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You have just changed the brand of kibble, or the taste, or you are switching to a homemade food for your dog, don’t worry about it. The change is often good for our animal friends (as it is for us). But be aware that it is not advisable to make too abrupt a change in diet. It is important to make a transition from the old feed to the new. Here’s how to do it!
A. Why change my doggie’s diet?
You may need to change your dog’s diet for several reasons. Would it be, for example, because his usual variety of kibble is no longer available? Or do you want to vary his tastes a little? That said, there are three main reasons to change your doggie’s diet:
1. Adapting the diet as he gets older
Depending on his age, your four-legged friend will not get the same food. Until he is 1-year-old, your dog is considered a puppy. His kibble will therefore be very nourishing to help him grow and small sizes to facilitate ingestion. From this first year to his 7 years old, he will be in his adult period, where the common kibbles will be calibrated according to his size, weight and breed. Beyond the age of 7, your doggie enters the senior category, and the kibbles will once again be studied specifically for his age.
2. Adapting the diet to his health concerns
Diabetes, heart disease, overweight, etc. For some sick dogs, a dietary adjustment may be necessary. It is therefore important to take care of his diet. Some foods are specifically designed for overweight dogs or dogs with kidney problems.
3. Changing to a higher quality diet
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You may also decide to change your doggie’s diet because of the ingredients. Indeed, some brands of kibbles may use substances that may not be suitable for you. You can then make your doggie’s food yourself, or you can linger longer on the brands.
B. How should I conduct the dietary transition?
The dietary transition is the gradual change in your dog’s diet. A change in kibble taste, brand, size, or even the transition from one food style to another. This transition allows a progressive adaptation of your dog who might otherwise experience digestive disorders.
You must understand that our four-legged friends have an intestinal flora specifically adapted to what they eat, and digestive enzymes are also very specific. When you change his diet, your doggie will no longer be able to digest his food properly, hence the importance of the transition.
Take it easy…
This transition allows for a gradual adaptation of your dog who might otherwise experience digestive disorders. In order not to risk harming your companion, it is advisable to make the transition smoothly. This transition takes 6 to 7 days:
- Days 1 and 2: Place a quarter of the new kibble and the rest of the old kibble in the bowl;
- Days 3 and 4: place half of the new kibble and half of the old kibble in the bowl;
- Days 5 and 6: place three quarters of the new kibbles and one quarter of the old kibbles in the bowl;
- Day 7: Give your dog a bowl with only the new kibble.
The transition here has normally been completed successfully. You can adjust the quantities if you wish. However, please make sure that you give your dog one week to make the transition.