There are many reasons to change your dog's food and the transition shouldn't be rushed to allow their stomach time to adjust.
Some transitions can be as quick as 7 days, sometimes 10-14 days and other pets may need longer.
Ensure you monitor your pet's behaviour and food consumption throughout the transition period.
If your pet shows signs of sensitivities such as vomiting or diarrhoea, it is recommended that the transition be stopped until the symptoms have settled down. This is the time to consider extending the transition period, i.e. 7 days to 14 days, giving your pet even more time to adjust.
Also, it can be beneficial to maintain a regular feeding routine and keep the food bowl in the same location throughout the whole transition.
If you have any questions or concerns during the transition period, you should consult a vet for the best answers.
7 Day Transition Period Example:
- Days 1-2: 25% new food / 75% old food
- Days 3-4: 50% new food / 50% old food
- Days 5-6: 75% new food / 25% old food
- Day 7: 100% new food
Reasons for Transitioning to a Different Food:
- Age
- Health concerns
- Weight
- Activity & lifestyle
Symptoms of Stomach Upset During the Transition:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Change in stool colour
Palatability
Some foods may not agree with a pet's digestion and some pets are fussier than others when trying new food. Therefore, some brands offer a palatability guarantee with their foods. This means that if the food makes the pet unwell or refuses to eat it, the product can be returned to the store it was purchased from.
Check the product's packaging to see if palatability is offered and what conditions they cover.
