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How to Switch Your Dogs Food Gradually, Without Tummy Upsets

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How do you switch dog food without upsetting their stomach?

My dog, Pogs, is a sidewalk scavenger and, as a result, regularly gets diarrhea. Its one of lifes little jokes that a dog who eats anything (digestible or not) also has a sensitive tummy.

Indeed, for many dogs even a simple change of dog food results in soft poop or diarrhea. But as the saying goes, Forewarned is forearmed, so here are the ins and outs of successfully transitioning your dog from one food to another.

What NOT to Do

Lets say your dog normally eats Chicken Chow, but the store has a special on Sausage Snacks.

You decide to give your pup something different, so you fill the basket with a change of menu. After all, your dog must get pretty bored eating the same thing every day dont they?

Dont change out the food all out once. Your dog may be super-excited about the new taste, but as sure as dogs have wet noses, such a sudden change will lead to a stomach upset.

Instead, switch the dog food gradually during the course of a full week, which gives your pets digestive system enough time to adjust.

Keep reading for specific guidance on how best to do this.

How to Switch Dog Food Gradually

Theres no big secret to switching foods. This is simply a matter of gradual change to let the gut bacteria in your dogs digestive system adjust to the new diet.

Change from the dogs old food to new by slowly reducing the amount of old and making up the difference with the new.

There are 2 ways to do this and both should be done over at least 7 days:

Method 1: Mix It Up

Hide the new food amid the original food. This is a stealthy way to successfully transition fussy eaters to a new dog food.

Example Dog Food Transition Schedule

Timeline	Directions
Days 12	Replace 25% of old dog food with new.
Days 34	Replace half of old food with new.
Days 56	Replace 75% of old with new.
Day 7	Feed entirely new food.

Fussy eaters may benefit from an even slower transition change out their food over a full months time if needed.

Method 2: Side by Side

As an alternative option, instead of mixing new and old food in the same bowl, offer them separately in bowls sitting side by side.

Whats the reasoning behind this method? Well, theres an argument that goes: How would we like curry mixed in with spaghetti Bolognese? In other words, 2 different foods mixed together isnt necessarily a winning combination.

As the days go by, keep adding a bit more to the new food bowl and reduce the old stuff.

Again, this should take at least 7 days to switch completely, but longer is also fine.

A Few Words About Portion Control

Just as an example, take a look at the calories in these popular dry dog foods:

• Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food: 322 kcal per cup
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food: 378 kcal per cup

Thats a 16% difference in the calorie content between 2 chicken and rice dog foods!

So, when you switch dog food, always reassess the portion size. If you were to simply keep feeding the same amount, youd risk overfeeding (or underfeeding), causing weight gain (or loss).

If the dogs waistline has widened, this is a good time to reduce the number of calories and put your dog on a diet. Your veterinarian or vet tech is an invaluable resource for those who arent sure if their pooch is pint-sized or outsized. Take the advice of a veterinary healthcare professional when in doubt.

Anticipating Stomach Upset

Changing dog food too quickly often results in an upset stomach.

But when does diarrhea stop being expected and start being something more worrying?

• If you see blood in the poop, at least call the vet clinic for advice. While a hint of blood may resolve itself, passing frank blood or large quantities of it can be a potentially serious sign and requires urgent veterinary assessment.
• Likewise, if the dog has watery, liquid diarrhea, they are at risk of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true if they are vomiting or not drinking in which case the diarrhea may not be due to a change of diet. Visit the vet.
• Most dogs with diarrhea caused by a change in diet are still bright, eating well and energetic. If the dog is dull, refusing to eat or lacks energy, the digestive issues may be more complex and they should see a vet.
• Also, simple diarrhea is often self-limiting and will settle after 2448 hours. If the diarrhea persists beyond this for several days, then it most likely needs help to firm up.

And, of course, always see the vet if youre worried. Trust your inner instincts!

Oops! Too Late I Already Made the Switch

If you are reading this because you switched dog foods and now your dog has diarrhea, heres what to do.

If the dog seems fine and doesnt need the vet (as outlined above), then withhold food for 1224 hours. This allows the gut to rest and regroup. During this time, make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh drinking water.

When you feed them again, offer a bland diet that is easy to digest. Suggestions include:

• Protein: White meats such as chicken breast, turkey thigh, cod or other white fish, or cottage cheese
• Carbohydrate: Boiled white rice, pasta or potato (but no added dairy, such as milk or butter)

Offer 4 small portions spread over the day, rather than 12 big meals. Feed this until the dog produces stool that you can pick up. Once this occurs, you can go back to once or twice daily feeding and reintroduce the new food but gradually, as outlined above.

