Switch your dog's food slowly, over about 7 to 10 days, mixing more of the new food in each day. Do it too fast and you'll often get the exact thing you're trying to avoid: loose stools, wind, and a grumpy dog. Take it gently and most dogs barely notice the change.
Here's the simple way to do it.
Why a slow switch is the best approach
A dog's gut runs on a settled population of good bacteria, and those bacteria get used to one food. Change everything overnight and the gut has to scramble to catch up. That's what causes the runs and the wind. Ease the new food in and the gut adjusts as it goes, no drama.
This matters even more if you're switching because of a sensitive tummy. The last thing a delicate dog needs is a sudden change on top of an already touchy gut.
The day-by-day guide
Mix the new food in with the old, and shift the balance a little each day. A rough plan:
- Days 1 to 3: 25% new food, 75% old
- Days 4 to 6: half and half
- Days 7 to 9: 75% new food, 25% old
- Day 10: fully on the new food
That's a guide, but you know your dog best. If your dog is especially sensitive, go slower and stretch it over two weeks. There's no prize for rushing.
What if my dog gets an upset tummy anyway?
If things go a bit loose, drop back to the last mix that was fine and hold there for a few extra days before creeping forward again. Slower almost always fixes it. Keep fresh water available, and watch that your dog is still bright and eating.
A quick word on when to see a vet. A day or two of mild looseness during a switch is normal. But if it carries on past a couple of days, or you see blood, vomiting, or a flat, off-colour dog, stop and ring your vet.
A gentle food makes the switch easier
The food you're switching to makes a difference. A simple, gentle recipe is far easier on the gut than a rich or complicated one. That's how we built our kibble for dogs with allergies. Here's what helps during a switch:
- It's easy to settle onto, because it uses one gentle, broken-down protein instead of several. Less for a touchy gut to react to.
- It leaves out the usual troublemakers. Grain-free, and free from beef, dairy, gluten, wheat, fillers, and fake colours.
- It supports digestion, with gentle fibre, omega-rich oils, and a natural prebiotic (food for the good bacteria in your dog's tummy).
Trying our kibble? Here's the easy way in
If you're switching to our food, start with the 2kg sample pack for $19.99, under half the usual price. It gives you enough to run the first stage of a gradual switch and see how your dog goes, backed by our 30-day Sensitivity Promise.
Give any new food a fair run. Guts take a couple of weeks to fully settle, so judge it over the month rather than the first few days.
FAQ
How long should it take to switch dog food?
About 7 to 10 days for most dogs, mixing more of the new food in each day. Go slower, up to two weeks, for a dog with a sensitive stomach.
Why does my dog get diarrhoea when I change their food?
Usually because the change was too fast. The gut's good bacteria need time to adjust, and a sudden switch throws them off. A slow, mixed transition avoids it.
Can I switch dog food cold turkey?
It's best not to. Some dogs handle it, but many get an upset tummy. A gradual switch is safer and easier on everyone.
What if my dog still has an upset tummy after switching slowly?
Drop back to the last mix that agreed with them and hold there a few extra days. If the upset lasts more than a couple of days, or you see blood, vomiting, or a flat dog, call your vet.