How do I switch my dog to a new brand of kibble?
Switching to a new brand of dog food doesn’t need to be scary. Just by being patient and following an easy transition schedule should help eliminate any potential digestive issues. Here are some steps to follow to help your pup:
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1. Choose the New Food:
Select a high-quality dog food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Talk with your trusted local Pet Food Store about any issues your dog may have including age, weight, sensitivities, etc.
2. Transition Gradually:
Here at our Olathe store, we recommend starting slow and gradually mix the new food in with the old food. Starting with about 25% new food and 75% of the old for a few days. During the transition, watch your dog closely for any digestive upset. This can include diarrhea, vomiting, or excess gas. If you notice any of these things, just back off the amount of new food a little and check if that helps.
4. Adjust Gradually:
Continue the transition for 7 to 10 days, slowly increasing the amount of new food, spending a day or two at each increase. Here is an example of a transition timeline:
Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food
Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food
Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% new food
Day 10 onward: 100% new food
5. Keep a close watch on your dog and how it reacts at each increase.
If needed, you can add pumpkin to the food to help stabilize any loose stool issues. We carry both canned and freeze dried pumpkin. Always make sure your dog has plenty of cool fresh water available at all times.
You may consider limiting any treats or table scraps for the duration of the transition to help the dog’s stomach adjust to the new kibble. All dogs are different, so the transition may differ from dog to dog. Once your dog is on a specific food brand, you can usually change proteins within that brand without needing to do a new transition.
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