How to Switch a Dog's Food Brand

It's extremely important for your pet’s digestive system and overall health that you maintain a consistent feeding schedule and amount (according to your dog’s size and age) with a good quality dog food. There are some factors that may cause you to switch your dog’s food brand, such as age or the onset allergens. It is extremely important that you follow a systematic approach when switching your dog’s food so that you don't disrupt its digestion.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Current dog food
  • New dog food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Before switching your dog’s food brand, consult with your veterinarian about your intention to switch brands and the reason why. There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing an appropriate dog food and your vet will be able to direct you to the best brand for your dog’s breed, age and size.

    • 2

      After you have selected and purchased a new brand of food, take time to read the label and feeding instructions. Feeding amounts can vary from brand to brand. Five cups of one brand does not necessarily equal five cups of another, so make sure you take time to understand the amount of the new food your dog will need to be fed.

    • 3

      When you are ready to transition your dog’s food brand, start slowly. You may choose to sprinkle a small amount of the new food on top of the current food to introduce it. This will be especially helpful if your dog is timid or shy. Praise your dog for trying the new food.

    • 4

      Begin transitioning your dog to its new food by mixing 75 percent of the regular food with 25 percent of the new food. Continue mixing these amounts for at least one week. Pay attention to your dog’s bowel movements, as it may initially have some diarrhea, but that should subside after a few days. Once the stool is more solid, and at least a week has passed, prepare to increase the amount of food to be mixed.

    • 5

      Increase the amount of food, so that your mix contains 50 percent new food and 50 percent regular food. Continue to pay attention to your dog’s stools to make sure they become solid as time passes. This phase will take 1 to 2 weeks, but no less than a week.

    • 6

      Mix 75 percent new food to 25 percent regular food once your dog’s stools have become more solid or a week has passed. Continue to mix these amounts for another week.

    • 7

      Complete the switch by serving your dog 100 percent of the new food.