Unlock $10 off your next bag. Click here DOG CAT WHY CANIDAE SHOP CLUB CANIDAE BLOG CAREERS Transitioning your pet Gradually To Canidae Our dog food formulas contain more meat and fewer carbohydrates than most other brands. While higher meat to carbohydrate ratios provide a healthier diet for most dogs, making the switch to a more wholesome diet can be tricky. Changing a dog’s food using the “cold turkey” method can lead to upset stomach and other digestive problems. Canidae recommends switching food over a gradual period of time adding the new food to old food in increasing amounts. For most breeds and life stages, a 7-day transition period ensures a smooth and gentle transition to your best friend’s new diet. Our formulas are also more nutritionally dense than many other brands. As a result, your dog may feel fuller and need fewer servings per day than what you may have been feeding previously. Many pets find our food to be more palatable than other brands, so some will want to eat more than their recommended daily amount. Pay close attention and follow the daily servings guidelines on the back of the bag! DAY 1 & 2 DAY 3 & 4 DAY 5 & 6 DAY 7+ How to Transition Dog Food Without Upsetting Your Pet We have found that the smoothest transition from one dry food to another is to simply mix the foods together in order to change your dog’s diet gradually. This food transition process should usually take about seven days until you are feeding your pet 100% of the new food. You can increase the transition time if your dog is particularly sensitive to menu changes. Any abrupt change to a different diet can cause some pets to experience gastrointestinal upset (for example, loose stools or vomiting). While this upset usually disappears in a matter of days, it can often be avoided by following these simple transition guidelines. Unlike humans, dogs often eat the same diet for months or years and their digestive systems are not as used to change as ours are! When to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Food Owning a puppy can be exciting, but overwhelming as first-time dog owners can be overwhelmed with choices — especially when it comes to the decision to switch from puppy food to normal adult formulas. Foods created for puppies include the ingredients necessary to support growth periods. Puppies require protein-rich food to flourish, however, the protein level in a puppy’s food must be carefully calculated, as more protein is not always better. As a general rule of thumb, puppies should be weaned off of puppy food and transitioned to adult food when the puppy is between 18 and 24 months of age. Larger breed dogs tend to require a bit longer to fully mature, so they tend to make the switch toward the later end of the transition period. We take a deeper look into when to switch to senior dog food, taking into account the different requirements of dog age, and the nutritional requirements of large breeds and small, based on their muscle mass and other factors. Additional Tips for Switching Dog Food to Canidae We realize that there are some instances in which switching your pet’s food slowly isn’t possible. Examples include dietary restrictions and intolerances or a specific prescription diet recommended by your veterinarian. In these situations, we recommend the following to keep your dog happy during the transition. Feed smaller portions more regularly. We suggest breaking up the daily intake to 3 to 4 feedings per day. Water is your friend! Adding warm water to the food will also decrease the chance of your pet eating too quickly and not chewing thoroughly. Gulping a highly palatable product could cause vomiting. And, make sure to always offer plenty of clean water to your pet. Canidae Makes Changing Your Dog Food a Breeze. Transitioning your dog to new food has never been easier. Following Canidae’s guide to changing dog food will ensure a smooth transition and a happy pup. Explore More Transitioning to a new pet food Compare our products Learn about Canidae HealthPlus Solutions® GOOD FOR OUR PETS Feeding goodness through nourishing, balanced food. GOOD FOR PEOPLE Nurturing the connection between pets and people. GOOD FOR THE PLANET Sustainable packaging & responsibly sourced ingredients. LEARN MORE x By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest RESOURCES FAQ HealthPlus Solutions® Transitioning Your Pet To A New Food Cost To Feed Calculator Privacy Policy & CCPA Retailer Support Login SHOP Club Canidae CONNECT Contact Us Join The Team SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Get $10 off your next bag when you join our email list. 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