Switching your Pet to a Raw Food Diet

Thursday Nov 10 2011
Posted in: Health-Tips, All-Blogs
by Arusha Pet Foods

Some pets switch over to a raw diet more readily than others. There are a few reasons for this. Older ones tend to be more difficult. Pets that have food left out all day for them are not used to feeling hunger and may beg all day for food. When switching, you can give in to start, but slowly cut down on meals. Pets fed only dry are more difficult as they are not used to a moist texture. Commercial pet food is addictive because of the additives used.

Confidence, love and perseverance will conquer all these problems in time. Your pet cannot be rushed. Transition may be done in as little as a week to several months. Lots of love and coaxing will help. Talk gently to your pet. Our cats were a bit hesitant at first and putting a small bit on our finger got them to be brave and then they became more eager to try it. Our dogs were not hesitant at all and seemed to say “Why didn’t you feed this sooner? It’s so good!”

Depending on your pet’s eating habits, getting them used to two meals a day is the first step. Some young pets (between 1-6 years) may be satisfied with one meal a day, but two meals are generally recommended. Chicken or turkey will typically be the easiest to start with. Some cats may take to it right off. Dogs aren’t normally as particular, but may prefer red meat. If not, allow them to work up an appetite (6-12 hrs), and then slowly mix small amounts of raw food into the dry or canned. Increase the amount of raw if the pet is accepting the new food. Go slow if your pet is unsure. Some pets need more time. We always praised our cats at feeding time to encourage them to eat it. Getting your pet used to plain raw meat may help if they’re a bit hesitant or even cooking it and then cooking it less and less.

The amounts depend on your pet’s age and activity level. If your cat is not overweight, let them eat until they are full. Young animals eat more than seniors. Active ones eat more than inactive ones. Senior and inactive dogs may maintain a healthy body weight on 1% whereas a young active dog may require 3% or more. Dogs should be given a ration, as they will typically eat as much as is available, as they are naturally opportunistic eaters. Puppies & Kittens under 3 months should eat 4 times a day, 3-6 months 3 times a day, and 6 months & up twice a day.

Pets don’t eat as much raw food as commercial as it is very high in protein and their bodies can metabolize it right away.

Also, feed canned salmon, sardines or mackerel on occasion. Look for those packed in spring water or natural juice and preferably sugar and salt free.

 

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