Switching puppy food for your puppy’s health is an excellent work. However, dietary changes can upset your puppy’s stomach. Hence, you will have to follow an appropriate food transition method.
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How Long Will It Take to Switch Puppy Food?
It will take 10 days to switch your puppy food if the transition period goes without any tummy distress. However, it might take a few more days if your puppy faces diarrhea and vomiting. Further, it will take 12 weeks to determine if the new diet is working.
Reasons To Switch Puppy Food
There can be various reasons to switch puppy food, such as:
Allergy and food sensitivity
Entering a new life stage
To lose or gain weight
New pet in the house
The vet advised a new diet
Providing more food options
Tools Needed to Switch Puppy Food
The products you will need to switch puppy food:
Steps to Switch Puppy Food
Switching puppy food is a matter of consistency. Let us see the steps on how to change puppy food.
Look for a proper puppy diet: Growing puppies need to intake protein. Hence, look for appropriate protein food for your puppy. Remember to consult a vet before feeding your puppy.
Look for food sensitivities: Refrain from feeding human foods without consulting a vet. Your puppy can have allergies to certain foods. Look for food sensitivities before introducing the new food.
Switch food gradually: Do not switch puppy food at once. It is essential to make the transition slowly and gradually to avoid tummy distress.
Maintain a ratio: Take 5-7 days for the transmission, following the balance:
Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet
Day 4: 50% new diet and 50% old diet
Day 7: 75% new diet and 25% old diet
Day 10: 100% new diet
Measure correctly: To properly portion your pet’s food, use a dry measuring cup. Using a different scoop might lead to overfeeding, which can lead to runny stool or weight gain. Remember that the feeding recommendations on the package are for the pet’s total consumption per day, not each meal.
Use digestive aid: Plain pumpkin is high in soluble fiber and will help firm up your dog’s stool. Probiotics are helpful microorganisms that can assist the digestive system in adjusting to new foods and preventing gas or other gastrointestinal distress.
Watch for symptoms: Ensure your puppy is getting enough water and food. Check whether your puppy’s gas is low. Ensure if your dog’s feces are normal. Stools should not be runny. If the symptoms are otherwise, consult a vet immediately.
Pro tips:
If you see a significant change in these sections, slow down the procedure and give your dog more time to adjust to the new diet. This gradual change in diet should ease the bulk of the problems connected with an upset stomach.
Symptoms after Puppy Food Switching
Here are few symptoms which may show after you switch puppy food:
Diarrhea: During the first week or two after switching to fresh food, pet parents may notice changes in their dog’s feces consistency. While some puppies may have firmer stools, others may have diarrhea and need to go more frequently due to an altering microbiome.
Poop color changes: The color of puppy poop may change due to the intake of new ingredients. Do not panic if the color change shows.
Decreased appetite: If your puppy is a picky eater, he might not like the new food and gradually may start to lose appetite. Hence,it is essential to ensure he gets enough food.
Switching puppy food is a matter of patience and diligence. You will have to be consistent while changing the diet. You should notice the biological changes occurring while and after the transition of puppy food. Make sure to consult a vet before changing the diet.
