How to Transition Your Pet to Raw Food

How to transition your pet to raw food

Simple Raw Feeding Start

A practical guide for moving your dog or cat onto raw food.

Start Slowly

Watch Their Response

Slow Down If Needed

Calculate Amounts

Choose Meals

Start slowly. Watch your pet. Adjust as needed.

Raw feeding does not need to be complicated.

Some dogs and cats move across to raw food quickly, while others do better with a slower, more gradual change. The key is to go at your pet’s pace and monitor the things that matter: appetite, stool quality, energy and body condition.

RoxBox makes it easier to start with biologically appropriate raw dog and cat food, practical feeding guidance, and simple next steps.

A simple 7-day transition guide

Use this as a starting guide, not a strict rule. Some pets may move faster, while others may need 10–14 days or longer. When changing to raw food, many pets do best when you keep the first few days simple.

For dogs, a simple single-protein option such as 100% Chicken or 100% Duck can be useful at the start. Once your pet is comfortable, you can move onto a Complete Meal using the same protein, such as Chicken Complete Meal or Duck Complete Meal. From there, you can gradually add more variety from the other Complete Meals available.

For puppies, kittens, fussy eaters, seniors or pets with sensitive digestion, take extra care and move more slowly. If your pet is very young, has a medical condition, or has ongoing digestive issues, speak to your vet or a suitably qualified pet nutrition professional before making major diet changes.

If your pet is reluctant to eat, check that you are not overfeeding. Weigh portions carefully and use the RoxBox Feeding Calculator as a starting guideline.

Start simple, then add variety.

Choosing raw food is a simple, natural step toward supporting your pet’s long-term health and everyday well-being.

What to expect when changing to raw food.

Every pet is different. Some transition smoothly, while others need more time. These are common things to watch during the change.

Appetite changes

Some pets are excited immediately. Others may be cautious when they first smell or taste raw food.

Start with small portions and give your pet time to adjust. If your pet refuses food repeatedly, seems uncomfortable, or skips meals for longer than expected, slow the transition and ask for professional guidance if needed.

Stool changes

Stool quality can change during a food transition. Some pets may have softer stools for a short period while their digestive system adjusts.

If stool becomes very loose, watery, contains blood, or your pet seems unwell, stop the transition and contact your vet.

Drinking water changes

Pets eating raw food may drink differently because raw food naturally contains moisture.

This can be normal, but always make sure fresh water is available. A sudden major change in thirst should be discussed with your vet.

Defrosting and serving

Keep raw food frozen until needed. Defrost safely in the fridge and serve in a clean bowl.

Do not leave raw food standing out for long periods. Once defrosted, keep it chilled and use it within a sensible timeframe.

Hygiene and bowl cleaning

Handle raw pet food with the same care you would use when handling raw meat in your own kitchen.

Wash your hands after handling, clean bowls after feeding, and wipe down surfaces used for preparation.

When to slow down

Slow down the transition if your pet develops loose stool, reduced appetite, vomiting, discomfort, or seems unsettled.

Move back to the previous step for a few days, reduce the raw portion, and increase more gradually once your pet is comfortable again.