How to safely switch to a BARF diet

Dogs: Once you decide to switch to a BARF diet, do it from the next day on — don't mix kibble with raw meat. For the first 3–7 days feed only lean meat from a single species, e.g. turkey or beef (at this stage no bones, organs or supplements). Once you see that the stool is firm and normal, you can start adding the next ingredient — one at a time, allowing a few days for observation.

Why gradually

Moving in single steps lets you calmly observe the animal's reaction and catch anything that might not agree with it. The stool is the simplest indicator here: firm and well-formed is a signal that the current stage is well tolerated, while loose stool means it's worth slowing down before you add the next ingredient. The basis of the diet remains muscle meat, and the target nutrient levels are described by the NRC and FEDIAF guidelines [1] [2].

Raw meat hygiene

Raw meat requires the same discipline as in a human kitchen: refrigeration and freezing, separate boards and knives, washing hands and bowls after every meal. This realistically reduces the risk associated with bacteria in raw meat [3].

What to remember

Don't rush and don't add several new things at once. One ingredient, a few days of observation, the stool as a litmus test — plus simple raw meat hygiene.

Sources

National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
FEDIAF. Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/
Lyu Y, Wu C, Li L, Pu J (2025). Current Evidence on Raw Meat Diets in Pets. Animals 15(3):293. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030293