Fur Friendly Feasts Transitioning to Organic Dog Food
How to Switch & Transition Dog Foods
Maybe your veterinarian has recommended a prescription diet, or perhaps youve simply decided to try a new brand. Whatever the reason for the switch, changing your dogs diet is more complex than simply pouring the new food into a bowl. In order to avoid upsetting your dogs stomach, you will need to transition to the new food the right way. Heres the best way to switch dog foods.
How to Change Your Dogs Food
Switching your dogs food abruptly can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite. Any time you decide to change your dogs food, you should transition to the new diet gradually in order to give your dogs system time to adjust to the change. Ideally, these transitions should happen over 5-7 days. During this transition, you will gradually incorporate more and more of the new food by mixing it with your dogs current diet. For most dogs, a good diet transition will look like this:
- Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.
- Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.
- Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.
- Day 7: 100% new diet.
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or other gastrointestinal diseases may need an even longer transition period. The key to a good diet transition is monitoring your dogs individual response. If, at any point during the diet transition, your dog displays concerning signs such as changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should proceed more slowly. And if you have transitioned gradually and your dog is still experiencing stomach upset, it is best to consult with your veterinarian. In some cases, it may be necessary to choose a different diet.
Adverse Food Reactions in Dogs
An adverse food reaction is a blanket term used to describe a number of different food-related illnesses in dogs such as food allergies, food intolerance, and other gastrointestinal diseases. Many people will describe their dogs as having food allergies but this is not always accurate. True allergies involve a very specific response from the dogs immune system and this is not definitively diagnosed in many cases. Thus, it is more accurate to refer to these events as adverse food reactions.
Adverse food reactions can present with gastrointestinal symptoms, cutaneous symptoms, or a combination of the two. Gastrointestinal signs of an adverse food reaction include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. Cutaneous symptoms include a wide range of signs such as itching, skin inflammation, hair loss, and many different types of rashes. There are many other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian if these symptoms occur.
If your veterinarian suspects your dog is having an adverse food reaction, they may recommend performing an elimination diet trial. This means your dog will eat only a prescription hypoallergenic diet and no other food sources for at least eight weeks. If your dogs symptoms resolve during the diet trial, this can be a sign that food was the culprit. At the end of the eight-week trial, your veterinarian may also perform a challenge trial by reintroducing certain foods into your dogs diet to see if they provoke another reaction. The challenge trial can help you and your veterinarian determine exactly which foods are problematic for your dog, so you can avoid them in the future.
The Proof is in the Poop!
The best way to monitor your dogs digestive health is to pay attention to the quality of the stool. While minor variations in stool color and consistency are normal, any major changes can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. A great way to evaluate your dogs stool is to use aFecal Scoring Chart. An ideal fecal score is 34. Lower numbers may indicate dehydration or constipation, while higher numbers are indicative ofgastrointestinal upset, which can be due to a variety of factors. If your dogs stool is consistently outside of the normal range, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian regarding your dogs digestive health.
How to Choose a Dog Food
Choosing an appropriate dietfor your dog is a complicated process. The sheer number of dog food options available is overwhelming. Unfortunately, there is no one diet that is best for every dog. Just like humans, dogs are individuals and their dietary needs vary depending on factors such as age, health, and personal preferences.
To make the process even more complicated, there are also a lot ofmyths about dog foodon the internet. Many people fall victim to advertising campaigns or scare tactics warning them away from commercial dog foods. Fortunately, theWorld Small Animal Veterinary Associationhas published a guide entitled The Savvy Dog Owners Guide: Nutrition on the Internet to help pet owners decipher fact from fiction when doing their own research about dog food.
Learninghow to read a pet food labelcan also help demystify the process of choosing a dog food. The information on a pet food label is guided by theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO is responsible for establishing definitions for many of the terms you will find on a bag of dog food. Understanding theselabeling requirementscan make it easier to identify which products are best for your dog. Look for the words complete and balanced diet on the label.
Findingthe best food for your dogcan be a lengthy process, but with the right tools and a gradual transition, you can ensure the switch is successful. During the transition, be sure to monitor your dogs appetite, behavior, and stool quality to help determine whether the new diet is the right choice for your dog. As always, your veterinarian is your best resource for information regarding your dogs health and nutrition.
Best Natural Dog Food
The Farmers Dog Beef is one of 4 natural recipes included in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
The example recipe here gets the lions share of its animal protein from USDA beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 29% fat and 24% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 73%.
The full product line has been designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. While each recipe includes human-grade ingredients.
Every Farmers Dog formula is 100% complete and balanced and suitable for puppies, adults or seniors. A healthy feeding option for those who can afford the brands premium price. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Lamb Dish with Cranberries is one of 4 natural recipes covered in our review of the Ollie product line.
This Ollie recipe draws most of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 30% fat and 25% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 82%.
A veterinarian-designed meal tailored to your dogs age, weight, breed, activity level, and allergies. Made entirely of human-grade ingredients.
