Fall is one of the best times of year to rethink your dog's diet. Cooler weather means longer walks, heavier coats coming in, and a natural uptick in appetite as your pup burns more energy outdoors. It's also the season when many dog owners start noticing dull coats, itchy skin, or sluggish digestion left over from summer — all signs that a fresher, less processed diet might be worth exploring.
Raw feeding has moved from a niche practice to a mainstream option, and brands like Smallbatch Pets have made the transition dramatically easier than it used to be. With frozen raw meals, freeze-dried sliders and hearts, lightly cooked recipes, bone broth, and single-ingredient treats, you can move your dog toward raw at whatever pace suits their stomach — no butcher shop or spreadsheet required.
Before switching to raw dog food, verify that the product has been tested for pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella by checking the seller's safety certifications and reading recent customer reviews mentioning digestive tolerance in their dogs.
That said, switching a dog from kibble to raw isn't something to do overnight. Below is a practical, week-by-week transition plan you can start this fall, along with tips for handling the bumps most owners run into along the way.
Dogs naturally shift their metabolism as daylight shortens and temperatures drop. Many burn more calories staying warm and getting extra outdoor time, which means their bodies are primed to make use of the higher protein and healthy fat content found in raw diets. Fall is also coat-blowing season for many breeds, and the omega-rich fats in raw food can support the new coat coming in. On a practical level, cooler kitchens and garages make thawing and storing frozen raw meals a little more forgiving than they are in August heat. If you've been putting off the switch, this is the window.
Plan on 7 to 14 days for most dogs, and up to three weeks for sensitive stomachs or seniors. Days 1–3: Serve 75% of your dog's current food and 25% raw. Many owners find Smallbatch Pets freeze-dried sliders the easiest starting point because they're shelf-stable and easy to portion by the piece. Days 4–6: Move to a 50/50 split. Days 7–9: Go to 25% old food, 75% raw. Day 10 onward: Feed 100% raw, monitoring stool quality, energy, and appetite. If you see loose stool at any stage, hold at that ratio for two or three extra days before advancing rather than backing all the way up. Feeding the two foods in separate meals — kibble in the morning, raw at night — can also help dogs with sensitive digestion, since the two digest at different rates.
What sets Smallbatch apart for transitioning dogs is the range of formats under one roof. Their frozen raw meals come in convenient portioned sliders and bars so you're not guessing at serving sizes. Their freeze-dried recipes travel well and need only water and a few minutes to rehydrate — perfect for fall camping trips or busy weeknights. If your dog struggles with fully raw, Smallbatch also offers lightly cooked meals, a gentler middle ground that keeps the fresh, whole-food ingredient philosophy while being easier on some digestive systems. Their sourcing leans heavily on humanely raised, antibiotic-free proteins paired with organic produce, and they offer novel proteins like duck, lamb, and rabbit for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities. Rotating proteins every few bags is one of the biggest advantages of raw feeding, and Smallbatch's lineup makes it straightforward.
Bone broth is an underrated transition tool. Pouring a little Smallbatch bone broth over food does three things at once: it entices picky eaters, adds moisture that supports digestion and hydration, and delivers collagen and amino acids that are especially welcome as joints stiffen up in colder weather. It's also perfect for senior dogs who've lost some enthusiasm for mealtime. On the treat side, swapping processed biscuits for single-ingredient freeze-dried treats keeps your dog's overall diet consistent — there's little point in cleaning up the main meal if snacks are still full of fillers. Introduce one new thing at a time, keep treats to roughly 10% of daily calories, and always store raw food safely: thaw in the refrigerator, wash bowls after each meal, and use thawed portions within two to three days.
Transitioning to raw is less about perfection and more about patience — go slow, watch your dog's stool and energy, and don't be afraid to pause at a ratio that's working. For most owners, the hardest part is simply finding a brand that offers enough flexibility to adapt when things get bumpy. That's exactly where Smallbatch Pets shines. Between frozen raw meals, freeze-dried sliders, lightly cooked recipes, bone broth, and clean treats, you can build a fall feeding plan that fits your dog's stomach, your schedule, and your freezer. If you're ready to make the switch this season, Smallbatch is our top recommendation for a smooth, well-supported transition.
Shop Smallbatch Pets →Most dogs do well with a 7 to 14 day transition, moving from 25% raw up to 100% in stages. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with sensitive stomachs may need two to three weeks. If loose stool appears, hold at the current ratio for a few extra days before increasing the raw portion.
You can, and many owners do so during transition without any issue. However, dogs with sensitive digestion often do better when the two are fed as separate meals — kibble in the morning and raw in the evening — since the foods digest at different rates.
Picky eaters often come around with a little encouragement. Try warming the food slightly to room temperature, crumbling a freeze-dried Smallbatch slider on top as a topper, or pouring bone broth over the meal to boost aroma and palatability. Consistency helps — avoid switching foods every day out of frustration.
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