitivity to raw beef or chicken. These two proteins are often culprits because they are frequently used in pet food due to their cost-effectiveness, contributing to an increasing number of pets diagnosed with intolerances.

To determine if your pet has a sensitivity to raw beef or chicken, you can switch to another protein source from our raw pet food range and feed it to your pet for a short period. By simplifying the diet to one protein source (meat) at a time, you can quickly assess its impact on your pet’s stool quality. This method allows you to investigate potential sensitivities effectively.

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