How to Feed Your Dog a Raw Diet: A Beginner's Guide

Switching your dog to a raw diet doesn't have to be complicated. A little preparation, a gradual transition, and some patience while your dog adjusts can make getting started much easier.

Raw feeding centers around minimally processed animal proteins, organs, bone, and other thoughtfully selected ingredients. But not every raw food is formulated the same way, so one of the easiest ways for beginners to start is with a commercially prepared raw food that's already complete and balanced.

From choosing that first recipe to navigating the transition, here's what to know before putting the first raw meal in your dog's bowl.

1. Start With a Complete and Balanced Raw Food

If you're new to raw feeding, you don't need to formulate your dog's meals yourself.

Choosing a commercially prepared raw food that's complete and balanced takes much of the guesswork out of getting started. Check the nutritional adequacy statement on the package to make sure the recipe is intended to be fed as a complete meal and appropriate for your dog's life stage.

Smallbatch frozen raw dog food is complete and balanced and made with 78–88% meat, organ, and bone, depending on the recipe, along with certified organic produce and other whole food ingredients.

Starting with a complete recipe allows you to focus on the transition and finding what works for your dog rather than trying to balance individual ingredients from day one.

2. Choose a Leaner Protein to Start

When you're introducing raw food for the first time, starting with a leaner recipe can help make the transition easier.

Chicken, turkey, and pork are good options to consider when choosing your dog's first Smallbatch raw recipe. Rather than introducing several proteins at once, start with one and give your dog time to adjust before adding more variety.

Once your dog is doing well on their new food, you can gradually introduce other proteins based on their preferences and individual needs.

3. Transition Slowly Over 7 Days

When switching your dog to raw food, we recommend transitioning gradually over about a week to give their digestive system time to adjust.

A good starting schedule is:

• Days 1–2: 25% Smallbatch + 75% current food
• Days 3–4: 50% Smallbatch + 50% current food
• Days 5–6: 75% Smallbatch + 25% current food
• Day 7+: 100% Smallbatch

This schedule is a starting point, not a deadline. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from a slower transition over 10–14 days, while others may adjust more quickly.

If mixing the two foods together doesn't seem to work well for your dog, try serving them at separate meals instead. For example, you might feed their current food for breakfast and Smallbatch raw for dinner, gradually increasing the number of raw meals as they adjust.

Pay attention to your dog's stool, appetite, and behavior throughout the transition. If they need more time, slow down or return to the previous step for another day or two before increasing the amount of raw food.

4. Give Your Dog Time to Adjust

It's normal for your dog to need some time to adjust to a new diet. During the transition to raw, you may notice temporary changes in their stool, appetite, or mealtime habits.

Stools may become smaller, firmer, or less frequent as your dog adjusts. Some dogs may also experience softer stool during the transition, which can be a sign that you need to slow things down and give their digestive system a little more time.

If your dog could use some extra support, additions like bone broth, goat's milk, or SuperBoosters can be introduced one at a time.

Most importantly, pay attention to your individual dog. The 7-day transition is a guide, and there's nothing wrong with taking longer if that's what works best for them.

5. Handle and Store Raw Food Safely

Raw food should be handled with the same care you would use when preparing raw meat in your own kitchen. A few simple habits can help keep feeding safe and easy:

• Thaw in the refrigerator: Thaw Smallbatch frozen patties or sliders overnight in a sealed container in the refrigerator, never on the counter.
• Use within three days: Once thawed, keep the food refrigerated and use it within three days.
• Keep things clean: Wash your hands, bowls, utensils, and preparation surfaces thoroughly after handling raw food.
• Store raw food separately: Keep raw pet food separate from ready-to-eat foods in your refrigerator.
• Follow the 15-minute rule: Don't leave raw or thawed food at room temperature for more than 15 minutes. Refrigerate or discard any leftovers promptly.

Once you get into a routine of moving meals from the freezer to the refrigerator ahead of time, storing and serving frozen raw becomes simple to manage day to day.

6. Make Raw Feeding Work for Your Routine

A little planning can make frozen raw feeding surprisingly simple. Keep a few days of food thawing in the refrigerator so the next meal is ready when you need it.

For times when frozen food isn't practical, Smallbatch freeze-dried raw offers another convenient way to feed raw. It's shelf-stable, making it especially useful for travel, camping, boarding, or those days when you forget to thaw the next meal.

Freeze-dried sliders can be rehydrated with warm water, bone broth, or goat's milk for added moisture.

Some pet parents primarily feed frozen raw and keep freeze-dried on hand for convenience, while others regularly use both. Finding a routine that works for you can make raw feeding much easier to maintain long term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Dogs a Raw Diet

How do I transition my dog to a raw diet?

A gradual transition over seven days is a good starting point. Begin with 25% Smallbatch and 75% of your dog's current food, then gradually increase the amount of Smallbatch every few days until you're feeding 100% Smallbatch on day seven. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from a slower 10–14 day transition.

What is the best raw protein to start with?

A leaner recipe can be a good place to start. Chicken, turkey, and pork are three options to consider when introducing your dog to raw food. Start with one protein and give your dog time to adjust before introducing additional recipes.

Is it normal for my dog's poop to change on a raw diet?

Yes. You may notice some changes as your dog adjusts to their new diet. Stools may become smaller, firmer, or less frequent, while temporary softer stools can occur during the transition. If your dog seems to need more time, slow down the transition before increasing the amount of raw food.

How long does it take a dog to adjust to raw food?

Many dogs can transition over about seven days, but every dog is different. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need 10–14 days or longer. Let your dog's response guide the pace rather than trying to stick to a strict deadline.

How do I thaw frozen raw dog food?

Thaw Smallbatch frozen patties or sliders overnight in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Don't thaw raw food on the counter. Once thawed, keep it refrigerated and use it within three days.

Can I feed frozen raw and freeze-dried raw?

Yes. Frozen and freeze-dried raw can both be part of your dog's feeding routine. Freeze-dried raw is especially convenient for travel, boarding, or times when keeping food frozen isn't practical. It can also be rehydrated with warm water, bone broth, or goat's milk for added moisture.