| When switching to a raw meat diet for dogs, there are | | | | will use, you will also need to prepare a system for |
| generally 2 techniques that are popularly used. The first | | | | obtaining your dog's food. A raw meat diet for dogs |
| one is called the Rapid Switch method. And the | | | | requires more commitment on your part compared to |
| second one is called the Transition Method. | | | | a commercial diet. Unlike commercial food, you can't |
| The Rapid Switch method, as the name suggests, | | | | just buy a bag of your dog's food and that's it. You |
| entails switching your dog abruptly from his old diet to | | | | need to make sure you get him the right kind of food |
| a raw food diet. Basically, you just stop feeding him | | | | to give him a balanced diet. |
| whatever diet he's on and the just start feeding him | | | | Here are some tips to make the transition easier on |
| raw meat. This works well for a lot of dogs. It is also | | | | you: |
| the simplest method to transition to a raw meat diet. | | | | 1. The food your dogs need is: 50 to 75% raw meaty |
| For some dogs, especially those who are very used to | | | | bones and muscle meat, 25 to 40% fruits and |
| their old diet, the rapid switch method may not work | | | | vegetables, 10 to 25% dairy, offal and others. Let this |
| well. Dog owners can use the Transition method. In the | | | | be your guide in deciding what to serve. |
| transition method, you gradually introduce raw meat | | | | 2. Create a menu of what you will be serving you dog. |
| into your dog's diet by adding a little of it to your dog's | | | | This will allow you to plan what you need to buy and |
| usual food. For each meal, you slowly increase the | | | | when you need to buy, saving you time and money. |
| proportion of raw meat to his old diet, until such time | | | | 3. Buy where you buy your meats and food. Your dog |
| that you are able to serve 100% raw meat. | | | | needs human grade food. To make sure you get |
| You might ask, "Which method is best for my dog?" | | | | meats and food that are safe to eat, buy from trusted |
| Most owners prefer to use the Rapid Switch Method | | | | sources. Where you buy the food you eat is a good |
| first. If that does not work, then they try the Transition | | | | choice. |
| Method. But if you're not comfortable with this or you | | | | 4. Store food properly. Meats should not be left out to |
| have reason to believe that your dog will be happier | | | | thaw and should be kept in the freezer to avoid |
| with a Transition Method, then by all means, start with | | | | spoilage. |
| this method. | | | | 5. Introduce new food one at a time. This will help you |
| Aside from choosing the method of switching that you | | | | pinpoint any food allergies your dog may have. |