Doggy probiotics are also helpful. These are dietary supplements that contain the correct type of bacteria to assist a dogs digestion. My personal preference is for FortiFlora, which has saved the day many times after Pogss dietary indiscretions.

However, dont use human probiotics the bacteria are different. Plus, many human probiotics come in a dairy drink, and the lactose in these can be a cause of dodgy tummies in dogs.

Help! My Dog Doesnt Like the New Food

There are many reasons you might decide to switch your dogs food.

Sometimes a change of life stage (puppy to adult, or adult to senior) requires a change of food. Or you may wish to switch from a dry food to a fresh dog food. Or perhaps the dog has a medical condition requiring a special prescription food.

If your dog turns up their nose at the new ration, the following suggestions may help.

• Take it slow: A fussy eater may object not only to a new taste, but also to a new texture or smell. Transition them very slowly so they become accustomed to the different sensory experience of the new food.
• Warm the food up: This can work for wet or canned foods. Warming it gently can make it more appealing and release some of the tempting food smells to stimulate your dogs appetite. For dry food, you may wish to add a little gravy (be careful to select a low-salt variety and no onion gravy) or the water from some boiled fish.
• Give a fresh portion each meal: If the dog refuses the food, reduce the portion size, but offer fresh each meal. Also, pick the food bowl up between meals. This helps them realize that if they dont eat the food, it disappears until the next mealtime.
• Sprinkle a probiotic over the food: Again, FortiFlora is tasty stuff for dogs and will tempt some fussy eaters to tuck in.
• Dont make a fuss: Dont stand and watch, biting your nails, waiting for your pup to eat. Instead, leave the room. To do so removes the potential for your concern to accidentally reward the dog for not eating.

Follow these tips next time you need to change dog food and all should be well. But remember, see a veterinarian if your gut instinct (see what I did there?) says somethings wrong.

References

• Dressman, Jennifer B., BPharm, PhD. Comparison of Canine and Human Gastrointestinal Physiology. Pharmaceutical Research 3, no. 3 (1986): 123131. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/41512/11095_2004_Article_306447.pdf?sequence=1.
• Tremayne, Jessica. Prebiotics, Probiotics and Intestinal Health. Veterinary Practice News. Sept. 27, 2012. https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/prebiotics-probiotics-and-intestinal-health/.
• Stilwell, Natalie, DVM, PhD. Immune-Stimulating Properties of Probiotics. American Veterinarian. Oct. 5, 2018. https://www.americanveterinarian.com/journals/amvet/2018/october2018/immunestimulating-properties-of-probiotics.
• Tips & Methods for Switching Dog Foods. Hills Pet Nutrition. July 3, 2019. https://www.hillspet.co.uk/dog-care/nutrition-feeding/how-to-transition-my-dogs-food.
• The Right Way to Switch Dog Foods. American Kennel Club. July 8, 2019. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/right-way-switch-dog-foods/.

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian,

Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS

. This article was originally published in 2012 and is regularly updated. It was last reviewed for accuracy and updated July 10, 2023.

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See

additional information

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How To Transition Your Dog To A New Food: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Are you planning to switch your pups diet but dont know where to start? Dont worry! Transitioning your dog to a new food can be easy and stress-free with this step-by-step guide. With just a few simple steps, youll have your pup eating the new food in no time without any fuss or discomfort. So lets get started on how to make the transition as smooth as possible for your furry friend!

Understanding Dog Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for a happy, healthy pup. Its important to take into account the breed, size and activity level of your pooch when determining their diet. A balanced diet should contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals all in the right proportions.

When feeding your dog its wise to select quality food that is age appropriate with no fillers or artificial colors or preservatives. Different breeds have different nutritional needs so be sure to do some research on your particular breed before selecting a food for them. Smaller dogs need more calories per pound than bigger dogs as well as higher levels of certain nutrients such as protein and fat; while larger breeds may require less energy dense foods due to lower metabolism rates.

Puppies require extra energy from fat and carbohydrates but make sure you feed quality puppy formulas instead of adult formula which are too high in calcium for growing puppies which can lead to bone issues later on in life. As they get older a gradual transition onto an adult formula is recommended around 12 months old or earlier if the puppy has reached its maximum growth rate (which varies depending on breed). Senior diets are available for older dogs who may need fewer calories plus additional joint support due to increased risk of arthritis as they age.

