As we often explain in our articles on dog nutrition, dogs are creatures of habit and can eat the same food for their entire lives.
So why change it? It's quite simple!
1. Some animals are quite picky or have a low appetite, and we are forced to continuously vary the food in an attempt to encourage them to eat.
2. The dog has a health problem that requires a diet change, such as diabetes or pancreatitis.
3. The animal is overweight and needs to switch to light kibble.
4. The female has been spayed and is slightly overweight, so she will need to eat kibble specifically for sterilized dogs.
5. It's time to switch from puppy food to adult dog food.
6. The dog is over 7 years old and it's time to switch from adult dog food to one that's ideal for the nutrition of older dogs.
7. You've decided to switch from kibble to a homemade diet, or vice versa.
8. The dog refuses food because they don't like it.
9. The dog has a low appetite.
How to change a dog's diet without causing too much stress to the animal? Is it better to stop the old food and start immediately with the new one, or is it better to proceed gradually?
Can I change a dog's diet overnight?
Some dogs tolerate an immediate change in the food you're giving them, while others need a bit of patience, especially when switching between traditional food and light or senior products, which may be less tasty.
But regardless of your friend's preferences, a gradual dietary change is advisable to allow the dog's digestive system to get used to the new food.
If this doesn't happen, the dog may suffer from vomiting or diarrhea, or have difficulty digesting.
We have prepared a simple table that shows you how to make the switch between the old and new food.
If you notice that the dog is having difficulty adjusting, double the days of the various phases to give them more time.
How to change a dog's diet from wet food to kibble
This transition can be more difficult than switching between one dry product and another. Wet or homemade food is definitely tastier, and the dog might react badly to the dietary change.
To get them accustomed to the new kibble, start by administering some as a reward when you leave the house or when you return, or when they behave well.
The positive association of the new food as a reward will quickly get them used to the new flavor.
When to change a puppy, adult, or senior dog's diet
As a general rule, dogs reach adulthood at different ages, mainly based on their size.
It's the senior phase that varies, as small breed dogs tend to live longer than large breeds, which in turn live longer than giant breeds.
Indicatively, this is the time to make the dietary transition:
What to do if the dog refuses kibble?
If the gradual transition hasn't worked and the dog refuses to eat, you have two options: the first is to try replacing the product with another of the same characteristics but a different brand.
If this isn't an option, try leaving the food in the bowl for about half an hour. If the dog doesn't eat, remove the food and serve it at the next meal. A bit of fasting won't harm them.
Or mix the kibble with some warm broth (or warm water) to make it more appetizing.
What to do if changing the dog's food causes problems?
Changing a dog's food can lead to some issues, which if they occur in the first few meals may only be due to the transition, but if they persist, it could indicate that the new food is not suitable for the dog.
It's probably nothing unsolvable, but pay attention in case one or more of these symptoms occur:
Diarrhea: If the stools are soft for a day or two, it might simply be the transition, but if the problem persists, it could be a case of intolerance. Try replacing the product with a similar one but of a different brand.
Flatulence: as above.
Weight gain or loss: The caloric content of kibble varies greatly from one product to another. Always adhere to the instructions on the package because you might be administering too much or too little food. And be even more careful when switching to a homemade diet.
Vomiting: The new food might be difficult to digest, or contain an ingredient to which the dog is intolerant. If it's an occasional episode, don't worry excessively, but if the event repeats, change the product. In the case of wet or fresh food, make sure it's not expired or too fatty.
Poor digestion: If you notice strange noises in the stomach, or see that the dog isn't feeling well after eating and seems inactive, they may have difficulty digesting and probably the product isn't suitable for them. If you've switched to homemade food, it might be too fatty.
Itching or dermatitis: In this case, the dog might be intolerant to one or more of the ingredients, and the product should be changed.
And of course, if you notice something strange in the dog or it seems to be unwell... call the veterinarian!
To learn more about dog nutrition and its nutritional needs, don't miss our articles on khani.co.uk. We will help you take care of your friend in the best possible way.
Disclaimer
The information on our site is of a general nature and does not replace the advice of a veterinarian. To ensure that your pets have a healthy and balanced diet, we recommend relying on the advice of a nutrition expert, who will be able to assess the health status and needs of the subject to create a balanced diet for each individual case.
