How to Change your Dog’s Food
Published date: 23 February 2024
Switching a dogs food is typically an easy process, however this will depend on the fussiness of your pooch! Here are some handy transition tips:
Transition over a Week
For successful and safe diet change, we recommend switching your pet’s food gradually over at least 7 days. If a new food is not introduced gradually, you could potentially cause an upset stomach or a fussy pet who turns their nose up at the new diet.
For pets who are sensitive to changes in diet, it is recommended that the changeover regime be stretched over 14 days.
Start with 25% new food and 75% old food for the first couple of days, then move to 50/50, then progress to 75% new to 25% old.
Top Tips
For those pets who aren’t food orientated:
- Reduce the number of treats given during the introductory period. Try using their new diet as training treats instead!
- If your pet has been used to eating wet food, moisten with warm water.
- Pop the dry food in the microwave for 10 seconds to make it smell even more appetising.
- If transitioning from a kibble diet to raw food, it is always best to feed the food in separate bowls and at separate times (morning and evening) when transitioning to reduce any stomach upset.
Use an Interactive Feeder
To make new food even more exciting (and to help prevent boredom) try switching up the way you feed. Interactive food toys such as Frogg, are a brilliant way to mentally enrich your canine and make dinner.
For more information about making food fun, read our Guide to Dog Interactive Feeding.
Check their Stools
It is important to keep a close eye on your dog’s stools during a diet change. Stools are a huge indicator of health and of course that the diet is working.
A healthy stool should be firm to the touch, chocolate brown and easy to pick up from the grass.
Discover the best and most nutritious dog foods.
For more help with diet transition or general dog advice, head over to your local Pets Corner Store.
