On the basis of a linear copositive Lyapunov function (LF) and a diagonal quadratic LF, respectively, two slow stabilizing switching laws are proposed for discrete time positive switched systems composed of subsystems. Under these two stabilizing switching laws, the LFs are allowed to increase in state-driven intervals while the stability of positive switched systems is maintained. In addition, it is shown that positive switched systems under these two slow switching laws are robust against certain classes of perturbations. Furthermore, when the states of the systems are not available, observer-based stabilizing switching laws for positive switched systems are also proposed. Some numerical examples are finally given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed stabilizing switching laws. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.