Are you getting a new pet? Is your dog growing from puppy or kitten to adult? Are you looking for more from their diet? These are some of the circumstances that might lead you to switching them to a new food. There’s a lot to consider when your dog starts on a new diet. Ideally, it would be nice to just start feeding a new kibble, but a sudden switch could cause some adverse effects. Don’t worry, we’ve made it simple with all the tips and tricks for a smooth transition to a new dog or cat food.
Each pet is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Some are more sensitive to dietary changes and others could have an iron stomach. If you’re starting with a new dog, it would be helpful to have a small supply of their prior diet so you can make sure to properly transition them.
A general rule is to not transition too abruptly and slowly change out the old food for the new food. This will minimize any symptoms they could experience.
How To Switch:
Day 1 & 2: Feed ¼ new kibble and ¾ old diet.
Day 3 & 4: Feed ½ new kibble and ½ old diet.
Day 5 & 6: Feed ¾ new kibble and ¼ old diet.
Day 7: Feed new kibble as normal. Congratulations, the transition is complete!
Thinking about switching from puppy or kitten food to food for all life stages, or adults only? You should still follow the same rules. Even if the ingredients appear to be similar, the formula is different. Keep an eye on your dog while you’re switching to the new food. Some dogs or cats may still experience some G.I. symptoms, and you may need to adjust your pace. Watch for:
Loose stool
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
These are not unusual and often resolve by modifying the pace of the transition . If you’re seeing symptoms of concern, or they persist, consider consulting your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
A premium diet, thoughtfully formulated to include appropriate proteins, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a gut health support system will go a long way toward supporting a healthy digestive system. At the end of the day, it’s important that your dog’s mealtime makes them feel great and be healthy from the inside out.