Switching food
How to transition without stomach upset.
Switching dog foods cold-turkey causes problems. A gradual swap over 7-14 days keeps things smooth. Pick a plan, see day-by-day ratios.
1. Pick your transition pace
7-day transition
Works for most healthy adult dogs. Standard pace.
14-day transition
For sensitive stomachs, puppies, seniors, or anxious dogs.
2. Optional — enter daily portion
If you know your dog's daily portion in grams, we'll show exact amounts. Otherwise just use the percentages.
3. Your plan
Watch carefully during transition: Some loose stools or mild appetite changes are normal in the first 2-3 days. Anything more severe — persistent vomiting, refusing food for over 24 hours, lethargy, or diarrhoea lasting more than 3 days — means slow down or stop and consult your vet.
Tips for a smooth switch
Don't add other new things
No new treats, supplements, or foods during transition. If something goes wrong, you want to know which change caused it.
Keep meals at the same time
Consistent feeding times reduce digestive stress. Pick morning and evening, stick to them.
Cold food can upset stomachs
Warm refrigerated food slightly (room temperature, not hot) before serving. Especially for picky eaters.
Plain pumpkin helps
If loose stools start, 1-2 tablespoons of plain (not pie-spice) pumpkin per meal is a well-established fibre source. Slow the transition if needed.
Skip kibble for one meal
Some dogs find mixed food unappetising. Try keeping kibble for breakfast and home-cooked for dinner during the transition.
Hydration matters
Home-cooked food is 70-75% water — your dog will drink less water-from-the-bowl. That's normal, not a concern.