What should dogs actually eat?

Dogs are biologically designed to eat a diet primarily made up of animal ingredients such as meat, bone and organs. Their teeth, digestive system and stomach acidity are all adapted to break down protein and fat efficiently. Many natural feeding approaches aim to mirror this biological structure.

Do dogs need carbohydrates in their diet?

Dogs can digest some carbohydrates, but they do not biologically require large amounts of them. Their bodies are primarily adapted to process animal protein and fat. This is why many natural dog diets focus mainly on meat-based ingredients.

Is raw dog food safe for dogs?

Raw dog food can be safe when sourced from reputable suppliers and handled using proper hygiene practices. Many dog owners choose raw diets because they contain minimally processed ingredients and mirror a dog’s natural diet.

Why do dogs often have smaller poos on raw diets?

Dogs often produce smaller stools on raw diets because the food contains fewer fillers and more digestible nutrients. When a dog’s body absorbs more of the nutrients in their food, less waste is produced.

What is the 80-10-10 raw feeding ratio?

The 80-10-10 model refers to a common raw feeding structure made up of approximately 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone and 10% organs. This ratio aims to mimic the nutritional balance found in whole prey animals.

Are raw bones safe for dogs?

Raw bones are suitable for many dogs and are very different from cooked bones, which should never be fed. Raw bones are softer and more digestible, and they also provide important nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which support strong bones, teeth, and overall health. They can also help with natural dental cleaning through chewing. As with any part of a dog’s diet, bones should be appropriate for the dog’s size and fed correctly.

Should I be worried about bacteria in raw dog food?

Raw meat naturally contains bacteria, just like the meat you prepare in your own kitchen. The key is handling it properly, including storing it correctly, keeping surfaces clean, and washing hands after handling. Dogs are also naturally equipped to handle raw food, with digestive systems designed to break down and process it efficiently.

Can I start raw feeding if I'm new to it?

Yes. Starting with a simple, balanced approach is the best way to begin. Many dog owners choose a structured option, like our taster box, which includes 7 different proteins to try your dog on, so you can introduce raw feeding safely without needing to figure everything out yourselves.

Is raw feeding suitable for all dogs?

Raw feeding can suit many dogs, but every dog is different. Age, health, medical history, and individual sensitivities all matter, so any major diet change should be made carefully.

What should dogs actually eat?

Dogs are biologically designed to eat a diet primarily made up of animal ingredients such as meat, bone and organs. Their teeth, digestive system and stomach acidity are all adapted to break down protein and fat efficiently. Many natural feeding approaches aim to mirror this biological structure.

Do dogs need carbohydrates in their diet?

Dogs can digest some carbohydrates, but they do not biologically require large amounts of them. Their bodies are primarily adapted to process animal protein and fat. This is why many natural dog diets focus mainly on meat-based ingredients.

Is raw dog food safe for dogs?

Raw dog food can be safe when sourced from reputable suppliers and handled using proper hygiene practices. Many dog owners choose raw diets because they contain minimally processed ingredients and mirror a dog’s natural diet.

Why do dogs often have smaller poos on raw diets?

Dogs often produce smaller stools on raw diets because the food contains fewer fillers and more digestible nutrients. When a dog’s body absorbs more of the nutrients in their food, less waste is produced.

What is the 80-10-10 raw feeding ratio?

The 80-10-10 model refers to a common raw feeding structure made up of approximately 80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone and 10% organs. This ratio aims to mimic the nutritional balance found in whole prey animals.

Are raw bones safe for dogs?

Raw bones are suitable for many dogs and are very different from cooked bones, which should never be fed. Raw bones are softer and more digestible, and they also provide important nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which support strong bones, teeth, and overall health. They can also help with natural dental cleaning through chewing. As with any part of a dog’s diet, bones should be appropriate for the dog’s size and fed correctly.

Should I be worried about bacteria in raw dog food?

Raw meat naturally contains bacteria, just like the meat you prepare in your own kitchen. The key is handling it properly, including storing it correctly, keeping surfaces clean, and washing hands after handling. Dogs are also naturally equipped to handle raw food, with digestive systems designed to break down and process it efficiently.

Can I start raw feeding if I'm new to it?

