My dog seems hungrier on the raw diet then they did before, what can I do?Updated a year ago

For some dogs who have been on a high carbohydrate diet for a long time, if the switch over to a higher protein low carbohydrate diet is made too quickly they can initially appear hungry as their bodies have adapted to digest carbohydrate as the main source of instant calories.  Try adding a small amount of additional carbohydrate initially in the form of sweet potato. Soluble fibre foods can also help by making your dog feel fuller.  The addition of slices of butternut squash or a few carrot sticks between meals can help.  You should avoid adding grain based carbohydrates such as rice or pasta.  

To provide the same number of calories as raw food, many kibbles will have been fed in relatively large volumes.  In the early days of transition, the smaller volume can leave some dogs not feeling full enough. This is where feeding raw bones, once the dog has settled on raw food, can keep them occupied and help while the stomach volume adapts. 

It is important to be careful at this point, that you are not misinterpreting a dog who now relishes his food as hunger. With many kibble diets, dogs do not rush to the bowl and eat with relish.  This can be very different when feeding your dog a high quality raw natural diet like Natural Instinct.  

Make sure you monitor your dog’s weight in the early months of feeding raw, to be sure that you have the amount right.  Our Feeding Guides are just that, a guide only and the amount you feed will always depend on numerous factors.