Whilst some dogs and cats will tolerate an immediate transition from one type of diet to another, there are several reasons why we recommend a gradual transition over a 7 to 10-day period, avoiding any unnecessary stomach upsets for your pet.

The enzymes required to break down a high protein, raw meat and bone diet differ from those needed to break down a high carbohydrate processed diet such as kibble. The pancreas must adapt to both the amount and type of enzymes it produces when the diet changes from one to the other.

The gut flora is different for dogs and cats fed on a predominantly meat and bone diet compared to a high starch and carbohydrate-based diet. After a significant diet change, it takes several weeks for the gut flora to restabilise. These gut bacteria are responsible for the production of certain key nutrients and are also responsible for the production of gas in the bowel.

The pH of the stomach is generally higher (more alkaline) in dogs and cats fed on a high carbohydrate processed diet compared with dogs and cats fed on a predominantly raw meat, high protein diet, which results in a strong acid stomach.

It is not only the process but also the speed at which the food types are digested that differs considerably. Raw meat and bone is digested a lot faster than processed food, which is high in carbohydrates.

For any dog or cat that has never eaten raw meat before, we recommend allowing a month to adjust to their new diet before introducing any additional bones. This enables the gut to stabilise and adapt to handling the breakdown of bone in their new diet of raw meat and bone. Excessive bone in their diet can lead to constipation.

Dogs need to learn how to chew bones. When introducing a bone to an adult dog that has never learnt how to handle bones, it is better to give a bone with sinew and fascia attached in larger pieces that cannot be swallowed whole, e.g. Natural Instinct Chicken Carcass. The dogs learn to use their back-crushing teeth to break down the bone before swallowing.

Puppies should only be given a Natural Instinct play bone when they have all their adult teeth.

Some dogs who have been on a high carbohydrate diet for a long time can initially appear hungry if the switch to raw is made too quickly. This is because their bodies are adapted to digest carbohydrates as the primary source of instant calories.
Try adding a small amount of additional carbohydrates, initially in the form of sweet potato. Soluble fibre foods can also help by making your dog feel fuller. Adding a few slices of butternut squash or carrot sticks between meals can help. You should avoid adding grain-based carbohydrates such as rice or pasta.

On a kibble diet, food will typically be given in relatively large volumes to provide the same number of calories as raw food. In the early days of transition, the smaller volume can leave some dogs not feeling full enough. This is where feeding raw bones, once the dog has settled on raw food, can keep them occupied and help while the stomach volume adapts.

At this point, it is important not to misinterpret a dog who now relishes his food as hungry. With many kibble diets, dogs do not rush to the bowl and eat with relish, which can be very different when feeding your dog a high-quality raw natural diet like Natural Instinct.
Make sure you monitor your dog’s weight in the early months of feeding raw to ensure you are feeding the right amount. Our Feeding Guides are just that, a guide only and the amount you feed will always depend on numerous factors.

We do not advocate feeding raw food and processed kibble simultaneously except during the 7-10 day transition period. This is because of the different ways the diets are digested, which, in turn, will compromise your pet's digestion.
If you feed a high carbohydrate food such as kibble alongside a high protein diet, any excess calories will be readily converted to fat and thus can lead to obesity.
Kibble is not necessary in either a cat's or dog's diet. In nature, both dogs and cats have a variety in the texture of their food and have a means of maintaining healthier teeth. This texture variety is not achieved with starchy, grain-based kibble but with crunching and chewing on raw meaty bones, just as nature intended.

Generally speaking, the transition for our canine friends is more straightforward than that for our feline friends, who can be slightly fussier about changing food.

If you free-feed your cat dry food, stop immediately! This does not necessarily mean you need to stop feeding dry with immediate effect but certainly pick up the bowl so your cat cannot eat it whenever they feel like it.

Dried kibble differs massively in taste and texture from a raw food diet, so switching to tinned food as a short interim step is advisable. This will get your cat accustomed to a meatier consistency in their meals. Try feeding half of their regular dry food with half tinned, then gradually reduce the amount of dried kibble over a few days.

When you have weaned your cat onto a tinned diet, apply the same principles when transitioning to raw. Feed half and half and gradually reduce the amount of tinned food over the course of a few days.
Never starve a cat to encourage them to eat. While it is okay for dogs to skip meals, cats must eat regularly to avoid hepatic lipidosis, a severe and sometimes fatal liver impairment.

Go at your cat's pace. Don't be afraid to backtrack a step or two if it means your cat will eat.

Bribe your cat! We recommend sprinkling some of our tasty treats on your cat's regular food so that your cat begins associating the smell of treats with their food. Then, gradually add the raw – it's all about the smell association!

Try splashing some warm water over the food before serving, as this could help to bring out the flavours.

Cats tend to 'imprint' on their food and recognise their favourites by sight and smell. It is important to shop for variety from the outset so that you can find your cat's favourite meal.

Most importantly, exercise a little patience. A change of diet is not something that happens overnight. Persevere, and your cat will thank you in the long run!