What’s the Best Way to Change Your Dog’s Food?
Key takeaways:
Switching your dog’s food gradually over 1 to 2 weeks reduces the likelihood of digestive upset.
Common symptoms you might notice in your dog when switching foods are lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and gassiness.
Most dogs can switch foods over 5 to 7 days, although dogs with sensitive stomachs may take 2 weeks or longer.
There are several reasons you might be changing your dog’s food. You might:
Seek better quality dog food
Have a dog on a specialized diet
Want to switch from wet to dry food
Need to adjust your pup’s diet to meet their nutritional needs as they age
Regardless of the reason, you will likely change foods at some point in your dog’s life. Knowing what to expect and how to switch will make the transition easier for you and your furry friend.
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Whether your dog is entering a new life stage or a health concern prompts a diet change, here is the best way to switch dog foods.
How do you change a dog’s food?
The best way to change a dog’s food is slowly over time, by mixing their old and new food together. A gradual switch allows your dog’s body to adjust to the new diet. Do this by steadily incorporating more and more of the new food.
The fastest transition should take place over a 5- to 7-day period. Ideally, you should take a week to switch foods. The transition should look like this:
Day 1: Mix 25% of the new food with 75% old (current) food.
Day 2: Mix 40% of the new food with 60% of the old food.
Day 3: Feed 50% of the new and 50% of the old food.
Day 4: Feed 60% of the new and 40% of the old food.
Day 5: Feed 75% of the new and 25% of the old food.
Day 6: Feed 90% of the new and 10% of the old food.
Day 7: Feed 100% new diet.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, transition over 1 week to 2 weeks, or longer. Spread the transition over a week or two so that your dog’s digestive system has more time to adjust. You might begin by feeding only 10% of the new food for days 1 and 2 before adding 10% more new food every 2 days.
Can you switch dog food without mixing?
You should not change your dog’s food abruptly unless you must. Examples would be a food recall or adverse reaction. Switching foods quickly is likely to cause stomach upset.
Why is it important to change a dog’s food gradually?
Gradually switching your dog’s food reduces the chances of digestive upset, which can cause symptoms like:
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This is because diet affects the bacteria in the gut, which are essential for gut health and overall immune system health.
Even with a gradual switch, your dog may have some soft stools and a bit of stomach gurgling. That’s OK if your pet is still acting like their usual self. You’ll just want to stretch the transition a little longer.
What can you give a dog to help with digestive issues?
If your dog experiences digestive issues while changing their food, a probiotic may help. Probiotics are supplements that contain beneficial live bacteria like the bacteria that live in your dog’s gut. Dog probiotic supplements are available in powders, liquids, capsules, and chew treats. Ask your vet for a recommendation.
You can also mix some plain canned pumpkin into your dog’s food. Pumpkin is high in fiber, so it helps digestion by:
Adding bulk to your dog’s stool
Absorbing water and toxins
Stretching the colon muscle
Only feed plain pumpkin, as pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sweeteners that can upset your dog’s stomach.
The bottom line
The best way to switch your dog’s food is slowly. Take at least a week to make the switch by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with your dog’s old food. Watch your pup during the transition for any signs of stomach upset. As long as your dog remains in good spirits and is eating and drinking plenty of water, mild symptoms should clear up. But you may need to make the transition a little more slowly. If you notice ongoing stomach issues that do not clear up, contact your veterinarian.
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References
American Kennel Club. (2022). How to switch & transition dog foods.
Defarges, A., et al. (2022). Disorders of the stomach and intestines in dogs. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.
Linder, D. E. (2019). How do I switch my pet’s food? Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Nutrition Service.
Pilla, R., et al. (2020). The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
