Day 1-3 (Per Primal Recommendations)
Start the transition by mixing any of our Primal Formulas,
Mixes or Grinds into your pet’s current food at a ratio that your pet
will tolerate; you can start with as little as 1/4 Primal to 3/4 of your
pet’s current food.
The Primal Starter Pak or Pronto trial-size bag are also great choices for those who want to introduce raw foods to their pet, but aren’t ready to purchase a full-size product.
PORTIONS
As a result of the increased digestibility of a raw-food diet, you are able to feed your pet less food daily in comparison to the feeding quantities of a processed-kibble or canned-food diet. Our suggestion is to feed your pet based on the 2-3% rule. Feed 2-3% of your pet’s body weight daily. Our cups-per-pound recommendations are based on a ratio of 2.5%. We recommend feeding your pet twice daily, so you should divide the total daily feeding weight in half and feed once in the morning and once in the evening. See our Primal Feeding Calculator for estimates on how much to feed your pet. Factors such as level of activity, age, health, metabolism and breed play a part in the necessary feeding quantities of all animals. Please be sure to monitor your pet’s dietary needs and adjust the feeding quantities accordingly.
DETOXIFICATION
As you begin to introduce your pet to this new diet, you may notice changes in physical appearance. Do not be alarmed. This is simply the natural process by which pets heal themselves by eliminating toxins from the body. Discharge from the eyes, excess wax in the ears, loss of coat, minor skin rashes and soft, loose stool are just a few of the common signs. By gradually transitioning Primal raw foods, you will allow your pet’s body to adjust properly. We suggest consulting your pet’s practitioner during the transition process.
PUPPIES
In the wild, when puppies reach 4-5 weeks of age, the mother dog will naturally begin to regurgitate some of her raw foods for her puppies to consume. Thus, when domestically reared puppies reach approximately 4-5 weeks of age, you can begin introducing them to Primal Canine Formulas. Puppies should be fed one to two small (1-2 teaspoons) raw-food meals daily in conjunction with either the milk they consume from nursing and/or other foods you may be supplementing. Puppies should always be fed from separate bowls, as competitive feeding can promote overeating and indigestion. Gradually increase the quantity of Primal Canine Formulas foods every 2-3 days until 8 weeks of age, when the puppies are consuming two tablespoons of Primal Canine Formulas twice daily. At this point (8 weeks), the puppies should be fully weaned and can be fed a diet solely of Primal Canine Formulas and raw meaty bones. Puppies 8 weeks of age and older should be fed approximately 4-8% of their body weight daily in Primal Canine Formulas. Factors such as breed, overall health and level of activity play a part in the necessary feeding quantities of all puppies. Please be sure to monitor your puppy’s dietary needs and adjust the feeding quantities accordingly.
KITTENS
At 4-5 weeks of age, you can begin to introduce your kitten to Primal Feline Formulas. Kittens should be fed one to two small (1 teaspoon) raw-food meals daily in conjunction with either the milk they consume from nursing and/or other foods you may be supplementing. Gradually increase the quantity of Primal Feline Formula every 2-3 days until at 8 weeks of age, when the kittens are consuming two tablespoons of Primal Feline Formulas twice daily. At this point (8 weeks), the kittens should be fully weaned and can be fed a diet solely of Primal Feline Formulas and raw meaty bones. Kittens 8 weeks of age and older should be fed approximately 4-8% of their body weight daily in Primal Feline Formulas. Factors such as breed, overall health and level of activity play a part in the necessary feeding quantities of all kittens. Please be sure to monitor your kitten’s dietary needs and adjust the feeding quantities accordingly.
TIPS
Thawing and Portioning To simplify the handling and feeding of our raw frozen products, try staging a few containers of a day’s worth of food in your freezer. When you use the last of the thawed product from your refrigerator, simply grab a portioned container and place it in your refrigerator to thaw for your pet’s next feeding. A real time saver!
STANDARD THAWING:
- Primal 2 lb. Chub Rolls will thaw within 18-24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Primal 5 lb. Chub Rolls will thaw within 24-36 hours in the refrigerator.
- Primal Nuggets will thaw within 6-10 hours in the refrigerator.
- Primal Patties will thaw within 6-10 hours in the refrigerator.
QUICK THAW TIPS:
**Source: https://primalpetfoods.com
