GUIDE: HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR german shepherd FROM KIBBLE TO A RAW food DIET

By Traci Needles, Founder and Owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds
Published: October 27, 2024

So you’ve researched the benefits of a raw food diet for your German Shepherd and you’ve made the decision to switch to raw. Or you are curious about the process of switching to raw and what it entails. Use this guide to learn all about transitioning your dog from a kibble-based diet to a raw food diet.

And if you’re still researching a raw diet for your dog or German Shepherd, check out our beginners guide to raw food for dogs.

video: transitioning your dog from kibble to raw food

Watch our step-by-step guide one the process of switching your dog from kibble to raw food. Also learn about what to expect with your German Shepherd during the transition, what to look for in your dog’s behavior during this time, and monitoring stool changes and sizes.

Learn what to expect when transitioning your dog from kibble to a raw food diet, things to look for in the transition, and how to start the transition process step by step. Following these steps will help reduce abrupt changes in your dog's health, such as loose stool or diarrhea, during the transition process.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: TRANSITIONING YOUR german shepherd FROM KIBBLE TO A RAW FOOD DIET

Why is it Important to Slowly Transition Your Dog's Diet from Kibble to Raw?

At Nadelhaus, we suggest gradually changing your dog’s diet to raw food instead of switching all at once. A slower transition helps your dog’s digestive system to adapt effectively to the new diet and will minimizes the risk of your dog having an upset tummy and diarrhea. By taking the time to transition slowly, you support your dog’s health and comfort throughout the process.

Signs of a Smooth Transition vs. Digestive Issues

When transitioning your dog from kibble to a raw diet, it's common to observe changes in their stool. You may notice firmer, smaller stools as their digestive system adapts to the new food. However, diarrhea can occur, especially during the initial stages of the transition. If your dog experiences diarrhea, it is essential to slow down the transition process by reducing the amount of raw food being introduced. You might return to a previous feeding ratio—if your dog was eating two cups of kibble with a golf ball-sized amount of raw, consider reducing it to half that size. Additionally, integrating probiotics can help support their gut health. Remember, stool changes are significant indicators of how well your dog is adjusting to their new diet.

Addressing Common Challenges

It’s uncommon for a dog to be reluctant to accept raw food, but sometimes it does happen. This is why it is important to start with a small amount of raw food mixed with the dog’s existing kibble diet and to slowly increase the amount over time. If your dog is still resistant, consider adding a splash of bone broth, goat milk, or a sprinkle of their favorite treat can also stimulate interest. If all else fails, consider transitioning with Fido Fuels Freeze-Dried Raw Food which is a bit closer in consistency and texture to kibble. With patience and watchfulness, you can make the healthy transition to raw for your furry friend.

how much raw food should i feed my german shepherd?

Aim to feed your dog a daily amount of raw food equally around 2-4% of the dog’s body weight. When transitioning, feed raw portions at the same times you would normally feed your dog its kibble. Larger dogs may need closer to 4% and smaller dogs may need less.

  • A 80 pound dog should eat between 1.5 to 3.2 pounds per day, or 11 to 24 pounds per week

  • A 60 pound dog should eat between 1.2 to 2.4 pounds per day, or 8 to 18 pounds per week

  • A 40 pound dog should eat between 0.8 to 1.6 pounds per day, or 5.5 to 12 pounds per week

  • A 25 pound dog should eat between 0.5 to 1 pounds per day, or 3.5 to 8 pounds per week

  • A 10 pound dog should eat between 0.2 to 0.4 pounds per day, or 1.5 to 4 pounds per week

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and individual food needs can vary. Monitor your pet closely and adjust the food quantity as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

RAW DOG FOOD DAILY PORTION SIZES BY DOG WEIGHT

WHY DID NADELHAUS SWITCH EXCLUSIVELY TO RAW FOOD FOR OUR GERMAN SHEPHERDS?

Traci Needles, owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds, shares a personal story on why she was motivated to research and try raw food with her dogs. She now exclusively feeds her German Shepherds and puppies Fido Fuels raw food.

NADELHAUS IS AN OFFICIAL RESELLER OF FIDO FUELS RAW DOG FOOD

Read our beginners guide to raw dog food and see how easy the switch from kibble to raw food can be!

Foods that are dangerous for german shepherds

Whether you’re feeding your German Shepherd raw or kibble, you should always avoid the following foods as they are dangerous for your pet:

  • Onions, garlic, and chives

  • Grapes and raisins

  • Chocolate or coffee

  • Avocado

  • Citrus

  • Apple seeds or the pits to any fruit

  • Xylitol (artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)

  • Macadamia nuts and walnuts

Foods that are dangerous for dogs: grapes, avocado, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, coffee, avocado, citrus, nuts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Traci Needles is the founder and owner of Nadelhaus German Shepherds. Traci has been breeding German Shepherds since 1996. With nearly 30 years of experience with German Shepherds, she has extensive knowledge about this incredible working dog breed. Her mission is to breed German Shepherd dogs that have the ability to obtain Schutzhund titles and the highest possible conformation ratings. The German Shepherds she breeds are from 100% German bloodlines and Nadelhaus is a member of the GSDCA-WDA and SV of Germany.