New to Raw?

Here’s Where to Start

Switching your dog or cat to raw does not need to be complicated. The goal is simple: introduce fresh, species-appropriate food, give your pet time to adjust, and pay attention to what works for the individual animal.

At The Raw Concierge, we’re always available to help you get started.

Choosing Your First Protein

Unless your pet has a known food sensitivity or protein restriction, we generally recommend beginning with a familiar, easily digestible protein such as chicken, turkey, or duck.

Start with one blend and stay with it during the initial transition. There is no need to introduce multiple proteins immediately. Once your pet is eating raw comfortably and digestion is consistent, you can begin rotating through our other proteins.

Protein rotation can provide dietary variety, but there is no prize for introducing everything at once.

Making the Transition

At The Raw Concierge, we recommend transitioning cold turkey. Based on 17 years of experience transitioning hundreds of dogs and cats to raw, we have found this to be the most successful approach.

Simply discontinue the current food and begin feeding raw at the next meal.

Not comfortable going cold turkey? Introduce a small amount of raw with the current food and gradually increase the raw while decreasing the old food until you’ve fully transitioned to raw.

Tips & Tricks

  • Serve raw food at room temperature. We do not recommend serving it refrigerator-cold, especially during the transition.

  • Keep it simple. Avoid introducing multiple new foods, treats, toppers or supplements during the initial transition.

  • One refusal isn't the end. If your pet isn't interested in the first blend you offer, try a different protein.

  • Give them a little time. A completely different smell, taste and texture may take some getting used to.

  • Don't overcomplicate it. Raw feeding doesn't require a long list of additions or supplements.

  • Ask us. If something isn't going as expected, we're happy to help troubleshoot.

For Selective Eaters

Dogs and cats have preferences just like we do. A pet refusing one protein does not mean they won't eat raw.

If you're trying a new protein, start with a smaller quantity before committing to a larger order. Some tiny dogs love red meat. Some large dogs want nothing to do with it. Cats can have particularly strong opinions about both protein and texture.

Finding what your pet genuinely enjoys is part of the process.

What Changes Should I Expect?

Stool

Raw-fed pets commonly produce smaller, firmer, less frequent and considerably less odorous stools because the composition and digestibility of the diet are very different from many commercial foods.

Less stool does not automatically mean constipation and we do not recommend incorporating pumpkin or any other stool facilitators during the transition period.

Constipation means your pet is having difficulty passing stool—straining repeatedly, appearing uncomfortable, or being unable to defecate—not simply producing less of it.

Some pets may temporarily develop softer stool or a small amount of mucus while their gastrointestinal tract adjusts to a dietary change. This should be temporary. Persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, significant straining, or changes in your pet's behavior warrant attention.

Digestive Upset

Our raw blends contain whole animal ingredients without grains, fillers, preservatives or artificial additives.

A dietary change can still produce temporary digestive changes, particularly in sensitive animals. Pay attention to your individual pet and give their digestive system a little time to adjust.

How Much Should I Feed?

Feed according to your pet—not according to the volume of kibble, canned food or another diet they previously ate.

For adult dogs and cats, our general starting guideline is based on body weight, body condition, age and activity level. Most healthy adults begin around 2–3% of body weight per day, divided into meals.

This is a starting point, not a fixed rule. Watch your pet's body condition and adjust the amount as needed.

Puppies and kittens have different requirements and should be fed according to our age-based growth guidelines.

Once You're Comfortable

Raw feeding does not have to become complicated.

Our standard raw blends follow an 80% muscle meat / 10% raw edible bone / 10% organ prey-model formulation, with the organ portion consisting of approximately 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ.

We offer a wide range of proteins so you can build variety around your individual dog or cat.

You can also incorporate raw meaty bones, whole-food additions, recreational chews and other foods as appropriate for your pet.

Most importantly, you do not have to feed exactly like someone else feeds their animal.

There are many ways to build a successful raw-feeding routine. Learn your pet, understand what you're feeding, and make adjustments based on the animal in front of you.

Ready to Learn More?

Once you've gotten through the initial transition, you can explore:

Questions? Ask Us.

If you're unsure where to begin, need help choosing proteins, or aren't sure how much to feed, contact us at support@therawconcierge.com. We're happy to help you make the transition without making raw feeding more complicated than it needs to be.

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