Your dog may have stomach problems. Maybe he needs to lose weight. Or maybe he’s getting old. Whatever the reason, you are now considering switching dog food.
There is a correct way to transition between dog foods, which includes not switching dog foods too quickly or overfeeding your dog. This will ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and that your dog enjoys his new food. Learn from the experts why it’s important to change dog food at certain times in your pup’s life and how to do it right.
Why should I change my dog’s food?
Sometimes the ingredients in a dog’s food make him sick. Dr. Shannon Barrett, of Charleston, South Carolina, explains that these health issues include decreased appetite, sluggish bowling or vomiting.
Another symptom could be skin allergies. Signs of a skin allergy include chronic ear infections, chronic irritation/infections of the anal glands, licking paws and generalized itching. While many owners think their dogs have an environmental allergy or a grain allergy, Dr. Barrett says most dogs are allergic to the protein source in their food.
If your dog is struggling with a medical issue, switching to a different food might help. For example, if he has diabetes or kidney disease, your vet might recommend changing his diet, says Dr. Megan Conrad of Hello Ralphie, a veterinary telehealth service.
How often should I change my dog’s food?
There are different opinions on how often to change a dog’s food, but according to Dr. Barrett, you should only do it if you need to. Changing it too often can make your dog a picky eater. She says introducing too many flavors to your dog can backfire in the future if you have to switch him to a prescription diet with a more bland flavor. Your dog may not be interested in it if he has eaten a variety of foods all his life.
Switch dog food when the food ingredients aren’t right for the size and age of the dog, according to Dr. Alex Schechter, of Burrwood Veterinary in Birmingham, Michigan. Poor dog food can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Can changing dog food too quickly make my dog sick?
Changing dog food too quickly, or changing dog food without mixing, can lead to stomach upset, among other health issues. In order to avoid any problems, the safest thing you can do is to change foods gradually so your dog gets used to the new food, says Dr. Barrett.
She explains that it is crucial to mix the two foods over several days using a specific ratio. Here is a dog food transition chart you can follow:
- Days 1-3: mix 25% new dog food with 75% old dog food
- Days 3-6: Mix 50% new dog food and 50% old dog food
- Days 6-9: Mix 75% new dog food and 25% old dog food
- Day 9 and moving forward: Feed your dog 100% of the new food
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, and loose stools. Dr. Barrett says this should be done for the first three days. If your dog gets sick early in the transition, talk to your vet about a new plan. You may need to switch foods again or go back to the previous ratio for three to four more days to see if that helps, says Dr. Barrett. The transition process should take 9-12 days in total, but let your dog and his stomach guide you.
You should not introduce new treats during this time. Dr. Barrett explains that if you notice your dog turns away from his food bowl or isn’t interested in the food, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like the flavor. Instead, he might feel uncomfortable.
How much food should I give when changing dog food?
In addition to transitioning gradually, follow the feeding guidelines on the dog food bag to evenly distribute the food. Overfeeding your dog can lead to weight gain or diarrhea. Reducing the amount of food you give your dog and giving your veterinarian prescribed digestive aids can help improve his digestion during the transition phase, Dr. Schechter says.
How important is using high quality dog food?
According to Dr. Schechter, your dog could have health problems because poor quality food could contain harmful additives that he comes into contact with. Switching to a premium or high quality dog food could be the answer.
But what does a high quality dog food include? According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs should eat a combination of meat and vegetables with all the essential nutrients that make up a well-balanced dog diet. This includes the right amount of certain essential amino acids found in proteins, minerals, certain essential fatty acids from fats and vitamins. The right amounts will change depending on a dog’s life stage, such as puppy, adult, pregnant or senior.
Buy the highest quality dog food you can afford, as opposed to cheap dog food, which could damage your dog’s digestive system. Food ingredients should be real and recognizable, and if they aren’t, look for another food, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Most older, sedentary, neutered or neutered dogs don’t have such high energy needs, so use a low-calorie dog food (as long as your vet says it’s OK). /According to VCA Animal Hospitals, there should be less than 350 calories per cup of dog food. If the food is too high in calories, your pup could gain weight and suffer health problems.
Buy enough food for the dog’s entire food transition
The supply chain issues of the past two years have affected the pet food industry. If possible, Dr. Barrett recommends buying two bags of food for your pet to have a supply.
If you run out and can’t find your dog’s specific food, buy a food with the same protein source and similar ingredients. If your pet eats brown rice and salmon, look for a salmon and oatmeal diet or another fish-based diet. This could prevent your dog from getting sick, says Dr. Barrett.
Consult your veterinarian before changing dog food
Before changing your dog’s food, consult his veterinarian. There could be bigger issues, such as illnesses or allergies, and your vet may want to test your dog before changing the food.
Staying in touch with your veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s health while transitioning to another dog food are keys to success with a new diet.