Switching Food Safely
5 cards · about a minute
Why slow wins
The bacteria that digest today’s bowl were grown by it, so a food swapped overnight arrives before that population has had any chance to change.
A quarter at a time
Days one and two at a quarter new food, three and four at half, five and six at three quarters, and the seventh day is the new bowl on its own.
Let the stool set the pace
If it loosens, hold at the ratio you are on for two more days rather than pressing forward, the seven days are a guide and your dog is the instrument.
Some dogs need longer
A sensitive stomach, a senior, or a dog just off a course of antibiotics may want a fortnight instead of a week, and there is no prize for finishing early.
Not a wobble
Vomiting, blood in the stool, or a dog off their food for more than a day is not a transition settling in, go back to the old bowl and ring your vet.