Your complete transition guide to Maev Raw Food
What to expect when you transition your dog’s diet, and why it’s critical to get it right.
The day is here. You hear the delivery truck round your street corner and, like magic, your dog is already perched at the front door. It’s your dog’s first day on Maev, and you literally cannot wait to watch them tear through a bowl of filled-to-the-brim nutrition.
We’re here to gently remind: Before you dive into the deep end, don’t. Like any other change in your dog’s routine, changing their diet requires a structured and gradual transition to avoid any unintentional and unnecessary consequences.
Before you overpour, read this guide to ensure the smoothest and healthiest transition possible to Maev Raw Food.
Why does transitioning matter?
Anytime you change your dog’s diet, their stomach and digestive system needs time to chemically adjust and respond to the nutritional makeup of their new food. Sudden or abrupt changes, like cold-turkey cutting their old diet, can force your dog’s stomach to react dramatically — resulting in stomach upset, loose stools, and/or decreased appetite.
When switching to Maev Raw Food, it’s important to remember you’re likely introducing a more nutrient-dense, protein-rich diet than your dog is previously used to. To reap the full benefits of this upgrade, their microbiome (the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria that aid the digestive tract) must first detox to let new bacteria thrive.
This process isn’t exclusive to raw food diets, Maev, or even dogs in general. Human stomachs are averse to abrupt changes too (ever seen a juice cleanse gone wrong?). While we know you can’t wait to watch your dog become their strongest and healthiest, patience is key.
Our experts strongly recommend a 10-day transition schedule.
What to expect when you’re transitioning to Maev.
As you transition your dog onto Maev, their system is working overtime to flush out old bacteria and stubborn toxins. Naturally, these discards must exit the body somewhere and somehow, which can prompt temporary changes to your dog’s energy, stomach, and stools. If you notice any of these signs, don’t fret. These reactions are actually promising signs that your dog’s body is doing the work it needs to.
1. Temporary lethargy or decrease in energy.
Detoxing is an energy-intensive process, your dog’s systems are working in overtime now so they don’t have to later. Once the raw food transition is complete, your dog’s steps will be springier than ever.
2. Constipation or irregular bowel movements.
Raw diets are much higher in protein and healthy fat than other diets available, which subsequently affects their stool quality. You may notice a few loose stools (or total lack thereof) during transition, but this shouldn’t last long. Once their digestive system has fully reset, they’ll naturally return to their usual stool patterns — only smaller, smoother, and less smelly.
3. Decreased appetite.
Don’t worry! We see this a lot. In an overwhelming majority of cases, this is simply a tell-tale sign that your dog needs a slower transition from their old food to Maev. For dogs that are slower to take, we suggest extending the transition schedule to 14 days.
You may also consider thawing or lightly cooking raw food before mealtime. While most dogs actually prefer the cold and frozen texture of Maev Raw Food (and benefit from its teeth-exfoliating properties), some dogs are more sensitive. And that’s okay! However your dog enjoys it best, they’ll still reap the same nutritional benefits.
How long should it take for my dog to detox?
The detoxification process can vary in intensity and duration for every dog. With a proper 10-day transition, any temporary reactions should resolve themselves in the 3–5 days following.
Then you can sit back, relax, and watch your dog restore to their happiest, healthiest, most playful self yet.
Want a personal consult on your transition? Schedule time with our team here.
