Food transition guide - how to change your dog's food without diarrhea or vomiting

New to fresh feeding? Here is a guide on how to transition your dog from kibble to fresh foods (or vice versa!) without the dreaded diarrhoea or vomiting.

First, it is important to note that EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT. Some dogs are able to switch cold turkey without any issues, while some dogs have more sensitive GI systems and require a longer, gradual transition.

Before changing anything, it is helpful to familiarise yourself with your dog's bowel habits.

• How often does your dog poop? What time does he poop? Is it preceded by certain activities like eating or exercise?
• What is his stool's color, volume, and consistency? Is there any blood, mucus or identifiable whole food pieces in his stool
• Does your dog get diarrhoea or vomiting? If yes, how often? Is the diarrhoea or vomiting preceded by eating certain foods? How long does the diarrhoea or vomiting last?

It may be helpful to keep a poop diary to keep track of your dog's bowel habits. Be sure to also note down the type and amount of any new foods introduced. These questions are important for healthy dogs, but even more so for dogs prone to bouts of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. This way, any deviations from normal can be easily detected, and the offending new food can be easily identified. 

For most dogs, a gradual approach works well. 

If your dog shows signs of GI upset, remain at the same level until his symptoms subside, then proceed at a slower rate (e.g. increasing by only 10% each day).

If your dog tolerates the change well, you may transition quicker (e.g. increasing by 30-50% each day).

Most episodes of diarrhoea are self-limiting. However, you must monitor your pet frequently for any signs of severe diarrhoea that would warrant a vet visit. Signs of severe diarrhoea include dehydration, vomiting, refusing to eat, dark red or black coloured stool. The topic of diarrhoea in dogs is very lengthy and will be discussed in a future blog post.

For dogs prone to frequent, seemingly unpredictable episodes of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or if you suspect a food intolerance or allergy, he may require a more intensive approach to transitioning requiring daily adjustments. Reach out to us for a chat on more about elimination or novel ingredient trials.

Most importantly, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your primary care veterinarian immediately.