Worried About Digestive Upset When Switching to Raw?

Learn how to ease your dog’s transition to raw food with simple, gut-friendly steps from local Ottawa experts.

If you're thinking about transitioning your dog to a raw food diet, you're not alone. More dog owners in Ottawa and the surrounding areas are moving away from processed kibble in favor of species-appropriate nutrition. They’re seeing the benefits firsthand—shinier coats, more energy, fewer vet visits—but they’re also facing one big concern: the transition.

How do you switch to raw without upsetting your dog’s digestive system? And what if you don’t have a clear, trustworthy guide on where to begin?

That’s where Raw Fed and Furry, based in Orleans, comes in. We’re not just a supplier of high-quality raw dog food—we’re your local partner in giving your dog the healthiest life possible. Below, we break down what to expect, how to transition smoothly, and how to feel confident every step of the way.

Understanding the Transition: Why It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Some dogs take to raw food overnight, while others need a more gradual shift. The pace of transition often depends on factors like age, digestive history, immune health, and what your dog has been eating until now.

At Raw Fed and Furry, we typically recommend two methods:

• Cold Turkey Transition: Ideal for dogs with strong digestive systems, this method involves replacing kibble with raw food completely—no overlap.
  

• Gradual Transition (7 to 10 Days): A gentler approach for dogs with sensitive stomachs or existing health issues. This involves incrementally replacing kibble meals with raw over a period of days.
  

If you’re unsure which method fits your dog, our in-store staff and online team are ready to help personalize your plan.

Recognizing and Managing Digestive Reactions

Mild digestive changes are common during the switch—think soft stools, more gas, or a brief period of lower appetite. These are normal and typically resolve within a few days as your dog adjusts to the new diet.

Here’s what you can do to minimize digestive upset:

• Stick to one protein during the first 1–2 weeks (like chicken or turkey).
  

• Avoid overfeeding—raw diets are more nutrient-dense than kibble.
  

• Introduce probiotic-rich toppers like fermented fish broth or plain kefir (we carry both).
  

• Monitor stool quality—it’s one of the best indicators of digestive health.
  

At Raw Fed and Furry, we’re happy to walk you through what’s normal and when to adjust.

Nutritional Safety: How to Avoid Common Raw Feeding Mistakes

Some pet parents worry about bacterial contamination or nutrient gaps in raw feeding. Those are legitimate concerns—but only when the raw diet isn’t well-balanced or handled improperly.

We do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

• All our products are sourced from trusted Canadian farms using free-range meats and organic produce.
  

• Our suppliers follow safe handling protocols and lab testing to ensure each batch meets health standards.
  

• We offer balanced blends that include muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and necessary supplements—no guesswork needed.
  

Want to DIY your dog’s meals? We offer nutritional consults and raw feeding workshops in-store to help you build complete meals safely and confidently.

Local Matters: Why Source Raw in Ottawa?

Feeding raw becomes much easier when you know where your food comes from—and how fast it can get to you.

Raw Fed and Furry is located at 5929 Jeanne D’Arc Blvd S Unit 9 in Orleans, serving the Ottawa region with:

• In-store pickup and consultation
  

• Local delivery options
  

• Seasonal specials and bundle pricing
  

Unlike national brands that ship from far away, we support local suppliers, which means fresher inventory and faster turnaround for you.

How to Start: A Sample 7-Day Raw Transition Plan

Here’s a quick example of what a gentle, 7-day raw transition might look like:

Day 1–2

• Morning: 75% kibble + 25% raw

• Evening: 100% kibble
  

Day 3–4

• Morning: 50% kibble + 50% raw

• Evening: 100% raw
  

Day 5–6

• Morning & Evening: 100% raw
  

Day 7 and beyond

• Fully raw with single protein source

• Introduce fermented broth or probiotics
  

Still unsure? Book a free phone consultation or drop by our Orleans store to tailor a plan.

FAQs from Ottawa Pet Parents

How do I know if my dog is adjusting well to raw food?

Look for firm, small stools, increased energy, and fewer signs of itchiness or digestive discomfort.

Can puppies or senior dogs go raw?

Yes. Puppies can start on raw as soon as they’re weaned, and senior dogs can benefit from reduced inflammation and better digestion.

Do I need to add vegetables or supplements?

Our balanced blends already include essentials, but we can recommend natural add-ons like pumpkin, kelp, or omega oils if needed.

What Makes Raw Fed and Furry Different?

We’re not just a retailer—we’re a raw feeding community that supports you from your first question to your first raw meal and beyond.

• Educational approach: In-store workshops, blog content, and email support.
  

• Personalized plans: No two dogs are the same; your transition shouldn’t be either.Transparent sourcing: Know exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl.Local expertise: We understand Ottawa’s pet parent needs because we’re one of you.
  

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’re ready to ditch the kibble and start your dog on a path toward natural, balanced health, we’re here to guide you through it.

Stop by our Orleans location or explore our website to browse starter kits, transition bundles, and digestive support add-ons.

Feeding raw doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support, it’s actually simple.

Visit Us Today

Raw Fed and Furry

 5929 Jeanne D’arc Blvd S Unit 9, Orleans, ON, K1C 2N1

 (343) 883-1818

 thatsrawsome@gmail.com