Each step of the transition slowly progresses dogs to a balanced raw diet. The first step of the raw feeding transition includes simple ingredients not to overwhelm the pet parent and the dog during the switch of processed food to fresh food.
Simple meals are encouraged to feed dogs when beginning the raw feeding transition. It is best not to add too many ingredients to the diet in the first step of the transition.
Select lean, white meat proteins to feed as muscle meat.
Edible bone is needed in step one and it is best to select lean, white protein raw meaty bones.
Fiber-based vegetables helps with the transition to fresh food by regulating stool.
Don’t rush the transition process. It is normal to get excited and want to push forward. However, it is best to allow the dog to set the pace of the raw transition. Some dogs take effortlessly into raw while others need more time.
The Beginning of the Raw Transition
The first step of the raw feeding transition does not match BARF or PMR model ratios because organs are not fed. Some dogs require more bone to maintain firm and consistent stool in comparison to others. The following ratios are starting guidelines, not rules, and should be modified for each dog’s individual needs.
Small Dog Meal Example
Turkey Thigh
Rabbit Ribs
Veggie Blend
Large Dog Meal Example
Chicken Breast
Turkey Neck
Veggie Blend
The purpose of feeding lean white meat, raw meaty bones, and vegetables is to provide a bland meal. Bland meals are easier on digestion and allow the dog to adjust to digesting raw proteins and fat.
Additionally, each transition step is beneficial to the pet parent. There is a learning curve with raw feeding and the transition plan is ideal to help the pet parent adjust and learn a new way of providing a nutritionally balanced diet to their dog.
Lean White Muscle Meat Options
White muscle meat is the main source of protein in step one. Red meat protein and organs are added once the dog has adjusted to lean white meat. Meals from lean, white meat allow the dog’s digestive system to adjust to raw proteins and fats. Too many new foods may cause diarrhea and digestive upset.
Boneless Chicken Muscle Meat
Chicken is the recommended starter protein when transitioning a dog to raw. Boneless chicken muscle meat from breasts or thighs are good options to provide a low-fat protein option.
Boneless Turkey Muscle Meat
Turkey is lean white meat protein similar to chicken, but it is useful for dogs who are sensitive to chicken. Boneless turkey breasts or thighs are good options to use in step one for the muscle meat ratio.
Poultry Intolerances & Allergies
Some dogs cannot consume chicken or turkey due to an allergy or intolerance. Therefore, these items should be avoided. In these instances, lean pork muscle meat is the recommended starting protein.
Raw Meaty Bone Options
Raw meaty bones (RMB) should be included in the first step of the transition. It is best to select raw meaty bone cuts appropriate for the dog’s size.
Chicken RMBs
Chicken raw meaty bones provide the most versatile options for dogs of all sizes. Chicken necks, wings, and feet prove beneficial for small to medium size dogs. Chicken backs, leg quarters, and frames are better suited for large to giant breeds.
Rabbit RMBs
Domesticated rabbit is a lean white meat protein with soft, edible bones safe for any size dog to consume. Rabbit bones are ideal for small breed dogs who have difficulty with larger bones and for dogs who have an intolerance or allergy to poultry.
Turkey RMBs
Turkey necks, wingettes, wing tips, and backs are safe raw meaty bones for large and giant dogs, but are not suitable for smaller dogs. Many large bones from turkey, such as legs and thighs, are not recommended to feed due to their density.
Duck RMBs
Duck feet, necks, and wings are suitable raw meaty bone options for step one and other raw meaty bones should be introduced after the dog is transitioned into red meat. Limiting the duck raw meaty bones to feet, necks, and wings minimizes the amount of fat introduced in step one.
Money Saving Tip
On average, individual cuts of chicken and turkey will have a higher price per pound or kilogram. Purchase whole chickens and/or turkey to reduce costs. Butcher whole poultry into individual cuts such as 2 leg quarters (or 2 drumsticks and 2 thighs), 1 back, 1 frame, 2 wings, and 2 boneless breast filets. Additionally, the leg quarters can be deboned for additional muscle meat.
The neck, heart, gizzard, and liver are included if a whole chicken or turkey is purchased “with giblets”! Save the heart, gizzard, and liver to introduce in later steps of the transition.
Vegetable Options
High-fiber vegetables provide multiple benefits to dogs and to easing the transition. The inclusion of fiber provides the sensation of feeling fuller and helps maintain firm and consistent stool throughout the transition.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is highly palatable for dogs and provides a great foundation for vegetable blends. The soft, creamy texture of baked butternut squash helps mask the flavor of other vegetables that dogs may not like.
Spinach
Spinach is highly nutritious in small amounts and is an ideal leafy green to include in all raw diets. Spinach is high in fiber and provides a range of essential nutrients beneficial to raw diets.
Kale
Kale is a super green powerhouse and is packed with many essential nutrients! The downside to kale is many dogs may not like the flavor and may refuse to eat it alone. Blending kale with another vegetable or with a palatable liquid, like bone broth, are recommended options to prepare kale for a picky dog.
Vegetable Preparation
All plant ingredients should be prepared in a method to allow optimal digestion. Pureing raw, lightly steaming, or fermenting are the recommended preparation methods for low glycemic vegetables. If starchy vegetables are fed, they must be thoroughly cooked prior to feeding for optimal digestion.
Calculate Ingredient Amounts
Step one is not intended or recommended to feed long-term.
The first step of the raw feeding transition is not complete with all essential nutrients and should not be fed long-term. Proceed to step two once the dog has maintained firm and consistent stool for a minimum of three days.
"LET THE DOG GUIDE YOU."
Ronny LeJeune, CertCN, CPDT-KA, CCC
Closing Comments
Step one of the raw feeding transition is designed to introduce dogs to lean raw muscle meat, raw meaty bones, and vegetables. Transitioning a dog to raw is exciting, but it is best to allow the dog to set the pace. Once stools have maintained firm and consistent for three days, proceed onto step two of the transition.
Lean White Muscle Meat
The main portion of step one includes lean, white muscle meat. The recommended starting guideline is 70% muscle meat.
Raw Meaty Bones
Add in raw meaty bones immediately in step one to help maintain firm stool. The recommended starting guideline is 10%. However, some dogs may need as much as 15%.
Vegetables
Including fibrous vegetables helps provide the sensation of feeling fuller as well as a component to maintain firm stool. The recommended starting guideline is 20%.