Are you thinking about changing your dog’s diet? You need to know first that the process is more complex than you may think. There are a number of steps to be taken in order not to upset your pet’s stomach.
In this article, we attempt to gather many pieces of information to guide you in changing your dog’s diet comfortably. So, let us immediately dig deep into the subject!
Why Is Diet Important for Dogs?
Choosing the right and appropriate diet for your dog is essential to keep them healthy, fit, and active. Dogs need to consume balanced food so that they can get the nutrients they need to maintain their energy.
Moreover, an ideal diet accompanied by the right amount of exercise is the magical recipe for your dog to stay in perfect shape. If your dog is overweight, then this may cause some serious health problems and stop them from being active.
Deciding on your dog’s food is an essential part to keep your dog healthy and live longer. While some dogs may prefer certain types of food, others may not. Therefore, if things get so confusing, especially with the huge types of food found in the market, it is better to seek professional help. Your vet will surely help you to set an appropriate as well as a balanced diet for your furry friend.
How to Start Changing Your Dog’s Diet?
If you start the changing process suddenly, you may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased aptitude in your dog. Once you wish to change your dog’s food, you have to do it gradually so that your dog will adjust to the new type of food.
The best method is to spend between 5-7 days in this transition process. During this period, try to gradually add new food to your dog’s diet. To do so, you can start by including a small proportion of new food in the first two days. On the third and the fourth days, you can make the proportion of both the new and old diets equal. During the fifth and sixth days, add more new diets than the old ones. Finally, on the seventh day, make it a 100% new diet.
Please note that some dogs will need the transition to be slower than what is suggested above. While trying to change your dog’s diet you have to carefully notice the signs that they show.
If, for example, they show some changes in their appetite, start vomiting, or have diarrhea, you should go slowly. But if they continue displaying these signs, it is better to seek professional help. Take your dog to the vet to assign a different and appropriate diet for your dog.
Carefully Watch Other Symptoms While Changing Your Dog’s Diet
During this transition period, you must closely watch any other symptoms that can be developed in your dog. Below, you will find what to monitor in order to be sure that your dog is not facing any health issues:
– Look at Your Dog’s Poop immediately After Changing Your Dog’s Diet
one way to examine whether your dog is experiencing any health issues because of the changing food process, you need to closely watch the quality of their stool. If you notice any major changes in your dog’s stool, you need to immediately take them to the vet to see if there is a severe health issue to be addressed.
– Look at the Amount of Water
You have to notice if your dog is drinking a normal amount of water or the opposite.
– Look at the level of Gas
Your dog’s gas has to remain low. If not, then it is a sign that your dog is not actually digesting the new food.
How to Choose Your Dog Food When Changing Your Dog’s Diet?
You may be wondering what is the appropriate food for your dog. Honestly, there is no one ideal diet that you can follow. Each dog is different from the others. Their dietary requirements tend to change from one to the other depending on their age, health, as well as preferences.
It is always a good idea to consult your vet each time you find the process confusing or overwhelming. Furthermore, you need to know how to read a pet food label. Once you understand how to do so, you will find that the process is getting somewhat clear. Always look for words such as balanced or complete diet.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Adjusting After Changing Your Dog’s Diet?
If you notice any unusual signs during the transition process, then, your dog may not be adjusting to the new food. In such cases, you can gradually go back to the old food. This is because your dog may be allergic to fresh food. If you notice more serious issues throughout this process, you need to immediately take your furry friend to the vet.
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Last Words
For a given reason, you may want to start changing your dog’s diet. The process is not, by any means, easy. It needs understanding, patience, and close examination during and after the transition process.
It is essential to start the process gradually to help your dog adjust to the new diet. Afterward, you have to closely monitor and see if there are any symptoms that show that your dog is having some difficulties adjusting to the new food. If the process is complex, visit the vet for more guidance.
Taking good care of your dog is what you have to do if you want to live longer, healthier, and happier with your pet and to do so check our complete guide called Dogs Food: Everything You Need to Know On How To Feed Your Dog.
