Transitioning your dog to a fresh food diet can provide numerous benefits, but it’s important to make changes at a pace that doesn’t cause your dog stress.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO TRANSITION TO NEW FOOD
There are a few different ways to transition your dog to their new food. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s recommended to keep a daily journal to track:
- What you fed and in what proportions.
- Appetite of your dog and food acceptance.
- Stool quality and consistency.
- Energy levels and behavior.
- Signs of digestive distress (vomiting, excessive gas, gurgling noises, etc.).
- Your dog’s overall wellbeing.
This journal will help you make informed decisions about adjusting the transition pace based on your individual dog’s needs. Your dog’s stool will be the best indicator of how well they’re adapting to their new diet. When transitioning your dog to a new food, especially if you’re transitioning from kibble to fresh food, some digestive upset is expected.
GRADUAL METHOD
Approach:
- Days 1: 10% new food / 90% old food
- Day 2: 20% new food / 80% old food
- Day 3: 30% new food / 70% old food
- Day 4: 40% new food / 60% old food
- Day 5: 60% new food / 40% old food
- Day 6: 80% new food / 20% old food
- Day 7: 100% new food
Best for: Most dogs, especially those with slightly sensitive stomachs.
Some dogs may need a longer transition period or to start with a smaller amount (5% new food).
EXTENDED METHOD
Approach:
- Week 1: 25% new food / 75% old food
- Week 2: 50% new food / 50% old food
- Week 3: 75% new food / 25% old food
- Week 4: 100% new food
Best for: Senior dogs, dogs with very sensitive digestive systems, or those with chronic health issues.
BLENDED FOODS METHOD
Approach: Physically mix or blend old and new foods together.
Best for: Very picky eaters sensitive to texture changes.
Technique: Start with small amounts of the new food mixed thoroughly with the old.
COLD TURKEY METHOD
Approach: Transition over 2-3 days.
Best for: Dogs with robust digestive systems and those without pre-existing conditions.
Before starting: Consider feeding slightly less food (about ⅔ of normal amount) the day before beginning.
Day 1: You may start with a 24-hour fast for adult dogs (never fast puppies).
After fast: Begin offering 100% new food in normal portions.
Monitor: Watch closely for any digestive upset.
ALTERNATING MEALS METHOD
Approach: Morning meal is new food, evening meal is old food (or vice versa).
Timeline: Gradually increase the number of fresh food meals over 7-14 days.
Benefit: Gives digestive system time to rest between new food exposures.
COOKED-TO-RAW METHOD
If transitioning to raw: Start by lightly cooking the new food
Process: Gradually serve it less cooked over time until serving completely raw
When to use: For very sensitive dogs or if you’re nervous about raw feeding.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG WON’T EAT THEIR NEW FOOD
Some dogs are pickier than others and may not be interested in their new food. These are our top tips for picky eaters:
- Match proteins: If your dog eats beef kibble, start with beef-based fresh food.
- Warm it up: Heat food slightly to enhance aromas.
- Try a new location: Feed in a different room or area. Sometimes changing locations helps remove any past negative associations.
- Hand feeding: Offer food by hand initially to encourage trying new foods.
- Add toppers: Use bone broth, sardine juice, nutritional yeast, or a sprinkle of freeze-dried meat.
- Create enrichment: Use puzzle feeders or muffin tins with small amounts of different foods.
- Limit treats: Ensure your dog is actually hungry at mealtimes.
- Switch one thing at a time: Don’t change feeding time, amount, and type of food all at once.
- Be patient: Some dogs need multiple exposures to new foods before accepting them.
- Stay calm: Your stress can affect your dog’s willingness to try new foods.
During this time, it’s important to refer back to your daily journal and adjust the pace of your dog’s diet transition if needed.
Any change to your dog’s diet or feeding schedule, especially implementing fasting periods, should be discussed with your veterinarian first. These approaches aren’t suitable for all dogs, particularly puppies, seniors, or those with certain medical conditions.
Dr. Katie Woodley, the founder of The Natural Pet Doctor, has been pioneering integrative veterinary medicine for the last 15 years. She blends Eastern and Western medicine to address the root causes of disease, with a focus on gut and skin health. Dr. Woodley creates comprehensive treatment plans combining targeted nutrition and herbal remedies to promote overall well-being in pups.
For more information, check out Dr. Katie Woodley’s Better Gut Health Blueprint.
For More Information:
- 2025 The Natural Pet Doctor. Better Gut Health Blueprint.
- Coates, DVM, Jennifer. “How to Switch Your Dog’s Food.” Www.petmd.com, 16 Nov. 2022, www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/how-to-switch-your-dogs-food.
- Dr. Katie Woodley – The Natural Pet Doctor. “How to Transition Your Pet to a Raw Food Diet Safely to Optimize Gut Health | Holistic Vet Guide.” YouTube, 16 Feb. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNcm2q46d1Y. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
- Habib, Rodney, and Karen Shaw Becker. The Forever Dog Life. HarperCollins, 28 May 2024.
- DogCancer.com. “How to Get a Dog to Eat That Refuses to Do so | Dr. Susan Recker – DogCancer.com.” DogCancer.com, 17 May 2023, www.dogcancer.com/podcast/diet-and-lifestyle/how-to-get-a-dog-to-eat-that-refuses-to-do-so-dr-susan-recker/.
