We recommend switching most dogs to a new food gradually over 7 to 10 days. Mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old food gives your dog time to adjust and lets you spot digestive trouble before the change is complete.
Use these proportions for each meal, whether you feed once or twice a day:
Measure the portions rather than guessing. Foods can differ in calories per cup, so use the feeding directions for the new food to guide the final daily amount. If you use treats during the transition, keep them consistent; changing several parts of your dog’s diet at once makes it harder to tell what caused an upset stomach.
Choose the slower end of the range if your dog has a history of digestive sensitivity or develops mild, temporary changes in stool. You can spend an extra day or two at each mix before increasing the new food. If stools become loose, return to the last proportion your dog tolerated and wait until things settle before moving forward.
Don’t push through repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, marked lethargy, or a refusal to eat. Contact your veterinarian for advice. If your veterinarian prescribed the new diet for a medical condition, follow their transition instructions; the timing may need to be different from a standard food change.
Keep your dog’s meal times and usual routine steady while you switch. Have enough of the old food on hand to finish the transition rather than making an abrupt change because the bag ran out. Our team recommends watching appetite, stool, and overall energy each day so you can adjust the pace early.
For more guidance on when to change foods and how to plan each step, read our guide to switching dog food.
Return to the last food mix your dog tolerated and give them time to settle before increasing the new food again. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or include repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, or marked lethargy.
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