DIET & NUTRITION
How to Safely Transition Your Dog’s Food: Dog Food Basics
Transitioning dog food is tricky, especially if your dog is still a puppy Read our expert guide on how you can switch your dog's food
Table of contents
Why Should We Switch Dog Food?
Every animal has some good bacteria in their guts that help digest and utilise the food they eat. Over a period of time, these bacteria get accustomed to our diet. When we eat something different or change our diets suddenly, these bacteria tend to get thrown off balance- causing tummy upsets.
In nature, animals would eat lots of different things, allowing their gut bacteria to adapt and be quite resilient. However, our pets' diets can be pretty standard and entirely dependent on what we decide to feed them. This makes the gut bacteria delicate. So tiny changes can also wreak havoc. Of course, some animals are more sensitive to these changes than others, especially very young puppies.
It is almost certain that throughout our dogs' lives, we will make changes to their diets. This may be because their nutritional needs change as they grow or because a particular brand of pet food is no longer available. It could also be a switch from kibble to wet dog food or fresh food. Whether the changes you make are big or small, you should try and give your dog's body enough time to adjust to these changes. This can be easily done by transitioning meals instead of suddenly changing them.
In nature, animals would eat lots of different things, allowing their gut bacteria to adapt and be quite resilient. However, our pets' diets can be pretty standard and entirely dependent on what we decide to feed them. This makes the gut bacteria delicate. So tiny changes can also wreak havoc. Of course, some animals are more sensitive to these changes than others, especially very young puppies.
It is almost certain that throughout our dogs' lives, we will make changes to their diets. This may be because their nutritional needs change as they grow or because a particular brand of pet food is no longer available. It could also be a switch from kibble to wet dog food or fresh food. Whether the changes you make are big or small, you should try and give your dog's body enough time to adjust to these changes. This can be easily done by transitioning meals instead of suddenly changing them.
How To Transition Dog Food?
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you have decided to change your dog's diet or introduce something new:
Here is how you can go gradually about the transition process:
- Order the new food well in advance: Do not wait till your dog’s old food is over to order the new one.
- Start slow and in small quantities: Introduce a small quantity of the new food to your dog. Wait for 24 hours and observe for any signs of a tummy upset.
- Pay attention to your dog's poop: Special attention should be given to the colour, texture, and consistency of your dog's poop throughout the transition period. You can expect some changes but as long as the stool is well formed and normal, you can continue with the transition.
Here is how you can go gradually about the transition process:
- Days 1-3: Replace 1/4th of your dog's meal with the new food.
- Days 4-7: Feed 1/2 old and 1/2 of the new food.
- Days 8-10: Feed 1/4th of the old food and 3/4th of the new food.
- By Day 11, your dog should be comfortably transitioned to the new diet.
Things To Watch Out for During the Transition Period
- If at any point you notice your dog having lots of mucous or any loose stools, stop and reduce the amount of new food in the diet, you may even go slower with the transition.
- If the quality of your dog's poop does not improve or gets worse, stop the transition and inform your vet.
- It also helps to speak to your vet and request some probiotics for your dog during the transition. These will ensure that the good bacteria in your dog's gut are maintained throughout the transition.
- This concept also holds true for new treats and chews that you may introduce to your dog. Always start with a small piece and wait to see if your dog can digest it. If all is good you can go ahead and make this a part of your dog's diet.
Remember, even the best dog food in the world needs a transition period for your dog to get used to. Always consult your vet or a canine nutritionist if you are unsure while planning your dog’s diet. Happy Pet Parenting to You!
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