4 steps to switching your dog's food
In this article, we have summarized the main 4 steps on how to properly change your dog's food.
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Start gradually
Mix a small amount of the new food into your dog's regular food. It is best to introduce no more than 25% or a quarter of the food on the first day. If you know your dog has a sensitive digestive system or has been eating the same food for a long time, you can start introducing the new food with an even smaller amount.
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Watch your dog.
After you have started adding the new food to your dog's meal, monitor his well-being and appetite. If you see that the dog feels and eats well, you can gradually increase the amount of new food per portion. If you see that the dog's stool becomes more liquid in the first few days, reduce the amount of new food and gradually increase it again after a few days. Such a reaction is not a sure sign that the new food is not suitable for the dog! If the dog has been eating the same type of food for a long time or has a sensitive digestive system, the body may react more acutely to the changes.
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Complete transition to new food
Depending on the observed reaction, a complete food change is made over approximately 4-7 days. By gradually introducing the dog's body to the new food, we facilitate the process of adaptation of the digestive system.
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Adjust portion size
When changing your dog's food, pay attention to the feeding recommendations, as the amount of food needed per day can vary significantly between different types of food and manufacturers! Also, keep in mind that each dog is individual and feeding recommendations are only guidelines. Adjust the portion size based on your dog's individual needs. When determining the required portion size according to the manufacturer's feeding recommendations, be guided by your dog's desired weight, if your dog is currently overweight or underweight. If you are not sure about your dog's desired weight, consult a trusted veterinarian about his condition.