Quick answer: Switch your dog to fresh food slowly over 7 to 10 days. Start with about 25% fresh food and 75% old food, then move to half and half, then 75% fresh, then all fresh. Most adult dogs eat about 2 to 3% of their body weight a day. If the stool turns loose, stay at the current step for a few more days before moving on.
You've decided to try fresh food. Great choice. But a sudden switch can upset even the toughest tummy. A slow change gives your dog's gut time to adjust to new ingredients and more moisture. Here's the simple plan we share with every fur-parent.
The 7 to 10 day switch plan
| Days | Old food | Fresh food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | 75% | 25% |
| 4 to 6 | 50% | 50% |
| 7 to 9 | 25% | 75% |
| 10 | 0% | 100% |
Mix the two foods well so your dog can't pick out the fresh bits and leave the rest. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, stretch each step to 4 or 5 days.
How much fresh food to feed
Most adult dogs eat about 2 to 3% of their body weight a day, split into two meals.
| Dog's weight | Daily amount |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5kg | 60 to 90g (2 meals) |
| 10kg | 200 to 300g |
| 20kg | 400 to 600g |
| 30kg | 600 to 900g |
These are starting points. Active dogs need more. Seniors and couch potatoes need less. Weigh your dog every 2 weeks and adjust. Not sure? Message us your dog's weight and breed, and we'll help you work it out.
What to expect in the first two weeks
- Softer stool at first. Fresh food has more moisture than kibble, so stool may change for a few days. It usually firms up.
- Smaller stool. Many dogs poop less on fresh food.
- Drinking less water. Fresh food already contains water, so your dog may drink less. That's normal.
- More excitement at mealtime. Don't be surprised by a happy dance.
When to slow down or stop
Slow down if the stool stays loose for more than 2 days. Go back one step and hold there.
Call your vet if you see vomiting, blood in the stool, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, or a dog that won't eat for more than 24 hours.
Fixes for picky eaters
- Warm it up a little. Thaw the pack in warm water so the food is close to room temperature. Don't microwave or re-cook gently cooked food.
- Add bone broth. A splash of single-protein bone broth makes any bowl smell better.
- Start with meatballs. Bite-size meatballs feel like treats, so many picky dogs take to them faster.
- Keep mealtimes short. Offer food for 15 to 20 minutes, then pick it up. Skip extra treats between meals.
Switching a dog with allergies?
If you're switching to start an elimination diet, use one novel protein only and no other foods, treats, or flavored chews. Your vet may advise a slightly different pace. Once the switch is done, keep the trial going for 6 to 12 weeks. Read our elimination diet guide.
Switching to raw?
The same 7 to 10 day pace works for raw. Some raw feeders prefer to feed kibble and raw at separate meals during the switch. Remember: raw food with bone must never be cooked.
Easy ways to start fresh
Gently Cooked Meatballs for Dogs — Bite-size, ready-to-serve meatballs. Choose Single Protein meatballs for sensitive dogs, Wholesome Mix meatballs in pork, chicken, or beef for everyday feeding, or BARF Mix meatballs for variety. Trial packs let you test before you buy a 20-piece pack. Wholesome Mix and BARF Mix meatballs support rotation and variety, not a standalone complete diet. Shop Gently Cooked Meatballs
Gently Cooked Wholesome Mix — A daily fresh bowl in pork, beef, or chicken, with organs, sardines, and a little vegetable and fruit. Supports rotation and variety, not a standalone complete diet. Shop Wholesome Mix
Gently Cooked Single Proteins — One novel protein per pack for dogs with allergies or sensitive tummies. Shop Gently Cooked Single Proteins
Bone Broth — The picky-eater fix. Pour a little over the bowl. Shop Bone Broth
Delivery: Same-day delivery across Metro Manila and Greater Manila via Lalamove for orders placed before 3 PM, Monday to Saturday. Provincial orders ship via Victory Liner Drop & Go.
Frequently asked questions
How long should it take to switch a dog to fresh food?
About 7 to 10 days. Go slower, up to 2 weeks, if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Can I switch my dog to fresh food cold turkey?
It's not a good idea. A sudden change can cause loose stool or vomiting. A slow switch is easier on the gut.
Can I mix fresh food with kibble long-term?
Yes. Many fur-parents use fresh food as a topper on kibble. Reduce the kibble so your dog doesn't gain weight.
Why is my dog's poop soft after switching?
Fresh food has more moisture and new ingredients. Some softness in the first week is normal. If it lasts more than 2 days, go back one step.
How do I thaw fresh dog food?
Thaw overnight in the fridge, or place the sealed pack in warm water until soft. Once thawed, use gently cooked food within 2 to 3 days. Don't refreeze fully thawed packs.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a health condition.
Sources
- Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Jackson HA. "Adverse Reactions to Food." In: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed., Chapter 31. Mark Morris Institute.
- Gently Cooked Meatballs for Dogs, Wholesome Rabbit
- Gently Cooked Wholesome Mix, Wholesome Rabbit