Consider these tips when selecting a food:

Choose grain-free options whenever possible grains arent necessary in canine diets!

Look out for complete foods containing all necessary nutrients this ensures optimal nutrition without having to supplement separately

Avoid processed meats (e.g., hotdogs) & table scraps not only can these upset digestive systems but also lack proper balance & proportion of essential nutrients needed by pups

Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

Finding the right food for your dog can be a perplexing task. With so many brands, flavors, and formulas to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your pup. The best way to go about selecting the perfect food for your furry companion is by taking into account its individual needs and preferences.

Start with considering their age. There are puppy-specific foods designed to help young dogs grow and develop properly; adult foods that provide balanced nutrition while boosting energy levels; senior blends that contain ingredients tailored specifically toward aging dogs; and speciality diets developed for specific medical or dietary issues such as allergies or obesity. You should also take into account any sensitivities or allergies your pet may have when selecting an appropriate diet plan.

Next, understand the types of proteins available in pet food chicken meal, beef meal, fishmeal etc as each offer varying levels of quality protein sources that all serve different purposes in terms of nutritional value and digestibility benefits. Additionally familiarize yourself with other important aspects such as fiber content (which helps maintain healthy digestion) carbohydrates (for energy), vitamins & minerals (essential nutrients) fatty acids (to nourish skin & coat). Finally consider what type of texture will work best: dry kibble versus wet canned foods? When youve taken these factors into consideration youll then be able to identify if there are particular brands or products more suited towards meeting the individual needs of your beloved canine companion!

How to Transition Dog Food Properly

Making the switch from one type of dog food to another can be a daunting task. But with some patience and planning, it can be done smoothly and without any adverse effects on your pets health or digestion. To transition your pup onto a new diet, here are the steps you should follow:

Start by gradually mixing in the new food with their existing diet over several days this will help them get used to the taste and texture of their new meal plan. During this time frame, pay attention to how they respond physically monitor for signs like vomiting, diarrhea or changes in appetite that may indicate an allergy or intolerance towards certain ingredients. If all is going well so far, start increasing the amount of new food while reducing amounts of old until there is no trace left. This process should take about 10-14 days depending on individual circumstances. After making the full switchover, keep track of their eating habits as well as energy levels (it might take up to three weeks for your pup adjust fully). Be sure to consult your veterinarian if there are any concerns along the way! Finally reward them often during this period as positive reinforcement goes a long way when introducing something completely unfamiliar into their routine!

Transitioning dog food properly is essential for ensuring that your pet receives all necessary nutrition for optimum health and wellbeing. Its important to remember that dogs typically dont enjoy change; therefore taking small gradual steps rather than abruptly switching out foods will heighten success rates significantly. Take note of their reactions throughout each step if they seem distressed at any point then halt immediately and discuss alternative courses with your vet prior continuing further down this path

Introducing New Dog Foods Gradually

When you introduce your pup to a new type of dog food, its important to do so gradually. Not only does this make the transition easier for them, but it also helps their body adjust and prevents any potential digestive issues. The best way to start is by mixing small amounts of the new food with their current diet over the course of several days until they are comfortable eating all of the new meal.

The first step is selecting a quality brand that meets your pups nutritional needs. Once you have found one, read through the directions on how much and how often they should be fed based on size and activity level. Then break up each feeding into two parts; half will consist of their current diet while adding a small amount (about 1/4 cup) of the new food in as well. Over time increase this ratio until it consists fully of just the new food usually within 5-7 days or so depending on how quickly they adjust to it!

It may take some patience during this process, however once complete your furry friend can enjoy all the benefits that come from having an improved nutrition plan! Keep in mind if at any point there are signs such as vomiting or loose stools then immediately switch back to their original diet until those side effects cease before trying again with introducing more slowly later down the line. With these tips in mind, now you can confidently provide your pet with delicious meals as well as peace-of-mind knowing that their tummies wont suffer from making such changes!

Signs that Show a Successful Transition of Dog Food

A successful transition of dog food is vital to ensure your pup is getting the nutrition they need. The level of success can be determined by watching for certain signs that tell you the change has been accepted, and the new diet is being enjoyed.

