How to Transition Your Dog to Freeze-Dried Raw

How do you transition a dog to freeze-dried raw?

Switching to whole, minimally processed food is worth doing right, and it is simple. Go gradually: over about 7 to 10 days, mix a little more freeze-dried raw into your dog's current food each day while lowering the amount of the old food. A slow change gives your dog's digestion time to adjust and makes an upset stomach less likely. There is no rush. Some dogs take to it in a few days, others need two weeks, and either is fine. Most dogs are eager for it once they get a taste.

A simple transition schedule

This is a starting guide. Adjust the pace to your dog:

Feed the right total amount for your dog's weight at each step. See how much to feed and our Find your recipe quiz for the amount. If your dog does great, you can move a little faster; if not, hold at a step longer.

What if my dog gets loose stool or an upset stomach?

Softer stool is common when any food changes. It is usually about the pace, not the food. Slow down: hold at the current mix for a few extra days before increasing again, and make sure fresh water is always available. If loose stool lasts more than a day or two, is severe, or comes with vomiting, blood, or low energy, stop the switch and call your vet.

Do you have to switch completely?

No. Plenty of dog people use AlphaPak as a topper over their dog's current food rather than replacing it. It is an easy way to add whole-food ingredients to the bowl, and a bag lasts much longer. See how much to feed for meal-versus-topper amounts.

Tips for a smooth switch

• Rehydrate it. For every cup of food, add up to an equal amount of fresh warm water and stir, then wait 30 to 60 seconds. It softens the food and brings out the aroma, which helps picky eaters. If a piece still feels firm, give it a little more water and a little longer — dense pieces take longer than you would expect, and this is the single most common thing people get wrong.
• Keep meal times consistent so the only thing changing is the food.
• Change one thing at a time. Don't start a new treat or supplement mid-switch, so you can tell what is doing what.
• Be patient with seniors and picky dogs. A slower ramp and a little warm water go a long way.

When should you check with your vet?

Loop in your vet before or during the switch if your dog is a puppy, a senior, pregnant or nursing, or has any health condition, and any time a digestive problem does not clear up quickly. For the bigger picture on the food itself, see is freeze-dried raw good for dogs? and is freeze-dried raw safe?. This page is general information, not veterinary advice.