Yes. Starting with a simple, balanced approach is the best way to begin. Many dog owners choose a structured option, like our taster box, which includes 7 different proteins to try your dog on, so you can introduce raw feeding safely without needing to figure everything out yourselves.

Is raw feeding suitable for all dogs?

Raw feeding can suit many dogs, but every dog is different. Age, health, medical history, and individual sensitivities all matter, so any major diet change should be made carefully.

How to Switch Your Dog to Raw Food:

Apr 23
6 min read

Updated: May 10

A Simple, Safe Guide for Dog Owners

If you’ve been thinking about switching your dog to a raw diet, you’re not alone...

It’s one of the most common questions we get- and usually it comes with a bit of hesitation:

“What if I do it wrong?”

“Will it upset their stomach?”

“Do I need to transition slowly?”

The good news?

Switching your dog to raw food is actually much simpler than most people think.

Prefer to watch? Here’s a quick breakdown of how to switch your dog to raw food safely and what to expect during the transition in the UK.

https://vimeo.com/1190727917

Video Summary: How to Switch Your Dog to Raw Food (UK Guide)This video explains how to transition your dog from kibble to raw food safely and simply, including whether dogs should switch gradually or straight away. It also covers common adjustment signs during the first few days and why many dogs adapt quickly to a more natural raw diet.

(UK Guide): Video Transcript (UK Guide): Video Transcript

Thinking about moving your dog onto a raw diet, but you just do not know where to start? Should you gradually make the change onto the different diet, how often should you feed it and what food should you start them on?

Honestly? It’s way simpler than people make it sound.

In most cases, you don’t even need to transition slowly- dogs can switch straight to raw overnight.

Mixing kibble and raw can actually make digestion harder. But when you give dogs what they’re naturally built to eat, they usually adapt really quickly.

Here’s how to do it:

Feed their normal meal tonight.

Then tomorrow morning- switch to raw.

That’s it. No mixing. No overthinking.

You might notice slightly softer poos for a day or two- totally normal. That’s just their gut adjusting.

Once they’ve settled? Smaller poos, less smell, better digestion… and a much happier dog.

If you’ve been thinking about trying raw, just start simple. We’ve made it really easy with our freen ROAR taster box, filled with 7 different proteins for your dog to get started with.

Can You Switch Your Dog to Raw Food Straight Away?

Yes- in most cases, you can.

In fact, many dogs do best with a straight switch (often called “cold turkey”) rather than a slow transition.

Why?

Because mixing very different types of food (like kibble and raw) can sometimes make digestion more difficult, not easier.

Dogs are naturally designed to digest fresh, moisture-rich food- so when you give their system what it’s built for, they often adapt quickly.

How to Switch Your Dog to Raw Food (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the simple approach we recommend at ROAR:

1. Serve their usual meal (evening)

Start by feeding your dog their normal dinner as you usually would.

2. Get the portion right

Before you begin, make sure you know how much raw food your dog needs.

As a general guide:

Adult dogs eat 2–3% of their body weight per day

So:

A 10kg dog → roughly 200–300g per day

(You can use our Raw Feeding Calculator or the table below to get this spot on.)

Weight	LOW (2%)	LOW–MED (2.5%)	MED–HIGH (3%)	HIGH (3.5%)
6kg	120g	150g	180g	210g
8kg	160g	200g	240g	280g
10kg	200g	250g	300g	350g
11kg	220g	275g	330g	385g
12kg	240g	300g	360g	420g
13kg	260g	325g	390g	455g
14kg	280g	350g	420g	490g
15kg	300g	375g	450g	525g
20kg	400g	450g	600g	650g
30kg	600g	650g	900g	950g

3. Switch to raw the next morning

At their next meal, simply serve raw food instead. No mixing. No complicated steps. Just a clean switch.

Then continue feeding raw on their normal schedule.

What If You’d Prefer to Transition Slowly?

That’s completely fine too.

Some owners feel more comfortable easing into it — and that’s okay.

You can:

Gradually mix raw into your dog’s current food
Phase out the old food over 3–5 days

There’s no “one right way” here.

👉 The most important thing is that you’ve decided to make the switch.

