Many people are familiar with the problem: switching from fast food to a high-fibre diet can provoke stomach issues and diarrhoea. It’s a similar story with our four-legged companions. Find out in the following article how you can best plan and implement a change in your dog’s diet.
Changing Food for Dogs
Beautiful Jack Russell Terrier dog eating dry food from bowl
Table of contents
Reasons for changing food for dogs
Do dogs need variety in their food bowl? Expert opinion varies, though a diverse menu isn’t necessary.
If you wish to offer your dog some diversity, you can opt for different varieties from the same brand. Dogs usually tolerate this change without any problems, since the quality and composition of the individual variants is similar.
Besides variety, there are other good reasons for changing food:
- Changing from puppy to adult food or from adult to senior food
- Changing from wet to dry food or vice versa
- Diseases that require diet food to be offered
- Obesity
- Intolerances or allergies to ingredients in the previous food
- Cost factors or the owner’s personal preferences
- Product availability
How it works: Changing food cautiously
Your dog’s intestinal flora needs time to get used to the composition of the new food. Hence, you shouldn’t change dog food from one day to the next. Moreover, it’s important for the change in food to be done slowly and gradually.
At the start, you should add up to a quarter of the new food to the usual one. Slowly increase the proportion of the new food in the course of up to two weeks until your dog receives just the new food. Another advantage is that if your dog is picky, a slow familiarisation phase can help it gradually get used to the new recipe.
Tip: If you stick to one brand of food for different age groups, you will usually have few problems with the transition.
Switching from wet to dry food
When switching from wet to dry food or vice versa, you should also proceed with caution. In principle, it’s always good if your dog is used to both types of food.
To familiarise your dog with dry food, you can use kibble as a treat. Weigh a portion in the morning and your dog will eat the kibble throughout the day. Don’t forget to calculate the portion of dry food as part of the daily intake.
What are the possible consequences of suddenly changing food for dogs?
Some dogs tolerate a change in food without any problems. However, many show the following symptoms when they aren’t used to a new food:
- Flatulence
- Frequent bowel movements
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Refusing food
If your dog shows one or more of these symptoms, initially reduce the portion of the new food and stick to the reduced quantity for a few days.
If the complaints continue or return as soon as you increase the proportion of the new food, you should perhaps switch to a different food. Your vet will surely be happy to advise you if you have any problems.
Special cases: Veterinary diet food
Certain diseases can require your dog switching to a diet food. This doesn’t mean a food intended for weight loss, but a special food formulated for specific nutritional purposes.
Your dog may only be fed a diet food after diagnosis by your vet and upon their recommendation.
Please note that choosing a suitable diet food can support your dog’s natural bodily functions. However, bear in mind that diet foods can neither cure nor prevent disease. You should always discuss the right diet for your dog with your vet. You can find special diet foods in the zooplus online store.
Possible reasons for switching to a diet like this include:
- Renal insufficiency
- Intestinal disorders
- Urinary stones or grit (urolithiasis)
- Allergies and intolerances
- Obesity
You should always be patient even if the change in food is particularly urgent in case of illness. Since changing too quickly can in turn lead to problems, you should definitely get your dog used to a new food slowly.
Feedback
Was this article helpful?
Our most helpful articles
5 min
17
Cold-pressed dog food: pros and cons
Most people know the term “cold-pressed” from olive oil, but have you ever wondered what is behind the term “cold-pressed dog food”? We will explain the difference to conventional dog food and give tips on searching for the right dry dog food.
5 min
17
Wet Food vs Dry Food
Nowadays, the selection of dog food is greater than ever before. Whilst the variety of products should offer something for every dog's taste, the buyer is spoilt for choice: which food is the right one? Is dry food better than wet food or vice versa?
First of all, the type of dog food isn't decisive, but rather the content. This means that both wet and dry food can provide your dog with all important nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as long as the ingredients are of a high quality and the composition is right. Both types of dog food have their advantages and disadvantages, so it ultimately isn't a question of right or wrong, but rather personal opportunities and requirements that will determine which dog food you choose in the end.
In order to make your decision a little easier, we wish to shed light on the dog food jungle out there and outline the pros and cons of different forms of food.
6 min
5
The Right Food for Overweight Dogs
Who could resist those begging eyes? A few treats or leftover food from the table won't be too bad, right? Although many dog owners know that obesity harms their pets, they often only take action much too late. Perhaps because a few rolls of fat don't bother them or because they simply can't recognise the onset of obesity.
However, obesity is a health problem affecting dogs that should be taken seriously. It can be countered with a sensible diet plan and a suitable exercise schedule. But what measures help to counteract excess fat and how does a change in food contribute to weight loss?