Didn't think we had a thread for this, but sometimes I hear of worried people who's dog is having diarrhea or vomiting and they don't know that its their switching of foods that caused it.

Usually when a dog eats their food their internal system has a way to adapt to the food, beneficial microbes in the GI track balance itself out for optimal digestion. Now what happens when you take that food away and all of a sudden give them a new one that might have different nutritional values or different ingredients? Well understandably the dog may go through a period of time where he has an upset stomach along with some diarrhea or vomiting.

You can simply allow the dog some time to adjust to the food or you can prevent it all together.

When switching foods you always want to switch it gradually. Here's an idea of how you can do it:

First day: 25% new food + 75% old food

Second day: 50% new food + 50% old food

Third day: 75% new food + 25% old food.

Fourth day: 100% new food

Now this is a transition over 4 days, if you want to (if your dog has a sensitive stomach) you may want to take it slowly and add even less of the new food. Then again there are some dogs that may not react negatively with the switches!

I have always given more time than that. I go 10% at a time and feed that level for three of four days before increasing the new food. My change overs usually take one full month. I have never had and problems with upset stomachs.

Yeah, I think the slower you take it the better it is, I think this guideline is good for those looking for a fast switch (for whatever reason), considerably better than taking the old food and giving them all of the new food.

yes i think you are right！

I feed my dog with raw food. Do you have any advice on deciding to change her food to regular dog food?

AnnSmith wrote:

I feed my dog with raw food. Do you have any advice on deciding to change her food to regular dog food?

I would slowly start adding in a bit of regular food with each meal. I would think that it would be no different than switching from one commercial food to another. You may want to make a quick call to your vet to make sure!

Don't rush it or else it will be more difficult for your dog to make the switch. Besides an upset stomach, going too fast with the change could also confuse the dog.