The 10-Day Diagnostic Transition Protocol

One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is switching their dog's food overnight. If you switch from highly-processed dry kibble directly to fresh, moisture-rich food, your dog is almost guaranteed to get an upset stomach. Here is why, and how to do it right.

Understanding the Canine Microbiome

Your dog's gut is filled with trillions of bacteria that help digest their food. If a dog has been eating the exact same dry kibble for years, their microbiome is highly specialized to digest only that specific type of highly-processed starch.

When you introduce fresh, high-quality proteins and real vegetables, the gut simply doesn't have the right bacteria populations built up yet to process it efficiently. This temporary imbalance is what causes loose stools during a food transition.

What to Expect During the Transition

During the first few days, you might notice your dog's stool become slightly softer. This is completely normal as their gut flora shifts. You may also notice them drinking less water from their bowl—don't panic! Fresh food contains up to 70% natural moisture, so they are getting their hydration directly from their meals.

A Note on Picky Eaters

Because Freshfurst smells like real meat (because it is real meat), many dogs will attempt to pick out the fresh food and leave the old kibble behind. Try to mash the fresh food into the kibble to encourage them to eat the whole bowl during the transition phase.