Feeding Guidelines
Give Your Dog Time to Adjust.
A better diet starts with a better transition.
Whether you're moving from kibble, canned food, or another raw brand, changing your dog's diet is one of the best decisions you can make for their long term health. But just like us, dogs need time for their digestive system to adapt.
A gradual transition helps support healthy digestion and allows your dog's gut microbiome to naturally adjust to a fresh, species appropriate diet.
Why You Should Transition Slowly
Your dog's digestive system adapts to the food it eats every day. Introducing a completely new diet too quickly can temporarily disrupt that balance, leading to loose stools, an upset stomach or a reduced appetite.
A gradual transition gives your dog the best chance to comfortably adapt while beginning to enjoy the nutritional benefits of minimally processed raw food.
Transition Guide
We recommend introducing RAWCO over 7 to 10 days.
| Days | Previous Food | RAWCO |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 to 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 to 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 onwards | 0% | 100% |
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, senior dogs, or those that have eaten the same diet for many years, extending the transition to 10 to 14 days is perfectly normal.
Tips for Success
Take it one step at a time.
Avoid changing treats, supplements or your dog's routine while transitioning to RAWCO.
Keep an eye on their stools.
Healthy, firm stools are a good indication your dog is adjusting well. If stools become loose, simply slow the transition for a few extra days.
Feed consistent portions.
Stick to regular meal times and avoid overfeeding during the transition.
Always provide fresh water.
Although a raw diet naturally contains more moisture than kibble, access to clean drinking water should always be available.
Every dog is unique.
Some dogs transition immediately, while others simply need a little more time. Let your dog's digestive system determine the pace.
Feeding Guidelines
Every dog is unique, so feeding amounts should always be adjusted to suit their age, activity level, metabolism and body condition.
As a general guide, adult dogs should consume approximately 2% to 3% of their body weight per day.
For example:
5kg dog: approximately 100g to 150g per day
10kg dog: approximately 200g to 300g per day
20kg dog: approximately 400g to 600g per day
Puppies
Growing puppies require significantly more energy than adult dogs.
From around 8 weeks of age, puppies should consume approximately 4% to 6% of their body weight each day, divided across 3 to 4 meals.
From approximately 9 months of age, portions can gradually be reduced until they reach the recommended adult feeding amount.
Adult Feeding Guide
| Adult Weight | Daily Feeding Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 4.5kg | Approximately 100g |
| 4.5kg to 11.5kg | 200g to 300g |
| 11.5kg to 22.5kg | 300g to 400g |
| 22.5kg to 35.5kg | 500g to 700g |
| Over 35.5kg | 700g+ |
These are starting recommendations only. Very active dogs may require more food, while less active or overweight dogs may require less. Regularly assess your dog's body condition and adjust feeding amounts as required.
Frequently Asked Question
Do I Need to Wean My Dog Off Their Previous Diet?
Many dogs transition to a raw diet with little or no difficulty. However, to minimise the chance of digestive upset, we recommend following the transition guide above.
Introducing RAWCO gradually allows your dog's digestive system and gut microbiome to naturally adapt to their new diet, making the change as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The RAWCO Difference
RAWCO is crafted using premium New Zealand ingredients with no unnecessary fillers, grains or artificial additives. Every recipe is built around real meat, bone and organs to provide nutrition that's closer to what nature intended.
A little patience during the transition is all it takes to lay the foundation for better digestion, healthier skin and coat, improved vitality, and happier mealtimes.