Transition Guide — Dogs
Ardam · The K9 Raw Transition Blueprint
How do I switch my dog to raw food?
Moving your dog to fresh fuel is one of the best things you can do for their long-term vitality. For most dogs it's seamless — and for the hesitant ones, this calm, step-by-step plan gets them there without the stress.
Last reviewed June 2026 · 100% Australian, human-grade ingredients
A change of pace, not a battle of wills
Dogs are creatures of habit. If yours has spent years eating dry biscuits, a sudden change in texture, smell and temperature can occasionally earn you a classic "yeah, nah" look.
If you have a hesitant eater, don't sweat it. Transitioning isn't a race — it's a process. Let your dog's digestion guide your pace, and use the plan below as a calm, flexible framework rather than a strict set of rules.
Ronan's take: "Consistency beats impatience every time. If your dog is hesitating, they aren't rejecting the food — they're just processing the change. Stick to the plan, stay calm and let their natural instincts do the work."
Nugget's take: "Look, some of us just get a bit suspicious when dinner suddenly looks and smells completely different. A little encouragement goes a long way — and trust me, once they get a proper taste, there's no turning back."
The step-by-step transition
If your dog needs a gradual introduction, use this simple four-stage method over a week or two. Each stage shifts a little more of the bowl from their old food to fresh raw.
- 1 Days 1–3 75% old · 25% raw
- 2 Days 4–6 50% old · 50% raw
- 3 Days 7–9 25% old · 75% raw
- 4 Day 10+ 100% raw
| Stage | Old food | Raw food | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 75% | 25% | Days 1–3 |
| Stage 2 | 50% | 50% | Days 4–6 |
| Stage 3 | 25% | 75% | Days 7–9 |
| Stage 4 | 0% | 100% | Day 10+ |
The half-and-half rule: Even if you choose to stay at Stage 2 indefinitely, that's completely fine. Adding even a small amount of fresh, raw nutrition provides real benefits for gut health, skin and immune system. Any fresh food is better than none.
Strategies for the stubborn eater
- Natural add-ins. A dollop of plain natural yoghurt, a spoonful of pure peanut butter (always check it's 100% xylitol-free), or a little canned tuna in springwater can work wonders.
- The secret weapon: raw green tripe. Its potent scent is irresistible to dogs. Highly nutritious, and it rarely fails to convert a stubborn eater.
- Hold your ground. A healthy dog can safely go 24–48 hours without a meal if they're holding out for their old food. Remove the bowl if they walk away, pop it back in the fridge, and offer again at the next mealtime. When they're genuinely hungry, they'll eat.
The recommended starting mix
For the first week of any transition — or for brand-new puppies — we recommend starting with our Complete Digestion Support.
Complete Digestion Support
Gentle on the system and formulated to soothe the gut during a dietary shift.
Shop this mix →Chicken-free
Eliminates the most common protein sensitivity, so it suits even the most reactive tummies.
Built for growth
Naturally higher in the healthy fats young dogs need for steady growth and cognitive development.
New to portions? Our raw feeding calculator works out how much to feed by weight, age, body condition and activity.
The dogs
Two dogs. Two voices. One company.
Every plan and portion guide on this page is the same straight-talking advice Ronan and Nugget stand behind — real food, no nonsense.
Real food. Straight answers. For the ones we love.
Need a hand?
Every dog is an individual, and we've seen every type of eater over the last decade. If you'd like personalised advice or want to chat through your dog's routine, our team is always here to help.
Reach out anytime at team@ardam.com.au — let's get your pack sorted.
Ready to make the switch?
Take the quiz and we'll match the right plan for your dog — or start gentle with a digestion-support mix.
