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May 6, 2024

What to Know When Transitioning Dog Food

  • Feeding + Nutrition
  • Tips + Tricks
Dog being served bowl of kibble and wet food

Have you noticed your pup's gaze lingering on their dinner bowl, perhaps hinting they're ready for a change? At Now Fresh, we understand that adjusting your dog's diet may be driven by both love and concern for their wellbeing. Whether it's seeking options that are simply better tasting, more nutritious, or both, ensuring their continual health and happiness is what leads many pet parents to transition their dog’s diet.

What Happens if I Change Dog Food Too Quickly?

We've all felt the repercussions of dietary indiscretion, and our canine companions are no exception. A quick change in their diet can unsettle their stomachs, and we don’t want that. The signs? Think of the usual suspects: generally, vomiting and loose stools, or even a sudden bout of constipation. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to transition your dog’s food, tailor-made for digestive comfort.

Symptoms of changing dog food too quickly:

  • Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea
  • Regurgitation after eating
  • Decreased appetite
  • Constipation

How to Transition Dog Food Safely

Remember, it’s not a race. Here’s how you and your furry friend can transition with the unruffled ease of a leisurely stroll through the park:

  • Day 1 & 2: Feed 80% of your dog’s old food with 20% of the new food

  • Day 3 & 4: Feed 60% of your dog’s old food with 40% of the new food

  • Day 5 & 6: Feed 40% of your dog’s old food with 60% of the new food

  • Day 7, 8 & 9: Feed 20% of your dog’s old food with 80% of the new food

  • Day 10 & so on: Feed 100% new food

Dog feeding transition guide

Each pet is unique; monitor your dog’s response and be ready to ease the pace if needed. A good way to judge is to carefully monitor how your dog is reacting with the transition. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of constipation, diarrhea, or a change in appetite, you need to take the process even slower.

Make sure your dog is always hydrated and limit treats and other outside food during the process to help the change go smoothly.

In Conclusion

Just as variety is the spice of life for us, it is for our curious canines too. Introducing new flavors to your dog's mealtimes is a great way to keep things interesting for them. You're not just switching foods; you're enriching your dog's world, one nutritious meal at a time.

Three bags of NOW FRESH dog food kibble

Our Recommendation

Now Fresh Premium Dog Food

At Now Fresh we don’t want mealtimes to be boring, which is why we offer a range of different textures and flavors for dogs to enjoy! Made by experts with fresh meats and tasty fruits and veggies.


Author

Now Fresh Team

Now Fresh Team

A Team of Dedicated Pet Parents & Nutrition Experts

We all want our cats and dogs to lead happy, healthy lives. We’re here to help you, with easy-to-understand information about your pet's daily care and feeding.