Dogs are a lot like people in that they age and their needs change as time passes. What they needed when they were pups won’t work now that they are senior dogs, for instance. There are health concerns that arise and the food they eat could make things worse. If your dog suddenly has problems with their coat, then you’ll need to find dog food for sensitive skin so things don’t get worse.
The problem is that changing dog food is not a quick and easy thing to do. Not getting the right food, or trying to make the change when it’s not time yet can have disastrous effects. In this article, we will cover the basics when it comes to changing dog food in the best way possible.
1 – Know the reasons to switch
You can’t keep your dog on the same dog food regimen through every phase of their life. The dietary needs of your dog can change based on their age, breed, or specific health conditions.
For instance, the nutritional needs of a growing puppy significantly differ from those of a senior dog. Not all dog food is the same and different breeds have unique dietary requirements. A specific health condition your pet may have can also require a change in their food.
Allergies can develop over time which means your dog will not be able to eat the same diet without discomfort or even serious health problems. They could end up with digestive problems, constant scratching, or worse.
2 – Choose the right food
The right food, such as grain free dog food, is going to be determined by a number of factors. Think about what your dog is going through right now as far as life phase and other conditions.
What their nutritional needs are will depend on understanding those factors. For example, a playful and active dog might need a diet high in protein. On the other hand, if your dog has been gaining weight, a food lower in calories might be more suitable.
It’s important to get to know the labels on dog food. These labels can tell you what’s in the food, and how much of each thing there is. Look for food with high-quality ingredients, like meat, vegetables, and grains. Try to avoid foods that have lots of chemicals or fillers.
3 – Prepare for the change
Before starting the switch, it’s important to have a game plan. First and foremost, the change from the old food to the new one should be slow and gradual. This approach helps prevent your dog’s digestive system from getting upset by the new food.
The ideal method for switching foods involves mixing the old and the new together in a certain ratio. In the beginning, you’ll serve mostly old food with a small amount of the new food mixed in. Over time, you’ll slowly increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old food.
How long should the switch take? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your dog.
