So you've decided to move your furkid from kibble to fresh food. Lovely! The good news is that most dogs take to it quickly. Here's a simple plan, what to expect along the way, and a few tips from the many pawrents we've helped make the switch since 2018.
Before you start
If your dog is a healthy adult, you're good to go. If they're a puppy, a senior, pregnant or nursing, or living with a health condition such as kidney disease or pancreatitis, please check with your vet first.
Choose how you'll switch
Straight switch
Many healthy adult dogs do perfectly well switching in a single day, and plenty of our customers go this way. If your dog eats happily and has good, firm poops after the first two or three meals, you're done.
Gradual switch over about a week
If your dog has a sensitive tummy, or you'd simply feel more comfortable, mix the fresh food into their usual food and increase it a little each day:
- Days 1 and 2: about a quarter fresh food, three quarters kibble.
- Days 3 and 4: half and half.
- Days 5 and 6: about three quarters fresh food.
- Day 7: all fresh food.
Mixing fresh food and kibble in the same bowl is fine. It's simply the easiest way to switch gradually.
Work out how much to feed
As a starting point, feed this much each day, based on your dog's ideal body weight:
- Puppies, weaning to 12 months: about 5% of body weight, split into at least two meals.
- Young adults, 12 to 18 months: about 4%.
- Adults, 18 months and over: about 3%.
So a 20kg adult dog would eat roughly 600g a day. Weigh your dog every couple of weeks and adjust: if you can't easily feel their ribs, feed a little less. For puppies, work from their current weight, weigh them every week as they grow, and talk to us or your vet, especially for large breeds. Our Storage and Feeding guide has more detail.
Thawing and storage
- Keep tubs frozen at minus 18°C or colder.
- Move tomorrow's tub to the fridge tonight to thaw. Never thaw on the counter or in hot water.
- Once thawed, keep it covered in the fridge and use it within 2 days.
- Serve straight from the fridge, or let it sit for a few minutes if your dog prefers it less cold.
What's normal in the first two weeks
- Smaller, firmer, less smelly poops.
- Slightly softer stools for a few days while the gut adjusts. This usually settles on its own.
- Drinking less water, because fresh food holds so much moisture.
Call your vet if diarrhoea lasts more than a few days, or if you see blood, repeated vomiting, or a dog who's lethargic or off their food.
If your dog turns their nose up
Some kibble fed dogs don't recognise fresh food as food at first. Put the bowl down for about 15 minutes. If it isn't eaten, calmly take it away and offer it again at the next meal, without extras in between. Most dogs come round within a few meals. Letting the food sit for a few minutes out of the fridge, or trying a different protein, can help too. Puppies, toy breeds and dogs with medical conditions shouldn't skip meals, so check with your vet for these little ones.
Keep it clean
Wash your hands, bowls and any surfaces after preparing each meal, just as you would after handling raw meat for your own dinner.
Not sure which recipe to start with? Our rotational bundles let your furkid try a few proteins. And if you'd like a hand, message us on WhatsApp. We've got you covered 🐾