Canines don’t have as many taste buds as humans. That is why they won’t get tired of eating the same old food every day.
But at some point in time, changing their food becomes necessary. Maybe something unanticipated happened, like a food recall or illness, or the switch is expected, like transitioning from puppy food to adult food.
Rising prices also cause parents to switch food. One in six pet parents admitted to switching to a lower-priced food brand in 2023.
Health issues or rising prices—whatever your reasons for the switch are, one thing is clear: transitioning your furry friend to a new food is a big deal. You’re bound to make mistakes, especially if you’re doing it for the first time or dealing with a picky eater. Doing it right, however, is crucial for their well-being.
Here, we’ll dive into the do’s and don’ts that can make the switch smooth and successful.
Do: Choose a High-Quality Dog Food
Like every pet parent, you want the best for your pup. So, choose high-quality dog food.
High-quality food means better nutrition and fewer or no fillers or artificial additives. Go for the most expensive or the most popular brand, but take a look at the ingredients too.
Pick only those dog foods that feature real meat as the first ingredient. Healthy fats, such as fish oil and whole grains or vegetables, should also be included in the ingredients list.
Dry food aside, consider incorporating freeze-dried raw dog food into your pooch’s diet.
The nutritional value of freeze-dried raw food for dogs is high. According to Open Farm, it’s high in protein as it features 95% meat, organ, and bones, and is minimally processed.
Brittany Kleszynski, DVM, says that freeze-dried food is easy to digest. The freeze-drying process doesn’t affect the food enzymes. That makes it a great option for canines with digestive issues.
Don’t: Make the Switch Abruptly
Going “cold turkey” with your Fido’s old food is a big no-no.
Transitioning to a new food abruptly can cause gastrointestinal upsets ranging from gas to vomiting and diarrhea, says Sydney Vet Emergency & Specialists.
You must instead change your pooch’s diet gradually. That will be less jarring for its tummy and help avoid digestive drama.
To start, mix a small amount of the new food with its current food. Aim for a 25:75 ratio for the first few days. That is, serve your fur baby about 25% of old food and 75% of new food.
Increase the proportion of new food and decrease the old food after a few days. This might look like 50% new and 50% old, then 75% new and 25% old until you’re fully switched over.
This will give your pooch’s digestive system time to adjust to the new ingredients, flavors, and textures, making the transition smoother.
Do: Consider Your Pup’s Preference
Just because you’re set on a new food doesn’t mean your dog will be. These four-legged animals have their own taste preferences. They might not take to a new flavor or brand.
Be patient and observe your Rover’s reaction to the new food. It might not be the right fit if your furry friend is consistently turning its nose up at the new food.
Don’t ignore its reaction, however. It might refuse to eat. Let your canine companions miss a few meals as long as it’s safe for them, advises Jennifer Coates, DVM, to pet parents. However, she warns them not to try this with puppies or dogs with underlying health issues.
A meal topper can come in handy in this regard. But consult a vet before using it.
Don’t: Forget About Hydration
A new food can affect your Rover’s water intake—did you know that?
Different types of food, especially if you’re moving from wet to dry, can impact your dog’s water intake.
An article published in WebMD reveals that a dry food diet can lead to a noticeable thirst in your furry friend. Your Fido might also require more water if it’s on a prescription diet since some formulations can increase thirst.
Make sure your Fido has access to fresh water at all times. Monitor its drinking habits. If you notice your furry friend isn’t drinking much water, add a bit of water to its new dry food or mix in some wet food to keep things balanced.
Transitioning your furry friend to a new food can feel a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Go slow and pay attention to your pup’s needs. Its digestive health and energy levels are good indicators of whether the new food is a fit.
If it isn’t excited about the new food, try a different flavor or make it more enticing with healthy add-ins. Believe us, your dog will be wagging its tail at mealtime in no time.
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