What is the best way to switch your dog’s diet routine?
Over the course of your dog’s lifetime, there will be times when you need to change your dog’s diet to maintain its health and longevity.
It’s important to know what the best way is, to ease your pet through this transition.
There are several reasons why you may feel it’s best to switch your dog’s diet. For example, a puppy must change from milk during nursing to solid dog food. Your adult dog may have to shift to a pet food diet specifically designed for senior dogs. Health reasons may be another cause for the requirement of a switch over.
It’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian regarding the change to your dog’s diet routine, to consider all of your options.
Implement gradual change.
Once you decide which approach is best suited for your dog, make the change gradually over a period.
Do not stop feeding your dog its usual food on Friday evening and begin a completely new regimen on Saturday morning. Such a drastic change will undoubtedly create some significant consequences.
Beware of acting too quickly.
Switching your dog’s diet too quickly may result in your dog experiencing indigestion or abdominal discomfort. This can lead to diarrhea as a result.
It takes several days to properly switch your dog’s diet routine.
Over the duration of two weeks, reduce the amount of the original diet gradually. Slowly increase the food for the new diet within that time-frame.
For instance, if you generally feed your pet 3 cups of pet food kibbles per day, then only change the diet at the rate of 1/4 cup each day. If you feed your dog twice per day, divide the amount in half at each feeding.
Day 1 of the switch:
Feed your dog 2 3/4 cups of the original kibbles and 1/4 cup of the new dog food. This total amount should be portioned between the number of meals during the day.
Day 2 of the switch:
Give your dog 2 3/4 cups of the original diet and 1/2 cup of the new diet. When you reach day 14, your dog’s diet should be completely changed over to the new one.
This gradual process may seem gruellingly slow at first, but rest assured, it’s the best way to transition your dog’s diet routine.
Note that a dog’s diet is not the same as a human’s diet. People’s diet vary on a daily basis. Sometimes we change things up from meal to meal.
The ideal diet for your dog is a consistently healthy one. It is not advisable to change brands or feeding methods frequently.
Stick to what works well.
Once you find a proper diet that supports your dog’s health, it’s best to stick with it.
In fact, when introducing a new diet, allow for several months to pass before assessing the effect on your dog’s well-being.
Of course, also take direction by your pet’s vet to ensure optimal effectiveness. Also understand that there may be some instances when switching your dog’s diet is not a plausible plan.
Your vet can best guide you on when and why to switch your dog’s diet. Unless otherwise directed, the proper way to change your dog’s diet takes time.
Doing this gradually will reduce adverse reactions and unnecessary stress to your dog’s system and digestive tract.
Whenever a diet is working well for your dog, it’s best to keep applying it. Consistency in a diet routine is the key to maintaining your dog’s ultimate health potential.
Does your dog or cat follow a successful dietary plan that you would like to share with other pet lovers? We would love to hear from you! Please submit your comments below.
