Many dog owners are switching their dogs to barf raw dog food.

Transitioning your dog to raw dog food is relatively easy. However there are a few things you may want to watch out for while switching your dog over.

There could be a few side effects that show up for a brief amount of time while your dog gets used to the new raw dog food diet.

One of the main side effects that you may notice is your dog developing diarrhea. If this happens, don't panic! It shouldn't last for to long just keep an eye on the dog and keep him hydrated.

Another side effect can be your dog developing an allergy to one of the new foods he's being given. If this happens you need to start eliminating the ingredients one at a time until you identify which one it is that's giving you r dog the problem. Once you identify it of course you eliminate that item.

Try and keep the new diet simple at first. You can always try more ingredients as your dog gets used to the diet.

It's a good idea to start with chicken when beginning the raw food diet. It will provide all of the nutrients required and most dogs like the taste and will take to it well.

Keep trying. Remember your dog may not always like everything you try to feed him. Don't get discouraged, just keep trying new ingredients until you develop and diet that he likes.

If you are freezing your raw dog food, it's a good idea to make sure it's thawed prior to feeding. Most dogs are not used to eating frozen items and it will most likely create some resistance if he has to try and bite down on frozen meat. However it's not a good idea to use the microwave to defrost the meat, as this may alter the taste as well as decrease the nutritional value of the food.

Some dogs may like the taste of barf raw dog food but be intimidated by the size of the pieces of raw meat and bones. To start with anyway, try grinding the meat and feeding the dog a sort of mush. You can even try grinding up the bones. (You may have to have a butcher do this.)

With a little preparation and forethought, it shouldn't take to much to convince your dog that barf raw dog food is what he really wants to eat.