Switching your dog to raw food is one of the best decisions you can make for their long-term health. But it can feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start. This is the exact protocol we use at OMF Performance Petfoods — and the same one The Canine Stars stunt dog team follows when onboarding a new dog.
Follow this and you'll have a smooth, confident transition in 7 days.
Why transition slowly?
A dog that has eaten kibble their whole life has a gut microbiome built around processing heavily processed carbohydrates. Raw food is fundamentally different — higher in moisture, protein, and fat, with no starchy binders. A sudden switch can cause loose stools, gas, or a brief detox period. Going slow lets the digestive system adapt without drama.
What you'll need
- Your chosen OMF blend (we recommend starting with a single protein — Beef Blend or Pork Blend)
- A kitchen scale (feed by weight, not volume)
- Patience — every dog is different
The 7-day protocol
Days 1–2: 25% raw, 75% current food
Mix a small amount of your OMF blend into your dog's existing food. Keep the ratio low. This is about introduction, not replacement. Watch their stool — firm and well-formed is what you want.
Days 3–4: 50% raw, 50% current food
Increase the raw portion. Most dogs will show obvious excitement at this point — raw food is highly palatable and dogs recognize real food immediately. If stools are still firm, you're on track.
Days 5–6: 75% raw, 25% current food
Almost there. At this stage most dogs have adapted well. You may notice their coat starting to look shinier and their energy more consistent throughout the day.
Day 7: 100% raw
Full transition. From here, feed 2–3% of your dog's ideal body weight per day, split into one or two meals. Adjust based on activity level, age, and body condition score.
What to expect in the first 2 weeks
- Smaller, firmer stools — this is normal. Raw-fed dogs produce significantly less waste because the food is more bioavailable.
- Increased thirst initially — raw food has much higher moisture content than kibble, so thirst usually decreases over time, but may spike briefly during transition.
- Improved coat and skin — most owners notice this within 2–3 weeks.
- More consistent energy — no more post-meal crashes from blood sugar spikes.
One protein at a time
Start with a single protein source — our Beef Blend or Pork Blend — before rotating to tri-blends. This makes it easier to identify any sensitivities and gives the gut a clean baseline to adapt from.
Ready to start?
Every dog on The Canine Stars team eats OMF raw food. These are rescue dogs performing backflips at Formula 1 Fan Zones and America's Got Talent — fueled entirely by real, raw, in-house made nutrition. Your dog deserves the same.