The question of how to transfer a dog to another food is one of the most relevant in the topic of nutrition. Changing food in dogs is a process that requires a responsible attitude of the owner and proper organization.
It may seem that it is easier to change food to a new one? But it's not. Changing the diet is always stressful for the animal. A sudden change can be detrimental to your pet's health. You can avoid possible negative consequences if you know how to properly organize the process and act gradually.
We offer step-by-step instructions for transferring a dog from one dry dog food to another. The nutrition plan is based on the example of ALL DOGS dry dog food.
Why switch your dog to a different food
Your dog may need to switch to a new food for a number of reasons:
- As the animal grows older, different feeds are required. A puppy needs more nutrients than an adult dog, so when the animal reaches the age of one, a change in diet cannot be avoided. Upon reaching the age of 7, the dog is considered elderly, the processes in its body slow down, and a new diet, less fatty, may be required.
- Pregnancy and subsequent feeding of puppies also requires dietary adjustments, dogs during this period need additional protein and vitamins.
- Health problems that require a specific diet, such as allergies or digestive problems. In this case, the veterinarian gives recommendations on the transition to a specialized feed.
- After consulting with the veterinarian, you have decided to change the food to a more suitable one.
Signs Your Dog Needs a Diet Change
- The deterioration of the condition of the coat indicates that the nutrients are not supplied in the right amount. Dry dog food is balanced for vitamins, however, each dog is individual, so it may require a change in the nutrition system or the addition of special supplements to the diet.
- Stool problems are the first sign that the food is not suitable or of poor quality.
- The dog has little energy, he reluctantly responds to the offer to play or go for a walk. It is likely that the food does not provide the pet with the amount of proteins, proteins and vitamins it needs to maintain energy.
- Obesity or vice versa deficiency of weight also requires adjusting the diet and special diet.
- The dog eats old food poorly. The case may be in individual food preferences of the animal. In many cases, it is enough to change the taste of food, and not change the manufacturer or ruler.
If you notice that the dog behaves non-standard, looks unhealthy, and the veterinarian excluded the disease, try to switch to a new dry diet.
How to properly transfer a dog to another food
The basic rule of the transition to another food is necessary to act sequentially and gradually. A sharp change in nutrition can lead to a digestive disorder in a pet. Following this rule, you can avoid digestive problems.
The classic transition scheme is designed for a week, a faster replacement can cause undesirable consequences in the form of diarrhea, constipation or acute allergies. In some cases – for example, when the dog differs in selectivity in nutrition – it may take up to 2 weeks to transfer to new food.
Table of change of one dry dog food for another by day
In the process of teaching the dog to the new diet, it is recommended not to change the usual place and time of feeding, to carefully monitor the behavior and condition of the dog. You can avoid additional stress in a pet by choosing a new food with the same taste that the pet is used to. For example, if he has been eating the taste of chicken for a long time, it is rational to select a new one with a similar taste, in the future you can introduce others into the diet.
The daily amount of old and new feed should be thoroughly mixed and then divided into the morning and evening portion. Table No. 2 shows an approximate feeding scheme during the transition using the example of dry feed All Dogs with chicken depending on the weight of the dog.
The fooding scheme when switching to other food in the days in grams using the example of dry food for dogs All Dogs with chicken.
- The amount of feed on 1-2 day, gr.
- The amount of feed on 3-4 days, gr.
- The amount of feed on 5-6 days, gr.
- The amount of feed for 7 days, gr, 100% new food
Features of the transition to new food
The translation of the dog from one dry dog food to another will require the owner of perseverance and patience. Animals are excellent manipulators, and your dog can refuse unusual food exclusively out of stubbornness for some time. However, do not lose vigilance, the transition to a new diet sometimes causes negative consequences, such as food disorder or allergies.
We recommend that for a start, buy a small best dog food storage container of new dry dog food, becauseThe dog may not suit the diet on individual characteristics and preferences.
Problems that may occur during the transition
Usually a smooth transition helps to avoid problems, but some animals can show character and boycott the novelty.
The dog does not eat new food
It happens that the dog refuses to eat new food. The reasons for the refusal are different: from individual preferences to the fact that the diet really does not suit the pet.
Having facilitated the dog adaptation to the new diet can be in the following ways:
- Increase the transition time of the pet to a new dry dog food, continuing to mix with old food.
- You can add slightly sauce from canned dogs to dry dog food.
- Walk more and play with a pet, thereby stimulating his appetite.
- Try another taste from the same line.
If the dog is categorically against the new food, do not force him to suffer. Try to introduce another dry nutrition – another brand or manufacturer.
The dog is nauseous regularly
If the change of feed is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or other unpleasant symptoms, you need to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs sometimes manifest the intolerance to some food components, and then the transition to this food must be stopped and an alternative is selected.
The dog has diarrhea or constipation
The irregular chair, constipation or diarrhea is the symptom that the selected food did not fit and the reason to stop the transition, as well as contact a specialist.
The dog has allergies
An allergic reaction in a dog can cause any component of feed. Food allergies can manifest in the form of redness and itching on the ears and abdomen, problems with wool or spots on the mucous membranes. To confirm the diagnosis, consult a veterinarian who will prescribe a pet that an excluding diet.
Follow the pet!
After a hundred percent transition to a new diet, continue to monitor the condition of the pet for about 2-3 months. Properly selected food usually reflects well on the appearance of the dog, improves the condition of the skin and wool, the digestion is established, the mood of the animal improves and activity increases.
If the transfer of the pet to special food was due to medical indications, visit the veterinarian to make sure that the change of feed has a beneficial effect on his health.
