Switching to a different brand of dog food: how to do it smoothly

A new type of food may be more suitable for your dog, for example because of his age, health or changing energy requirements. However, it is wise not to change his diet abruptly. This is because your dog’s digestive system needs time to adjust to the new composition.

At the end of the day, give your pet the final portion of their current food. The following day, give them around eighty per cent of the recommended daily amount of the new food. If this goes well, you can offer the normal amount the day after that.

Does your dog have a sensitive digestive system? If possible, divide the daily portion into two or three smaller meals. This can help reduce the strain on their digestive system.

The stools may be a little softer during the first few days. This isn’t necessarily a problem: the intestines sometimes need time to adjust. Do keep a close eye on your dog during the transition.

Switching between crunchy and soft foods

Are you switching from crispy to compressed food, or vice versa? If so, pay particular attention to the recommended daily amount. The amount may vary depending on the type and composition of the feed.

Compressed kibble generally has a higher specific gravity than crispy kibble. As a result, the same measuring jug or scoop may contain more grams of compressed food without you realising it. You should therefore weigh the food using kitchen scales and follow the feeding guide on the packaging. This will ensure your dog doesn’t get too much or too little.

Did your dog’s breeder give you any specific feeding advice? If so, it’s best to follow this advice, particularly for puppies and young dogs. The breeder knows the dog’s background and development and can therefore provide valuable guidance on the appropriate food and portion sizes.

How do you know if the new food is right for your dog?

After a while, you’ll be able to assess how your dog is responding to its new food. Pay particular attention to four things.

• The stool
  Firm, regular stools are a good sign. Slightly softer stools during the first few days may be part of the transition. If this persists or if your dog develops persistent diarrhoea, the food may not be suitable for him.
• Appetite
  Notice how enthusiastically your dog eats. Does the bowl get emptied, or are there always leftovers? One less enthusiastic meal isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but a lasting change in appetite is something to keep an eye on.
• The coat and skin
  You usually won’t notice any changes to the coat within a few days. Give it time. After about a month, you’ll often be better placed to judge whether the coat remains glossy and the skin looks healthy.
• Energy
  Also pay attention to your dog’s behaviour. Is he noticeably lethargic after eating, or does he remain lively and active? His energy levels can tell you a lot about how well the food suits him.

Give the new food a chance

Don’t jump to conclusions. Give your dog at least two weeks to get used to the new food. During this time, it’s best not to change anything else about their diet. So don’t give them any new treats, and it’s best to avoid giving them leftovers from the table as well. This will help you assess more accurately which changes are actually caused by the new food.

If your dog’s stomach problems persist, if he’s not eating well or if he seems unwell, please contact your vet. Every dog is different, and some dogs need a gradual transition or a special diet.