How to Switch Your Dog to Fresh Food in 7 Days (India-Friendly Guide)
Switching to fresh can be smooth—here’s the exact 7-day plan.
Quick summary: Mix fresh meals into your dog’s current food over a week: 25% → 50% → 75% → 100%.
Watch stool quality and energy; hold for 48 hours or step back if stools loosen. Keep meals cold, thaw safely, and use gentle add-ins (like plain curd or pumpkin) if your dog has a sensitive tummy.
👉 Ready to start? Explore our four fresh, human-grade recipes: See Fresh Meals
Why switch to fresh?
- High digestibility: more nutrients absorbed, usually better poop (smaller, less smelly).
- Whole ingredients: real meat + veggies, no fillers.
- Consistency: vet-designed macros for puppies, adults, and seniors.
Learn more in our Fresh Dog Food vs Kibble guide.
When not to switch (yet)
- Your dog is sick, vomiting, or has persistent diarrhea.
- You’ve just changed medications or vaccines.
- Females late in pregnancy or nursing—ask your vet for a custom plan.
Pre-switch checklist (Takes less than 2 minutes!)
- Weigh your dog (even a recent vet receipt works).
- Pick a primary protein to start (e.g., Classy Chicken or Blissful Beef) and keep it consistent for Week 1.
- Stock gentle add-ins: plain curd/dahi, plain pumpkin (steamed/mashed), clean drinking water.
- Set storage: freezer space + an airtight container for thawed food in the fridge (upper shelf is best).
Pro tip: Keep treats simple during the transition. Skip spicy/oily table scraps completely.
The 7-Day Transition Plan
Start with your dog’s normal daily portion (current food) and gradually replace a percentage with Oscar Daisy Fresh Meals. Feed in two meals per day (breakfast & dinner) unless your vet advised otherwise.
Daily Mix (Adults)
| Day(s) | Fresh Food | Old Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 25% | 75% | Watch stool, gas, appetite. Hydration is key. |
| 3–4 | 50% | 50% | Add 1–2 tsp plain curd if tummy is sensitive. |
| 5–6 | 75% | 25% | Stools should stabilize; adjust meal timing if gassy. |
| 7 | 100% | 0% | You’re in! Maintain routine and water intake. |
If stools loosen at any stage, hold at that mix for 48 hours, or drop back one step. Persistent diarrhea, black/tarry stool, or blood? Call your vet.
How much fresh food to feed (quick table)
For adult dogs, a simple starting point is ~2.5% of body weight per day, split into 2 meals. Adjust up/down 10–20% based on age, activity, and body-condition score.
| Dog Weight | Daily Food (2.5% BW) | Per Meal (2 meals/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | ~125 g/day | ~62 g |
| 10 kg | ~250 g/day | ~125 g |
| 15 kg | ~375 g/day | ~188 g |
| 20 kg | ~500 g/day | ~250 g |
| 30 kg | ~750 g/day | ~375 g |
| 40 kg | ~1000 g/day | ~500 g |
Puppies: 4–6% BW/day (3–4 meals). Seniors/low activity: 2.0–2.2% BW/day. Adjust 10–20% based on body condition.
Want an easy start? Choose one of our four fresh recipes and keep the protein constant for Week 1: Pick Your Recipe
If your dog is used to fresh food before, feel free to get started with our set of Trial Starter Packs.
What healthy transition poop looks like
- Color: chocolate-brown
- Form: firm “log,” easy pick-up, minimal residue
- Smell: reduced vs. kibble over ~1–2 weeks
Healthy stool is brown, well-formed, and easy to pick up—see this overview from the American Kennel Club: What Your Dog’s Poop Says About Health.
Yellow/greasy, mucus, very loose, or black/red stools are flags. Slow the transition, remove new treats, and consult your vet if it persists.
Gentle add-ins (optional)
Helpful (small amounts):
- Plain curd/dahi (1–2 tsp for small dogs, 1–2 tbsp for large): natural probiotics
- Pumpkin (steamed, mashed, plain): fiber for stool consistency
- Electrolyte-free water (i.e., just clean drinking water): hydration matters
Avoid: spices, oily gravies, onions/garlic, bones, excessive dairy, and highly processed treats during Week 1.
Thawing, storage & food safety (hot-weather friendly)
- Freezer → Fridge: Move the next day’s packs to the fridge to thaw overnight (8–12h).
- Quick thaw: sealed pack in cool water for 20–30 minutes (do not microwave sealed plastic).
- Fridge life: once thawed, use within 48 hours. Keep covered, top shelf, away from raw foods.
- Power cuts: keep the freezer closed; if food warms beyond fridge-cold, treat it like same-day food.
Troubleshooting & pacing
My dog sniffs and walks away
- Warm the meal slightly (bain-marie/warm water bath) to release aromas—don’t overheat.
- Add 1–2 tsp curd; reduce to 25–50% fresh for a day, then step back up.
Soft stool on Day 3–4
- Hold at 50% mix for 48 hours; add 1–2 tsp pumpkin. If no improvement, step back to 25% and call your vet.
Gassy but energetic
- Smaller, more frequent meals for 2–3 days. Avoid treats. Keep walks regular.
Itching or ear gunk shows up
- Could be unrelated, but also watch for protein sensitivities. After Week 1, try a single-protein recipe switch (e.g., chicken → mutton) and monitor for 10–14 days.
Picking the right Oscar Daisy recipe (Week 1)
- Classy Chicken: gentle, lean—great starter for most dogs.
- Blissful Beef: higher protein punch; many active dogs thrive on it.
- Magical Mutton: rich and satisfying; good rotation after Week 1.
- Exquisite Egg Paneer (meat-free): tasty alternative for variety days.
Start with one recipe for Week 1, then rotate weekly if your dog tolerates change well.
→ Browse all four: Fresh Meals Collections
Special cases
Puppies
- Use 4–6% BW/day, split into 3–4 meals. Transition over 10 days instead of 7. Prioritize consistency and weigh weekly.
Seniors
- Go slower (10 days). Add a little warm water to meals to help aroma and hydration.
Sensitive stomach / previous pancreatitis
- Vet sign-off first. Start at 10–15% fresh for 3–4 days, then very gradually increase.
Sample 7-Day Planner (printable)
| Day | Breakfast | Dinner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25% fresh + 75% old | 25% fresh + 75% old | Short walk after meals, plenty of water |
| 2 | 25/75 | 25/75 | Check stool; keep treats minimal |
| 3 | 50/50 | 50/50 | Optional: 1–2 tsp curd |
| 4 | 50/50 | 50/50 | If stools loose, pause here |
| 5 | 75/25 | 75/25 | Energy usually improves |
| 6 | 75/25 | 75/25 | Nearly there! |
| 7 | 100% fresh | 100% fresh | Celebrate—maintain routine |
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will I see benefits?
Many pet parents notice better stool quality and steady energy within 7–14 days. Skin/coat changes can take 4–8 weeks.
Can I mix recipes during Week 1?
Stick to one recipe first. If all is well by Day 7, you can rotate weekly.
Do I still give treats?
Keep treats minimal and simple during transition. After Week 1, you can reintroduce healthy treats in moderation.
What about long travel days?
Carry a cooler pack or use our fresh treats as a temporary substitute for one meal—then resume normal meals at destination.
Start the 7-Day Switch Today
Choose your dog’s first fresh recipe and follow the planner above. If you want a portioning nudge, message us with your dog’s age, weight, and activity—we’ll tailor it.
→ Start With Oscar Daisy's Fresh Meals