Transition is the most essential element of a healthy and safe change from dry kibble or canned wet food to a raw diet. You have two choices, a slow transition or a cold start. Allow 1-4 weeks for your pet’s digestive system to properly adjust from a highly processed diet to their new diet of human grade raw foods. We also recommend using Nature’s Farmacy Digestive Enhancer.

Slow Transition
Begin by mixing Suzy’s Raw Mixes into your dog’s previous food at a ratio that your dog will tolerate (you can start with as little as 1/4 Raw Mix to 3/4 of your pet’s former food). Your dog may show some adversity to the temperature of the raw food when served directly from the refrigerator. To warm Suzy’s Raw Mixes, place the feeding portion into a zip lock, water tight bag and warm through in a bowl or sink of warm water. Do not use water that is too hot, as this will potentially cook the food and reduce the enzymatic properties, as well as deplete the nutrient values of the raw foods. Gradually increase the amount of Raw Mix until your dog accepts the raw diet without the addition of any kibble or canned food.

Cold Start (For Adult Dogs Only)
Fast your adult dog for 24 hours prior to introducing Suzy’s Raw Mixes. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water during fasting. You also may want to offer recreational bones to ease any hunger your canine companion may experience. The fasting period allows the digestive system to eliminate any remaining processed foodstuffs. Offer a meal of Suzy’s Raw Mixes after the fasting period. Your dog may show some adversity to the temperature of the raw food when served directly from the refrigerator. To warm Suzy’s Raw Mixes, place the feeding portion into a zip lock, water tight bag and warm through in a bowl or sink of warm water. Do not use water that is too hot, as this will potentially cook the food and reduce the enzymatic properties, as well as deplete the nutrient values of the raw foods.

To determine how your dog’s system is accepting the new diet, monitor their stool. As you change over to a raw diet, your dog’s stool size will be greatly reduced. Stools will become small, firm and void of any highly offensive odor. If your dog’s stool is soft or loose because of the transition, introduce the raw food more slowly and we recommend the use of Nature’s Farmacy Digestive Enhancer.

We recommend feeding your adult pet twice daily. Divide the total daily feeding weight in half and feed once in the morning and once in the evening. Feed puppies the daily feeding weight over 3 to 4 meals daily until 6 months of age and then at least twice daily.

Factors such as level of activity, age, health, metabolism, and breed play a part in the necessary feeding quantities of all animals. Please be sure to monitor your pet’s dietary needs and adjust the feeding quantities accordingly. Dogs in the later years may require only 2% of their body weight daily and very active/athletic dogs may require 4% of their body weight daily. Large breed puppies especially should be kept lean and firm to avoid any skeletal or joint problems from developing during the growth process.

Puppies
Puppies of 8 weeks of age and older should be fed at least 5% of their body weight daily in Suzy’s Raw Mixes. Factors such as breed, overall health and level of activity play a part in the necessary feeding quantities of all puppies. Please be sure to monitor your puppy’s dietary needs and adjust the feeding quantities accordingly. Large breed puppies especially should be kept lean and firm to avoid any skeletal or joint problems from developing during the growth process.

Feeding Calculator

Enter dog’s weight and select actvity level. Remember this is just a suggested amount and the correct amount will vary for every dog.

It is important to only serve Suzy’s Raw Mixes when completely thawed. Frozen foods can be difficult for dogs to digest. Also, always serve Suzy’s Raw Mixes raw for optimum benefit. Never microwave any pet food. Microwaves cause the fat molecules to radically change, making fats less digestible, and ultimately they can become harmful to your pet’s long term health. To learn more on warming Suzy’s Raw Mixes gently, see warming instructions in the Transition section.

Standard Thawing:
Suzy’s Raw Mixes will thaw in the Refrigerator in 24 to 36 hours depending upon package size. Recommend placing package into a shallow container. 

Quick Thawing:
Plug and fill your kitchen sink (or a sizable bowl/container) with cold water. Place mix package into the water and let thaw completely. Switch cold water out every 30 minutes for even faster thawing.

  • Keep our mixes frozen until ready to use.
  • Thaw mixes in refrigerator following our standard thawing instructions or use our quick thaw tips until food is completely defrosted.
  • After thawed, immediately place into the refrigerator. Use completely within 72 hours.
  • We recommend feeding raw foods in a stainless steel bowl.
  • Wash all work surfaces, utensils, hands and food bowls with hot, soapy water after handling raw meats and poultry.
  • Keep raw meats and poultry away from children.
  • Keep raw meats and poultry separate from other foods.

Note: We offer nutritional guidance and suggested feeding protocols, based on the information provided by you, however this is not to replace your veterinary professional’s advice. Our goal is to work with your veterinarian to achieve the best overall health possible for your companion animal.