The first sign of a successful transition will be seen in their energy levels; if your pooch seems more lively after switching to a different type of food, this could indicate that its providing appropriate nutrients and nourishment. Another positive sign will come from their attitude towards meal times; if Fido looks forward to eating and shows enthusiasm when mealtimes roll around then its likely hes enjoying his new diet. As well as an increase in appetite, your pup may also start changing shape with visible weight gain or loss depending on what kind of dog food was switched out for.

You should also keep an eye out for any digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea which may occur while transitioning between foods; although changes like these are normal during adjustments, they shouldnt last long-term so make sure keep track and adjust accordingly if required! Finally, one surefire way to confirm whether or not the switch has been successful: simply ask them how much they love their new dinner watch closely for tail wags!

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Dog Feeding Transitions

Making the transition to a new dog food can be tricky. Its important to do it right, so your pup is comfortable and thriving throughout the change. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that everything goes smoothly during the switch.

First off, start introducing your pup to their new food in small amounts at first, gradually increasing over time as they get used to it. This helps them adjust slowly without any digestive issues or rejection of the recipe. Additionally, make sure youre mixing their old and new foods together for at least a week before fully transitioning into the new one; this will prevent any stomach upsets from abrupt changes in diet composition or ingredients.

Its also essential that you monitor your pup closely during these transition periods checking for signs of potential allergic reactions or other digestion-related complications such as vomiting or diarrhea and adjust accordingly if needed. If possible, try switching up feeding times too: changing when you give them breakfast versus dinner might help ease stress levels during transition periods since dogs tend to become quite attached to routine meal schedules! Lastly, opt for high quality brands with natural ingredients whenever possible this way there wont be any surprises when making dietary changes down the line!

Long-term Benefits of Consistent Dog Feeding Practices

When it comes to caring for a beloved pup, routine is key. Establishing consistent feeding practices can help keep your dog healthy and happy in the long-term. Regular meals provide structure that dogs need and crave in their day-to-day lives. Scheduled feedings also allow you to monitor their food intake, which can prevent overeating or weight gain if needed.

In addition to providing stability, having set feeding times encourages regular digestion cycles as well as nutrient absorption throughout the day both of which are essential for any canine companions wellbeing. This routine helps keep energy levels up and bolsters an animals immune system so they remain strong and healthy into old age. Dogs also benefit from consistency when dealing with behavioral issues like anxiety or aggression; structured meal times can help them feel safe by establishing boundaries around what is expected of them each day.

Overall, consistent dog feeding practices promote greater health, longer life spans and overall better behavior from our four legged friends making it an important part of creating a loving home environment!

Wrap up!

Feeding your dog the right food is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. Transitioning to a new food should be done gradually, introducing small amounts of the new food over time with signs that it has been successful including increased energy levels, glossy coat and healthy stool. If any troubleshooting issues arise during this transition period it is important to consult with your vet. By sticking to consistent feeding practices you will be rewarded with long-term benefits such as healthier digestion, improved behavior and overall better nutrition for your pet.

FAQ

how to transition dog food from puppy to adult?

Transitioning your dogs food from puppy to adult can be done gradually over a period of a few weeks. Start by mixing the new food with their current puppy meal, slowly increasing the ratio as you go until it is all adult food. Its important that this transition occurs gradually so that your dogs digestive system does not become upset.

what age should i switch my pup to an adult formula?The appropriate time for switching your pup to an adult formula varies depending on breed size and activity level, but generally most dogs will make the transition at around 12 months old or when they reach maturity. It is best practice to consult with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

how much food should I give my pup each day?Your pups daily feeding requirements depend on several factors such as age, activity level and breed size. Generally speaking, puppies up to 6 months of age will need three meals per day while those between 6-12 months may require two meals per day; consult with your vet about specific amounts for your individual pet based on their needs and lifestyle.

what are the benefits of switching my pup to an adult formula?Switching from a puppy formula to an adult one has many benefits including improved digestion due to higher quality ingredients in the new diet, better nutrition which helps promote healthy growth and development as well as providing more energy for playing and exercising! Additionally, some brands offer specialized formulas designed specifically for large breeds or active pups which can help ensure optimal health throughout adulthood.

how often should i rotate my dogs protein sources?In order provide variety in their diet and meet changing nutritional needs throughout life stages it is recommended that you rotate through different proteins sources every 3-4 months; however always check with your veterinarian beforehand if you have questions or concerns related specifically relating to rotating proteins in relationto allergies or other medical conditions.