Switching your dog to a new food should be done carefully to avoid digestive upset and ensure a smooth transition. Whether you are moving from puppy food to adult food, trying a higher quality formula, accommodating health needs, or adjusting for age or activity level, a gradual transition gives your dog’s digestive system time to adapt.
Our dog’s idea of switching to a new food probably looks more like them scarfing down one bowl filled with their old food, followed by them excitedly shoving us out of the way and devouring an entire second (or third) bowl of their new food. Cue a little taste-bud fiesta of new flavors in their mouth. They’d be so proud of themselves, of course! At least for a while, until the inevitable happens… cue the erupting volcano butt.
Luckily for our pups (and their bums), us humans have some tips up our sleeves on how to easily switch to a new dog food, helping keep their fuzzy trousers free from “mud-butt” and their tummy troubles tamed.
Read on to learn the right way to switch to a new dog food.
Reasons to Consider Switching Your Dog’s Food
There are many reasons a dog owner may need to switch foods. These include wanting a higher quality food, managing weight, changing life stages such as from puppy to adult, addressing allergies or sensitivities, health conditions that require a therapeutic diet, or simply moving between wet and dry food formats.
How to Switch to a New Dog Food
The key to switching to a new dog food successfully is gradually making the transition from your dog’s old food to their new diet over multiple days. It would look something like this:
- Day 1-2: 25% new diet and 75% old diet
- Day 3-4: 50% new diet and 50% old diet
- Day 5-6: 75% new diet and 25% old diet
- Day 7: 100% new diet!
If you start seeing signs of diarrhea or changes in appetite, you may need to slow down your transition. Vomiting and nausea aren’t really a normal part of food transitions, so if you see these signs, slow down the transition but also consider calling your vet to check in.
A longer transition over weeks instead of days can be especially important for pups with food sensitivities, gastro issues, allergies, and picky eating habits. A longer transition may look like this:
- Week 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet
- Week 2: 50% new diet and 50% old diet
- Week 3: 75% new diet and 25% old diet
- Week 4: 100% new diet!
If issues continue to worsen with the appearance of vomiting, persistent diarrhea, nausea, or change in appetite, or you see signs of external skin issues like inflammation, itching, hair loss, rashes, or hot spots, it’s time to talk to your vet.
Monitor Your Dog’s Health: Become the Poop Supervisor
During the diet switch it’s important to monitor your pup’s digestive health by keeping an eye on their poo (not, like, in a weird way where you concern your neighbors)—a quick glance is all it takes. Consistency and color can help determine how well their body is handling the switch. Slight changes will be normal, but anything drastic should be mentioned to a vet.
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Should My Dog Fast? Meal Fasting Dos and Don'ts
Generally, fasting (no food, but water is ok) should only be deliberately pursued if your vet recommends it. There are some conditions where your vet may suggest “resting” the tummy before giving food again—like severe tummy upset—but in most of those cases, the fast is followed by a bland diet rather than a new kind of commercial kibble.
In other cases, dogs whose current food is causing big problems may need to come off that food abruptly (no gradual transition). In these cases, your vet will recommend a nice, bland food (or otherwise appropriate food for your dog) to switch to without a transition.
The point here is, don’t jump into a fast without a good reason and a thumbs up from your vet.
Fasting Dos:
- Talk to your veterinarian before having your dog begin a fast.
- Remove all food for 24 hours.
- Keep the dog treats in the cupboard for the day (no cheating, not even for the puppy eyes!).
- Avoid heavy exercise or exertion for the day.
- Continue to provide plenty of water.
Fasting Don’ts:
- Fasting with puppies, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
- Fasting with dogs who have health issues such as cancer, diabetes, or are taking prescription meds.
- Withholding food for more than 24 hours.
- Giving any table scraps.
FAQ
What is the best way to switch my dog to a new food?
The best way to switch dog food is to do it gradually over several days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the current food. A common schedule takes about seven days, but sensitive dogs may need more time.
How long should it take to transition dog food?
A typical transition schedule spans about a week. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or digestive issues, extending the transition over two to four weeks can help reduce the risk of upset.
What are common signs of food transition issues?
Signs of difficulty include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and changes in stool. Persistent problems should prompt a slower transition and possibly a consultation with a veterinarian.
Should puppies and adult dogs be transitioned differently?
Puppies with more sensitive digestive systems may benefit from particularly slow transitions. Always consider age and developmental stage and consult your vet if you are unsure.
