Switching your dog's diet can be beneficial for many reasons, such as supporting sensitive digestion to meeting growing pups' needs, but it’s important to do so safely. Whatever the reason for changing diet, it’s important to transition gradually to avoid stomach upsets and ensure your dog adjusts well to the new food.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to change your dog’s food safely, and why a careful transition matters, especially for sensitive dogs and growing puppies.
Why You Might Need To Change Your Dog’s Food
There are several reasons you may need to transition your dog onto a different type of food:
· Age Changes: Puppies, adults, and senior dogs all have different nutritional needs. For example, puppy food supports growth and development up to around twelve months, while adult food and senior food formulas are designed for maintenance and joint health.
· Health Or Sensitivities: Dogs with digestive issues, allergies, or skin conditions may benefit from a veterinary diet tailored to their specific needs.
· Preference: Some dogs simply prefer certain types of foods over the other.
· Lifestyle Changes: Dogs that are more physically active may need higher energy foods, while less active dogs may need a lighter diet to not put on extra weight.
How To Transition Your Dog Onto A New Food
Most importantly, before making any changes to your dog’s diet, always consult your veterinarian first. A gradual transition is key to preventing upset in digestion. A sudden change in diet can lead to issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, or a loss of appetite.
Here we have included a recommended seven-day plan for transitioning your dog onto their new food:
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Days 1-2: |
75% Old Food – 25% New Food |
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Days 3-4: |
50% Old Food – 50% New Food |
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Days 5-6: |
25% Old Food – 75% New Food |
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Day 7 Onwards: |
100% New Food |
Every dog is different, so ensure you’re monitoring your puppy during this period. If they show signs of discomfort, such as loose stools or vomiting, slow the transition down and consult your vet for guidance.
How Long Does It Take To Transition Dog Food?
Most dogs adjust without major issues within one week. However, dogs with sensitive stomachs may need up to two weeks or potentially longer to fully adapt. Always observe their appetite, stool consistency, and energy levels during this time.
Common Types Of Dog Food To Transition To
Before you begin transitioning, it’s important to choose the right food to move your dog onto. The best choice depends on your dog’s age and health. Calibra offers a variety of Super Premium foods designed to support different life stages and sensitivities.
Dry Dog Food: Dry food is ideal for a lot of adult dogs. It’s convenient to store, supports dental health, and makes portion control more straightforward. We offer a full range of dry food options for small, medium, and large breeds, as well as specific formulas for dietary issues and tailored nutrition.
Wet Dog Food: Wet food is a great option for dogs who prefer softer textures or need extra hydration, and it is also helpful during transitions as it can make new diets more appealing due to the extra aroma and flavour. Explore our range of wet dog food for nutritionally balanced recipes for dogs aged from puppies to seniors in a variety of veterinary formulas.
Sensitive And Veterinary Diets: If your dog has a sensitive stomach or specific medical or dietary need, transitioning to a veterinary diet may be beneficial under the guidance of your vet. Calibra’s Gastrointestinal and Hypoallergenic diets contain hydrolysed proteins and a limited ingredient approach to support digestion in dogs and reduce their sensitivities.
- When choosing a new food, always consider:
- Their life stage (puppy, junior, adult, or senior).
- Any known allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances.
- Whether they have a personal preference (e.g. wet over dry, or vice versa).
How To Wean Your Puppy Onto Solid Food
While this guide focuses mainly on transitioning adult dogs onto new diets, puppies also need a gradual approach when moving from milk to solid food.
Weaning typically begins when puppies are around three and four weeks old, starting with softened portions of puppy food mixed with warm water or milk replacer. By around three months, most puppies can move onto a food designed for junior dogs, to support healthy growth and development through adolescence.
Keep meals small and frequent, provide access to fresh water, and increase the solid food gradually. Slowly transitioning at this stage helps support healthy digestion and long-term eating habits.
Transitioning Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
Dogs with sensitive digestion need extra care when switching food. A slower transition – over ten to fourteen days – helps avoid upset stomachs.
Calibra’s sensitive dog food range includes limited ingredient recipes with high-quality proteins to support healthy digestion. Gastrointestinal diets formulated for dogs with sensitivities, and hydrolysed protein diets are available when recommended by a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Switch Dog Food Straight Away?
No. Sudden changes can lead to digestive issues. Always transition gradually over 7-10 days or for as long as your vet recommends.
How Do You Know If Your Dog’s New Food Is Suitable?
When making the switch to a ‘more suitable food’, you should notice them having improved energy levels, a healthier, shinier coat, and well-formed stools. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, consult your vet.
Can You Feed A Puppy Adult Dog Food?
Not usually. Puppies need more calories than an adult dog due to their rapid growth. However, a vet may occasionally recommend a veterinary diet for young dogs with certain medical needs.
Final Thoughts
The best way to support your dog’s digestion and overall well-being is by transitioning their food slowly. Whether you’re moving from puppy to adult food, trying a sensitive diet, or simply exploring new flavours. Remember to always consult your vet when moving over to a new food type, or if you’re simply unsure what would benefit your dog the most.
Explore our full range of Calibra dog food to find the best fit for your pet’s health.
