For some dog owners, switching dog food is not a big deal. These dogs often sail through switching dog foods without a transition period, especially if they’re already eating a varied diet.
If your dog is used to a constant variety of dog food, as has always been recommended by Whole Dog Journal, he may not require a transition. Many dogs can eat a wide variety of ingredients and foods and will tolerate a rotational diet, provided the protein and fat levels of the foods you’re choosing are similar.
If you’ve always fed the “same” food and need to change, a slow transition will be easiest for you and your dog.
Switching Dog Food
A gradual switch in dog food is usually recommended by veterinarians regardless of why you’re changing the food. The only exception, of course, is in the event of a food recall when you must stop feeding the bad food immediately. Otherwise, plan to go slowly to avoid gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea. If this is done properly, your dog is unlikely to have any problems.
The standard recommendation for how to mix food when switching from one to another is 25% new food/75% old food for 3 or 4 days. Then, go to 50%/50% for 3 or 4 days. The next mix is 75% new/25% old for another 3 to 4 days. Then, you feed only the new diet. Most dogs handle this schedule just fine but there are some exceptions.
You may need a more gradual switch if your dog has been eating a raw diet or you are moving to a raw diet. Even going from a straight kibble diet to an all-canned food diet may require a slower approach over a longer course of time.
Protein Considerations in Switching Dog Food
Switching main protein sources can upset some dogs. If your dog has eaten chicken foods for years, and now you want to switch to beef, you may need to take more care and be aware of potential allergy reactions.
Changes within a brand, like going from chicken to rabbit but staying with Brand X, or changes that maintain the usual protein source, going from Brand X chicken to Brand Y chicken, are often the smoothest switches.
A gradual switch to a diet that is compatible with your dog should not cause any major health changes and certainly not be fatal. Dogs rarely have anaphylactic reactions to certain foods like people may experience.
Reactions to Switching Dog Food Too Quickly
On the other hand, some dogs do react to diet change, so you need to be aware and respond quickly. Signs to watch for include:
- Dog isn’t eating well or is eating everything but the new food
- Changes in bowel movements (soft stools are usually seen before diarrhea appears)
- Frequency of bowel movements may change
- Changes in thirst, such as he empties the water bowl multiple times a day
If your dog needs to change his diet, for example to a prescription diet, but has some diarrhea, back down on the amount of new food and build it up more slowly, like in 10% increments, not 25%.
It is also wise to add a probiotic whenever you make a diet change to help your dog’s microbiome adjust to the nutrient change.
Dog Food Change Helpers
If your dog needs the diet change for his health but doesn’t like the new food, ask your veterinarian about safe food “toppers” and appetite stimulants that might help. Warming the food or adding warm water can increase the odors and stimulate appetite as well.
Despite all these cautions, there are dogs known for their “garbage guts.” You could change the diet for these dogs every other day, no mixing or precautions, and they do just fine. Unfortunately, most of our dogs aren’t quite that accommodating, and it’s usually best to do a transition.
