Transitioning a pet to a new food is something that should be done with care and consideration. There are a few times throughout a dog’s life when transitioning food is common due to nutritional needs at different life stages including weaning from mother’s milk to conventional kibble formulated for puppies, going from puppy food to adult dog food, and going from adult to mature adult dog food. However, there are other cases when switching a food may become necessary or desirable such as for weight control, to help combat food-related allergies, or when adopting a new dog.
No matter the reason for making a switch, you should always remember that the canine digestive system can be sensitive to a rapid switch in food. To avoid any digestive upset - such as gas, vomiting and diarrhea – it is generally recommended that you do so slowly, typically over the course of 7-10 days.
Below is a graphic that will help you transition your pet to their new food safely.