Whether you go all in or take a few days, you’re moving your dog towards something far more natural.

What to Expect When Switching to Raw

When you switch your dog to a raw diet, it’s completely normal to see a few temporary changes while their body adjusts.

Don’t worry- this is simply your dog adapting to a completely different (and more natural) way of eating

Short-Term Changes (First Few Days)

Some dogs transition without a hitch, while others may show small, short-lived changes like:

Softer or slightly loose poos
This can happen as their gut adjusts to new ingredients and bacteria- it usually settles within a day or two.
Mucus on stools
You might notice a bit of mucus- this is just the digestive system renewing itself and clearing out old build-up.
Occasional vomiting or regurgitation
Not common, but can happen briefly as their system adapts.

👉 These changes are usually short-lived and part of the adjustment process.

Why This Happens...

If your dog has been on processed food, their digestive system has been working in a very different way.

Switching to raw introduces:

fresh, natural nutrients
higher moisture content
a different balance of gut bacteria

So naturally their body simply needs a little time to recalibrate.

What Things Look Like Once They’ve Settled

Once your dog has fully adjusted, you’ll likely notice some really positive changes:

Smaller, firmer poos
(because more nutrients are being absorbed)

Less smell
(yes, really- it’s one of the first things people notice)

Lighter, crumbly stools
especially with bone content- this is completely normal on a raw diet

A Quick Reassurance-

Every dog is different. Some switch overnight with zero changes, others take a few days to fully settle- both are completely normal.

The key thing is:

👉 you’re giving their body what it’s naturally designed to eat.

And once they’ve adjusted, the difference tends to speak for itself.

As always, it's important to keep an eye on your dogs weight as with feeding dry or wet food, feed in accordance with treat giving as well as their exercise routine.

Is Switching to Raw Food Safe for Dogs?

This is a big one- and if you’re wondering about it, you’re not alone.

We’ve covered this in more detail here:

👉 Is Raw Dog Food Safe

But in short:

When done properly, raw feeding is not only safe- it’s what dogs are biologically designed for.

Why So Many Owners Are Making the Switch

More and more dog owners are starting to question what’s actually in their dog’s bowl.

Highly processed food has become the norm- but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option.

Raw feeding is about going back to:

real ingredients
natural nutrition
supporting your dog’s long-term health and happiness

At ROAR, that’s what we’re all about- helping your dog thrive, not just get by.

Understanding what dogs are biologically designed to eat helps many owners make more informed decisions about their dog’s diet.

While there are many feeding approaches available, diets centred around high-quality animal ingredients align closely with a dog’s natural anatomy and digestive system. For many owners, feeding real food simply means taking it back to nature for healthier, happier dogs.

Thinking of Trying Raw? Start Simple

If you’re curious but not quite ready to commit fully yet, the easiest way to start is by trying it. That’s exactly why we created our 👉 Taster Box- so you can see how your dog gets on, without overthinking it.

FAQ's

Can I switch my dog to raw food straight away?

Answer: Yes- many dogs can switch directly from kibble to raw food overnight. In fact, some dogs digest a clean switch better than mixing raw and processed food together, due to their digestive differences, it can sometimes upset their bellies.

However, every dog is different, and some owners may prefer a slower transition over a few days. The important part, is that you've made the switch!

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to raw food?

Answer: Most dogs adjust to raw feeding within a few days. During the transition, it’s normal to notice temporary changes such as softer stools, mucus on poos, or mild digestive changes while the gut adapts to a more natural diet.

Is it safe to mix kibble and raw food together?

Answer: Some dogs tolerate mixing kibble and raw food without issues, while others may experience digestive upset during the transition. This is why many raw feeders prefer either a clean switch or a short transition period, depending on the dog.

How much raw food should I feed my dog?

Answer: As a general guide, adult dogs typically eat around 2–3% of their body weight per day. The exact amount depends on factors like age, activity level, and body condition. Take a look at the table earlier in this blog post.

What changes should I expect when switching my dog to raw food?

Answer: Many owners notice temporary digestive adjustments at first, followed by positive long-term changes such as smaller poos, less smell, improved digestion, and healthier skin and coat once their dog has fully adapted to raw feeding.

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