As your local Lansdale dog walker, I have learned many tips and tricks for common pet owner problems! Through my own research, or speaking with fellow pet owners or Veterinarians – I feel familiar with almost every concern a pet parent can face. However, the one I had never considered was how switching your dog’s food can be such an ordeal!
Most people aren’t aware that switching dog foods should be done gradually. Dogs generally will not react well if today you give them one food and tomorrow you give them a completely different brand and protein source. Most dogs are used to eating the same food every day with very little variety in their diet. Their digestive systems get used to their food and the main protein source in it. After feeding them the same thing for a while, switching foods too quickly can cause the dog to get sick. Diarrhea, vomiting or gas are the main symptoms of an upset tummy.
Start by giving 25% of their meal as the new food and 75% as the current food for a few days. Keep an eye on your dog to see if the new food has a reaction at this point. If it does, this might not be the best food for them and you should discontinue and speak to your Veterinarian. If the new food causes no reaction – increase to 50% new food, 50% old food. Over the next few days, gradually add more of the new food and less of the old food until they are completely converted! This gradual conversion will let you monitor your dog’s reaction to the new food, as well as keep the switch from shocking his system!
~ Written by guest blogger and Lansdale dog walker, Anna J!
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