Changing dog food

Changing a dog’s diet is a lengthy process that should be approached with care and caution. To avoid unpleasant digestive upset or tummy troubles, altering your pup’s daily food should take place over 5 to 7 days. You’ll gradually incorporate the new food into their diet during this transition period by mixing it with their current food.

Whether they’re a puppy, adult or senior, there are multiple reasons why an owner decides to change their dog’s food. These include:

• A dull, flaky or lacklustre coat — If your pup’s coat is losing its shine, it may be a sign they’re lacking essential fatty acids in their diet. Look for a dog food that’s designed with skin and coat improvement and ensure their diet contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
• Allergies — It’s not uncommon for dogs to develop allergies to certain ingredients in their dry or wet food. These allergies can present themselves as diarrhoea, vomiting or skin irritations. If you’re changing a dog’s diet due to these symptoms, see our blog post for tips, Food allergy in dogs: symptoms & treatment.
• Gastro disturbances — Chronic flatulence, an upset stomach or loose stool may be the result of food intolerances. If your furry friend is experiencing these symptoms, they may not tolerate the current ingredients in their daily diet. The best solution may be to change their food or select a particular brand of food that’s sensitive and gentle on their tummy.
• Energy levels — If your pup seems sluggish or their energy levels are not aligned with their breed, age or temperament, the food you’re giving them may be insufficient. This is a good indicator that it may be time for a change.

How to change dog foods

Day 1-2	Day 3-4	Day 5-6	Day 7

If you’re wondering how to change dog food, for most pups, a healthy and well thought out transition should look like this:

• Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet
• Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet
• Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet
• Day 7: 100% new diet

Certain breeds of dogs that are prone to gastrointestinal diseases or food allergies may need an even lengthier transition period. Either way, changing a dog’s diet involves monitoring their response and stool. A healthy dog’s stool should be chocolate brown in colour, easy to pick up and somewhat squishable. If your four-legged friend displays unusual symptoms such as changes in appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea during this period, you should stop the transition and consult your vet immediately. If the vet suspects it’s an allergy-related issue, they may recommend performing an elimination diet trial that involves incorporating hypoallergenic foods over a two-month period. This trial can help you and your vet determine what foods are problematic so you can avoid them in the future.