Tips on How to Change Dog Food 

There may be a point in time when you will need to change your dog’s food. Changes in age, level of activity, healthy, and more can yield the change of new food. You may be wondering how to go about switching your dog’s diet. The most important thing is to go slow! A gradual transition to a new food helps your dog get accustomed to it and helps avoid stomach issues.

Let’s dig deeper into the reasons why you may change your dog’s food.

Age – Puppies need to start transitioning to an adult food around their first birthday (unless they are a larger breed which will transition sooner). Furthermore, around the age seven, most dogs are considered senior and may benefit to a senior formula.

Weight – Your veterinarian may recommend a weight management formula if your dog is not in their ideal body condition. Just keep in mind that not all weight changes need to be addressed through a change in the food itself. You may just need to focus on proper portions.

Activity Levels – Highly active dogs need higher levels of protein and calories. As dogs retire from these activities, they may need to switch to a lower-calorie food to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

Health – Your veterinarian may prescribe a therapeutic formula to help support unique nutritional needs of dogs with certain conditions.

We recommend that you make the dog food switch over a 7-to-10-day period. This gives your dog a chance to adjust to the new food. Consider following the plan below, but always remember to consult your veterinarian for expert advice.

Days 1 to 2 – Feed ¾ of the normal amount of current food and add ¼ of the new food.

Days 3 to 4 – Serve half the current food and half the new food.

Days 5 to 7 – Feed ¾ of the new food and ¼ the previous food.

Days 8 to 10 – Serve only the new food.