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How to Switch and Transition Dog Foods
You were feeding raw dog food to your furry pal. Because the internet suggests it’s good for canines, you thought a complete raw meat diet would be okay. But now, your dog is at high risk of salmonellosis and other infections!
If you find this situation relatable, worry not because almost every dog owner goes through it before realizing the truth. Raw meat might be full of whole proteins that can strengthen the immune system and bone health. However, anything that hasn’t undergone the process of germ elimination is not recommendable.
That said, raw dog food doesn’t only refer to meat. It also includes vegetables, fruits, and dairy!
With this misconception cleared, let’s talk about a closely-related problem; how to switch & transition dog foods properly? Many people struggle to feed new things to their fluffy babies without facing some sort of consequence.
So, read more to learn about safe dog food transition without further ado!
Reasons to Switch Your Dog’s Food
As discussed above, one popular reason to switch your dog’s food is the raw meat diet. However, there are many other causes too.
You may want to change your pet's food if it's entering a new life stage. For example, an adult dog transitioning into old age may require a new diet with more watery foods. Similarly, an obese or underweight pet has different needs.
The vet will sometimes recommend meal changes to cope with current health conditions. These include nutrient deficiencies, food allergies, and sensitivities.
Some people bring a new pup home and wish to provide a diet different from the previous owner’s.
Sometimes, you may want to do the opposite and shift to a raw food diet. It's when your dog has an overly processed diet. Please note it’s best to include a mix of raw foods (vegetables, fruits, meat, etc.).
How to Switch & Transition Dog Foods Properly
Take it slow. That’s the only rule we must take care of when switching and transitioning dog foods.
Your dog’s body requires time to adjust to the new changes. Doing it rapidly can lead to dire consequences like gastrointestinal upsets (more on this below!).
Ideally, you should spend a minimum of 5 to 7-days transitioning your dog’s diet. You may even spend up to two weeks for some dogs like seniors.
Here’s how to switch & transition dog foods properly:
- Begin by switching a small portion of your dog’s current diet to its new food.
- Gradually, increase the portion.
- Keep a close eye on your dog’s health until the diet has been completely shifted to the new one. Stop the transition and consult the veterinarian immediately if your furry pal shows any concerning signs (like diarrhea or vomiting).
A good example looks like this:
| Day Number | New Diet | Old Diet |
| Days 1 - 2 | 25% | 75% |
| Days 3 - 4 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 5 - 6 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 7 | 100% | 0% |
What Happens If You Don’t Gradually Switch Dog Food?
If you don't gradually switch dog food, your dog has to face adverse food reactions. The exact reaction is undefinable. Different dogs will experience different responses depending on their immune system.
Typically, a dog has gastrointestinal upset. This includes vomit, nausea, and diarrhea. Your dog may increase or decrease food intake.
Other than this, dogs commonly encounter cutaneous symptoms as an adverse food reaction. These include hair loss, itching, inflammation, and rashes.
In any case, you must reach out to a professional immediately when your dog shows these signs. Instead of labeling and ignoring it as a food allergy, go to a veterinarian quickly. Some dogs may experience fatal consequences of new foods.
Final Thoughts
Changing a dog's food routine and the menu is common for pet owners. Perhaps, a better term would be that it's inevitable. Now and then, you have to switch your dog to a new dog food.
It doesn't matter what the reason is. However, what really matters is the process; how to switch and transition dog food? The critical point is that the change needs to be slow and gradual. Sudden changes can upset the canine's stomach and even lead to severe issues like inflammation and hair loss.
