How to Change Your Dog's Food

It is a common misconception that changing your dog’s food is as simple as swapping one brand for another, but a rushed transition can lead to several issues with your dog's health and well-being. This is why it’s essential for you to know the correct way to change your dog’s food so you can avoid unfortunate stomach upsets and keep your dog happy and healthy! 

Signs You Should Change Your Dog's Food

There are a number of reasons why you might feel the need to change your pet’s food. Perhaps your dog has been recently diagnosed with a condition that requires condition-specific dog food, or maybe you’re in a pinch and can’t find your dog’s regular food and need a quick fix. Or, it could be for any of the following: 

• Your dog is growing and needs the appropriate food for their life stage, such as puppy food, adult, and senior dog food.

• Your dog is pregnant and requires extra energy.

• You’ve done your research into different dog foods or spoken to your vet and have decided to change your dog’s diet.

• You think your dog may have a food allergy. 

If you’re unsure if your dog needs a new diet, some signs regarding their day-to-day health may indicate the need for a new diet. Keep an eye out for: 

• Dull, flat coat. 

• Loose stools and flatulence. 

• Low energy levels

• Unhealthy body weight (obese or underweight)

If you notice any of the above, then speak to your vet to see if changing your dog’s diet is right for your dog. Alternatively, if you think your dog isn't getting all the nutrients they need from their diet, you could introduce dog supplements to make up the difference. 

How to Change Dog Food

Introducing a new dog food can be a slow process, but it must be done correctly. Changing your dog’s food too fast can lead to digestive issues that are unpleasant all around and can be easily avoided by making changes at a slow, gradual pace. This can take a couple of weeks, but patience is always best. 

Below, we show you how to change your dog's food safely. 

Day 1-3

During the first couple days, you’ll want to give your dog their ordinary food as usual, with a small teaspoon of the new food on a separate dish beside it. 

Let them sniff the food. If they eat it, that's great, but don’t worry if they don’t. These first couple of days are meant to introduce your pet slowly to the new food and to test their interest. 

Day 4-10

But at this point, your dog should be used to the smell of the new food and hopefully eating some of it too. You can now mix a small amount of the new food with the old food in the same dish. If this works well and your dog is happily eating the mixed food, you can start decreasing the old food you’re giving and increasing the amount of the new food. This way, your dog can transition slowly into eating the new food. 

If your dog turns away from the new food, that’s fine. Just take a step back and include more of the old food, and stay at this point for a couple of days. Once they begin showing interest, increase the amount of new food. 

If your dog is particularly fussy or you’re trying to introduce a new wet food, keep the new and old food in separate dishes for now. 

Day 10-14

As soon as your pet is happily eating the mix of new and old food for at least a week, you can decrease the amount of old food until it has been phased out completely. If, at any point, they turn away from the food, then add in a little more of the old until they’re comfortable eating and try again in a couple of days. 

By following these steps, you can gradually introduce your dog to the new food without the risk of any upset tummies. If you are still struggling with switching their food or are unsure what food would be best for your dog, contact your vet for further advice. 

Why Do You Have to Gradually Change Dog Food?

Please remember to make this and any changes to your dog’s diet slowly. Not doing so can result in digestive problems, including vomiting or diarrhoea, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Also, if you change the food too quickly and your dog doesn’t take to the new food immediately, then your dog may not be eating enough either, which means they’re missing out on vital nutrients needed to remain healthy. 

It’s essential to watch your dog closely while changing their diet and for a few days afterwards. Dogs derive all their energy from their diet, and you should be able to tell if their food isn’t agreeing with them. Keep a look at:

• How much does your dog eat (more or less after the switch?)

• How active your dog is (are they being more or less active than usual?)

• Your dog’s weight (are they losing or gaining weight following the switch?)

• Your dog’s coat (Does it look dull and flat or shiny?)

If you’ve changed your dog’s food because of a suspected food allergy or a diagnosed condition, keep a close eye on whether their condition has improved following the switch.