Thinking of switching? How to transition your dog onto new food
Switching to new dog food can be tricky, especially with a fussy pup. Here's our top tips for a smooth transition.
There are many reasons why you may want to switch your pup over to a new food, but it's not always the simplest transition. Pups can be fickle, and especially if they enjoy their current meals, can make a right dog's dinner out of the process. Don't panic, we're here to help your pup move onto new and yummy experiences with ease, such as our delicious Tilly & Ted Lamb Kebab or Roast Dinner. Make mealtimes something to look forward to again, by following our tips on swapping stale dishes for flavour sensations.
Firstly, why might you need to switch your dog over to new meals or food?
Why might you switch foods?
There are many reasons why you may want to switch your darling dogs over to a new type of food. They could have sensitive health, and may need to find a brand of food that is focussed more on keeping tummies happy and including natural ingredients (psst... just like us! Check out our happy tummy ethos here). Your pooch may also need a change in nutritional value, such as calorie content, protein, or taurine levels. Always consult with your vet first to ensure you are making the right changes for your dog's individual health. A food change most dog owners will have to make at some point is an age-related switch. Puppies transitioning to adult food, or adults transitioning to senior food will need to have a smooth and healthy diet change as they grow and their needs change. You may also need to make a diet change if you bring a new dog or puppy into your family, as they may have been previously eating meals that are not beneficial to them anymore, not accessible to you, or that don't suit your lifestyle.
Now you know why you may need to make a switch in your dog's meals, here's how to include them in the decision.
Trying new things
Most of the time, you will need to make a change regardless of your dog's opinion, but how can you switch food for fussy pups? It's all well and good popping a tasty new meal down, but what can you do if your pup turns their nose up? If you can, try buying a small amount of a few brands first that fit the diet change you need to make, and let your pup try a few. Pop a small amount in different bowls at a mealtime, and let your pup taste them at their own pace, so you know a full tummy or routine change won't be affecting their preference. If one meal is a standout star, great! That makes this process a lot easier if your pooch enjoys their new meal form the get-go. However, if your dog isn't a fan of any of their new choices, don't worry. Sometimes, there may not be a choice at all if your pup has to switch to a very specific diet. That's why gradual change is important, and regardless of your dog's personal taste, time and patience can help them slowly switch to a meal that benefits them.
Gradual feeding is just what it says on the tin, so read on to get the inside scoop on introducing change to your dog's diet.
A gradual transition
Even if your pups love their new food, it is key to make any diet change a gradual transition. Being a fan of their new meal will definitely make the process easier and potentially a little quicker, but remember to be patient at this stage. This is as, a change in diet can be difficult on your pets tummy, even if the new meals should improve health going forwards. Dogs can be sensitive to changes like this, and you don't want upset tummies on your hands. We recommend switching your pups meals over a period of seven to ten days, increasing the percentage of new food to old food with each day. On day one, start with 90% of their old food, and 10% of their new food. This may be as simple as using almost a whole portion of their old food and just a teaspoon of new food, or you may need to weigh exact amounts to be sure. Increase/decrease each food by roughly 10% per day, before switching to 100% of their new food around days seven to ten. Hopefully, your pup will have made a smooth transition and be scranning their new meals with gusto, but don't worry if they're still tentative. Take as long as your dog needs with this process, and make the change even more gradual if required. Each pooch is different, so follow your dogs lead, and consult your vet if they are having a really tough time with it.
After making the mealtime switch, keep an eye on your dog to make sure they are handling the change well, and are just as happy and healthy as always.
Keeping a close eye
Once your pup has made the switch, make sure to keep monitoring their health and behaviour, as even if they are happily wolfing down their new meals, they may still have some adjusting to do. It is normal for pups to have a bit of a dodgy tummy when switching food, but this should only last a couple of days and no longer. They may also need time to adjust to different nutritional content and portion sizes that may change their appetite, so don't be alarmed if your pooch is seeming hungrier or more full after their meals initially. After a month or so, your dog should be happily eating their new meals, have a shiny coat and wet nose, healthy teeth and gums, firm stools and no regular flatulence, and a happy/normal demeanour. If you notice any problems in any of these areas that do not improve after a few weeks, consult your vet to find the healthiest solution for your pup.
If you are looking to switch your dog to a new food, we've got more than a few recommendations for you!
At Tilly & Ted, we believe in making the most delicious food for your pet. No nasties. Just the good stuff for your furry-friend. We make damn irresistible wet and dry pet food that tastes every inch as good as it looks (to your pets, that is!). All packaged up in a way that doesn’t require you to speak to E-language. We firmly believe your pet deserves a seat at the table, so create tail wagging meals that your pup can enjoy alongside you. For your puppy pals, we've made a truly scrumptious Chicken with Salmon Pie that your fur baby will not only adore, but is packed full of all the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to grow big and strong. For your bigger babies, we have a fantastic range of adult dog food so your pup can choose their favourite meal, all designed to be kind on tummies whilst positively bursting with superfoods. Our top recommendations would be our Chicken Dinner or Salmon Traybake, as both are absolute classic meals that will have have your pooch begging for more. For our older friends, we've got a meal that will help them age gracefully without compromising on taste. Our Roast Dinner is designed with senior dogs in mind, so that they can experience a flavour sensation that supports their specific health requirements at the same time.
If you want to find the paw-fect meal to treat your pups to, check out our full range of dog food to find tail wagging goodness for dogs of every shape and size. From chicken-free recipes, to hearty classics, we guarantee your pooches will be feeling paw-some and have the happiest tummies around.
Feel the need to read? Check out our related blog posts
