When helping someone move their dog to RD, I first want to know about the dog. 1)How long have you had the dog? 2)What is the dog currently eating? 3)What medical concerns or food allergies does the dog have?
- If the owner of the dog has recently adopted the dog from an animal shelter I recommend starting the dog out on a high quality corn free food. It is often impossible to know what kind of conditions the dog was living in before the adoption. If the dog went from eating trash on the street it will be easier on his stomach to eat high quality dry kibble.
- If the dog is already on a diet of high quality kibble then he can slowly be transitioned RD. The same goes for puppies purchased from breeders. Be sure to ask the breeder what type of dog food the puppy was being given.
- If the dog has food allergies we then plan meals according to what we know is safe for him/her to eat. If the dog has arthritis or other concerns I work out a nutrition plan with the owner in order to help relieve the dog’s symptoms.
When starting the Raw Diet your dog will go through a detox phrase. Be prepared for the smell and this might be a good time to keep Fido away from the brand new white carpet. Gas and diarrhea is to be expected during the first week of feeding RD. This is because the dog’s body is cleaning itself from toxins and waste that has built up from years of eating kibble. Once you get through this your dog will smell better than before! During this time keep some organic 100% pureed pumpkin on hand to help relieve upset stomachs.
Most dogs will not refuse RD. But sometimes we do get those picky eaters! If your dog is not accepting the change in his food try offering different things. He might not like carrots so offer peas. If beef isn’t his thing try lamb. Once you get these picky guys eating it will build up their appetite and they will be more open to trying other foods later on.
Not only will your dog be healthier on this diet, he/she will also like it so much more!
About Animal Care Expert Meghan Arriola
Meghan Arriola is an animal care consultant from Texas that spends her time promoting holistic wellbeing for humans and animals, while also caring for her many pets including dogs, ferrets, reptiles, goats and much more!
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