How to Switch Your Dog's Food Without an Upset Stomach
By Pawsitive Team
Changing your dog's food in one go is the most common reason for a messy week at home. A slow switch over seven days gives the stomach time to adjust. Here is the plan most pet parents can follow, and the signs that tell you to slow down.
Why a sudden change causes trouble
A dog's gut gets used to one food. The bacteria that help with digestion settle around that recipe. When the bowl changes overnight, they have not caught up, and the result is often loose stools, gas or a dog that refuses to eat.
It does not mean the new food is bad. It usually means the change was too quick.
The seven day plan
Mix the new food into the old one and raise the share a little every two days. Keep the total amount in the bowl the same as before.
- Day 1 and 2: three parts old food, one part new food.
- Day 3 and 4: half old food, half new food.
- Day 5 and 6: one part old food, three parts new food.
- Day 7: new food only.
Signs you are going too fast
Watch the stool and the appetite. They tell you everything you need to know during a switch.
If you see loose stools, go back to the previous step and stay there for two or three more days before moving on. If your dog skips a meal but is otherwise active, do the same.
- Loose or very soft stools for more than one day.
- More gas than usual.
- Leaving food in the bowl.
- Scratching or licking the paws more than normal.
Puppies, seniors and sensitive dogs
Puppies and older dogs have more delicate stomachs. Stretch the plan to ten or even fourteen days for them, with smaller steps.
If your dog has had stomach trouble before, or is on a diet your vet prescribed, speak to your vet before changing anything.
Dry to wet, or wet to dry
The same plan works when you move between dry food and wet food. Wet food has more water, so the bowl will look fuller for the same meal. Follow the feeding guide printed on the pack for your dog's weight and do not go by how full the bowl looks.
Keep fresh water available all day, especially when moving from wet food to dry.
When to stop and call the vet
A slightly soft stool for a day is normal during a switch. Some signs are not, and you should not wait them out.
- Vomiting more than once.
- Blood in the stool.
- No interest in food or water for a full day.
- A dog that is dull, weak or in pain.
Common questions
How long should it take to switch dog food?
About seven days for a healthy adult dog. Take ten to fourteen days for puppies, senior dogs and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Can I switch my dog's food in one day?
It is best not to. A sudden change often causes loose stools and a refused bowl. If you have run out of the old food, give smaller meals of the new food for a few days and watch the stool.
My dog has loose stools after changing food. What should I do?
Go back one step in the plan and hold there for two or three days. If it continues, or you see vomiting or blood, call your vet.
Should I change the amount when I change the food?
Follow the feeding guide on the new pack for your dog's weight. Different foods have different amounts per meal.