Making the Switch to All-Natural Dog Food
Natural dog foods are made with minimally processed whole food ingredients like fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains with no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors added. These diets contain no by-products, fillers, or synthetic ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Why Switch to a Natural Diet?
Feeding your pup an all-natural diet has many potential benefits over highly processed commercial dog foods with low-quality ingredients and artificial additives:
- Better digestibility and nutrient absorption.
- Fewer food allergens and sensitivities.
- Boosts immune health.
- Healthier skin and shinier coats.
- Helps maintain an ideal weight.
- Increased energy and vitality.
- May help prevent chronic diseases.
Making the Transition
Switching your dog’s food too abruptly can cause digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. It is best to make the change to an all-natural diet gradually over the course of 5-7 days:
- Mix a small portion of the new natural food into your dog’s current diet.
- Slowly increase the ratio of new to old food over several days.
- By day 5-7 your dog should be eating 100% of the new all-natural food.
Keep an eye on your pup’s appetite and stools during the transition. If they seem uncomfortable, go a little slower with the changeover. Stick to the same protein source at first to avoid any additional digestive issues.
Reading Ingredient Labels
With a natural dog food diet, the experts at Nextrition explain that you will want to pay close attention to the ingredient list to ensure you’re getting a high-quality, truly natural product with no synthetic additives or low-value ingredients like:
- Chemical preservatives like BHT, BHA or ethoxyquin.
- Artificial colors or flavors.
- Non-specific proteins or fats listed as “meat” or “animal” sources.
- Fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or by-products.
- Sugar or corn syrup.
- Propylene glycol.
Ideal ingredients to look for include:
- Whole, named protein sources like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
- Whole fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains like oats, brown rice, or barley.
- Healthy oils like canola, flaxseed, or fish oils.
- Natural sources of vitamins and minerals.
Transitioning Puppies
Natural puppy foods are a fantastic way to start your new dog on a minimally processed whole food diet from day one. Puppies tend to do very well on these high-quality, nutrient-dense formulas designed to fuel their rapid growth and development.
Make any food transitions slowly by mixing a little of the new natural puppy kibble into their previous food over 5-7 days. Always have fresh water available as natural diets are lower in moisture.
How Much to Feed
Since natural dog foods are nutrient dense and highly digestible, you will likely need to feed smaller portion sizes compared to your previous conventional kibble or cans. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging based on your dog’s weight and activity level, adjusting amounts as needed to maintain an ideal body condition.
Be Patient
Every dog is an individual, so it may take some adjustment time for your pup’s digestion and appetite to regulate on their new all-natural diet, especially if transitioning from a low-quality processed food. Have patience and stick with it, as the long-term health benefits are worth it.
Conclusion
With a diet of all natural, whole food nutrition, you are giving your beloved canine the premium fuel they need to thrive. From better digestion and skin/coat condition to increased energy and immune health, the advantages of feeding a natural dog food are many and long-lasting.
While more expensive upfront, a high-quality natural diet is an investment in your dog’s overall vitality and lifespan. Your pup will feel and look their best on a minimally processed, balanced whole food diet free of additives or synthetic ingredients.