A complete and fully balanced formula. Fresh-made and recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 37 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Leia has a sensitive tummy and used to not eat (or throw up) her dry kibble. She literally jumps for joy when we pull Ollie out of the fridge. What a huge difference Ollie has made in our dog's life."
Raised Right Adult Pork is one of 11 fresh recipes evaluated in our review of the Raised Right product line.
This Raised Right recipe obtains a better part of its meat protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 57% protein, 23% fat and 12% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
Each limited ingredient diet is created from a single source of animal protein. Which makes it easy to zero-in on possible food sensitivities. The entire product line is safety tested for disease-causing bacteria before shipping.
And the company posts full test results for each batch, which makes it simple for clients to verify before purchase.
One of the best fresh, high-protein dog foods on the market. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, pork heart, pork liver, carrots, blueberries Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 57 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"I had been using gently cooked dog foods for a while when I came across Raised Right. I was astonished at how much higher in protein it was over all the other foods. I switched over and noticed right away why. It has absolutely no fillers in it. I'd never go back to anything else."
Nom Nom Turkey Fare is one of 4 natural recipes analyzed in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.
This Nom Nom recipe draws much of its animal protein from ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
We also note the inclusion of zinc gluconate and 3 other chelated minerals, costly components typically found only in better quality pet foods.
An affordable (but not cheap) fresh-made option. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
Turkey Pawella is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the A Pup Above product line.
This particular example recipe obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
A fully-balanced, fresh food formula that meets 100% of AAFCO nutrient profile requirements for adult maintenance. Designed by a team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Each professional has more than 10 years of clinical experience in veterinary medicine.
A top natural dog food selection. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey liver, tomatoes, carrots, green peas Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 43 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove.com"Mealtime is so much more fun with A Pup Above! Grizzly can sometimes be a picky eater, but watching him chow down his food when I add this to his meal is just so satisfying. Thanks for making mealtime so easy and delicious for us!"
Unkibble Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Spot and Tango product line.
Spot and Tango Unkibble derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs [producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
The quality of fresh ingredients just dry. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Spot and Tango UnKibble Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 26 AAFCO Standards All Life-Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at SpotAndTango.com"I always worry that the regular dry kibble isnt enough nutrition for Hoagie. This is a good alternative that doesnt require me feeding him a full meal of raw food (which gives me sticker-shock and I worry if I dont feed it to him fast enough for it to still be fresh)"
Carved Turkey Dinner is one of 5 wet recipes evaluated in our review of the Castor and Pollux canned product line.
Castor and Pollux Organix Butcher and Bushel gets the dominant portion of its animal protein from fresh organic turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 42% protein, 21% fat and 29% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
This USDA certified organic product is made with minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Its also a quality source of antioxidants and balanced minerals. Readily recommended.
Read our review of the full Castor and Pollux Organix Butcher and Bushel Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Organic turkey, organic chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken, organic chicken liver Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 42 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Beef, Potato and Green Bean Recipe is one of 10 wet formulas covered in our review of the Purina Beyond product line.
Purina Beyond Natural Pate recipes draws most of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
This high-protein wet dog food is made with real Texas beef. Contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The pate consistency makes it ideal for use as a tasty topper. Adds real flavor and life to any processed dry kibble.
Budget-priced. A solid natural option. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Beyond Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, chicken, liver, potatoes, green beans Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My two dogs love this can food because it is ground, NOT in chunks like most can dog food. It works GREAT when mixing with dry food or when mixings with meds."
Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice obtains the better part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
This fully balanced, grain-free formula is also an ever-popular member of our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food list. A top choice for those looking for exceptional value. A perennial favorite with value-conscious dog parents. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, white rice Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Orijen Original is one of 9 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Original receives the better part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Formulated with 85% premium animal ingredients including poultry and fish, for a complete and fully balanced mixture of essential protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Freeze-dried coated delivers a burst of raw flavor. An ever-popular brand. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Whole Grain Chicken is one of 8 dehydrated recipes included in our review of The Honest Kitchen product line.
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken acquires much of its animal protein from dehydrated chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 15% fat and 50% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Made with real human-grade (not feed-grade) ingredients. Complete and fully balanced nutrition for adults and puppies of all breed sizes.
Add warm water and the product rehydrates to 4 times its packaged weight. Ideal as a topper for dry kibbles. A 10-pound box makes 40 pounds of fresh dog food. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats Texture Dehydrated Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is a great product that my dog loves. She sees the box and gets excited. Great nutritional value and my dog loves it."
Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 10 dry recipes rated in our review of the Canidae product line.
This Canidae recipe draws the better part of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 16% fat and 41% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
A limited ingredient design thats made with just 8 real ingredients. Complete and fully balanced nutrition contains no soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
A top natural dog food pick. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, lentils, sweet potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dogs are very picky eaters. I have a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. I typically buy separate food for them but both Dogs LOVE this! I would highly recommend."
