Switching Your Pet to Raw
A simple, practical guide to starting raw feeding. Start gently, understand 80:10:10, rotate proteins, build the bowl your way, and use the calculator to work out a sensible starting amount.
Start simple
For most dogs, start with milder proteins such as chicken or turkey. They are usually easier to digest and make the switch less overwhelming.
For very sensitive dogs, an offal-free raw mince can be a gentler starting point before moving onto 80:10:10 or complete raw meals.
Support the gut
Some pets settle straight onto raw, while others need a little support. Our Gut Support Powder can be used during the switch, especially for sensitive dogs or those prone to loose stools.
Choose your switching method
Simple Switch
Slow Transition
Sensitive Pets
Stop the old food and begin raw at the next meal. Start with one mild protein, ideally chicken or turkey, and keep things simple for the first week.
- Choose one protein to begin with.
- Avoid lots of treats at the start.
- Do not introduce too many new foods at once.
- Once settled, gradually add more variety.
A gradual switch can be useful for sensitive pets or owners who feel more comfortable taking things slowly.
- Days 1–3: 25% raw, 75% current food.
- Days 4–6: 50% raw, 50% current food.
- Days 7–9: 75% raw, 25% current food.
- Day 10 onwards: 100% raw.
For very sensitive dogs, start even simpler. Chicken or turkey is usually best, but some dogs do better beginning with an offal-free mince before moving onto richer recipes.
Gut support can also be helpful while their digestion adjusts.
80:10:10 Explained
What It Means
Is It Complete?
Making It Better
Cats
80:10:10 describes the ratio of ingredients in a traditional raw mince:
- 80% meat
- 10% bone
- 10% offal, usually around half liver and half another secreting organ
This ratio is used by many raw feeders as a simple, prey-model style base.
80:10:10 is balanced in terms of meat, bone and offal ratio.
However, that does not automatically mean it is nutritionally complete according to recognised standards such as FEDIAF.
Some 80:10:10 minces may be labelled as “complete”, but unless the recipe has been formulated to meet full nutritional requirements, it should be treated as a raw base rather than a fully complete meal.
Variety is key. Rotate proteins over time so your pet gets a wider spread of nutrients.
You can also add healthy extras such as eggs, oily fish, bone broth, goat’s milk, dog-safe fruit and veg, healthy oils, our Superfood Bowl Booster, or a complete supplement.
Extras should support the diet, not replace the meat.
Cats can eat suitable 80:10:10 raw minces too, including some recipes commonly listed for dogs, provided they are made from appropriate meat, bone and offal and are fed as part of a balanced raw approach.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so keep their bowl meat-focused. Fish can be included, but it should be part of variety rather than the only thing they eat.
Build Your Bowl
Raw feeding can be as simple or as interesting as you want it to be. Feed a straightforward mince, or build the bowl with healthy extras depending on your pet’s needs.
1. Choose a base
Start with 80:10:10, offal-free mince, or a complete raw meal.
2. Rotate proteins
Once settled, rotate chicken, turkey, duck, beef, lamb, rabbit, fish or other suitable proteins.
3. Add extras
Add small amounts of dog-safe veg, berries, fruit, eggs, bone broth, goat’s milk or toppers.
4. Add support
Oils, superfoods, Gut Support Powder or complete supplements can be added depending on the pet.
Keep it sensible. Meat should still be the main part of the bowl.
Raw Feeding Calculator
Use this as a starting point. Adjust based on body condition, activity level, age and how your pet looks.
This calculator gives a guide only. Puppies, kittens, pregnant pets, working dogs and pets with medical conditions may need tailored advice.
Protein variety matters
Once your pet has settled, variety is important. Different proteins naturally bring different nutrients, fats and textures.
Start simple, then build up gradually. There is no need to feed every protein in the first week.
Can I mix raw and dry?
Yes, many owners do. Some dogs are fine with mixed feeding, while others do better having raw and dry fed as separate meals.
Go by your dog’s digestion. If their stomach is happier with one method, stick with that.
Need help choosing?
Start simple: chicken or turkey first, offal-free if extra sensitive, then build variety once settled.
If your pet has ongoing health issues, allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or any medical condition, speak to your vet before making major diet changes.
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