How to Switch My Pet from One Food to another?

Are you a Pet owner? If yes, you must have faced the problem of switching your pet from one food to another! The common questions you may ask: 

-How to Switch My Cat from One Food to another? 

-How to Switch My Dog from One Food to another? 

How to Switch My Pet from One Food to another? 

How Much Time It Takes to Switch Your Pet from One Food to another? 

It's a fact that every pet is an individual, and we have seen many pets which can switch from one food to another within a day or two without facing any problem but many pets require at least 4-6 weeks to transition so as to avoid any stomach upset. To do this safely, one should gradually introduce the new food. You should gradually increase the new food over the course of at least one week so that your pet may adopt the new food smoothly. Like the human's digestive system, a pet's digestive system is also very delicate and requires a balanced transition. 

What May Happen?

The consistency of your pet's stool may change (softer/harder) during the stage of switching him/her from one food to another. If the symptoms of serious stomach upset i.e. diarrhea, vomiting, excess gas or constipation occur, it means you have switched your pet to new food so quickly or the new food is not suitable for your pet. 

What Should You Do If Your Pet Starts Showing Symptoms of Stomach Upset? 

In case there are minor symptoms (e.g a little stomach upset etc.), but the pet is still doing fine, you should continue the process of transition. If your pet is having loose stool on day 3 i.e. the day when you are feeding him/her 50% new food + 50% old food, then move back to the ratio at which your pet was doing fine and had no symptoms of stomach upset. 

What if Symptoms of Stomach Upset Continue? 

If your pet continues to show symptoms of stomach upset or feeling pain or seems lethargic, it's time to contact your vet as the problem may be complicated. It's possible that an ingredient of your food (fat, fiber, protein, etc.) is problematic for your pet. So, in this case, you should try a different diet or give supportive care. 

General Guidelines for Switching Your Pet from One Food to another Food

Day 1: Old diet 90% + New diet 10% 

Day 2: Old diet 75% + New diet 25%

Day 3: Old diet 50% + New diet 50% 

Day 4: Old diet 50% + New diet 50% 

Day 5: Old diet 25% + New diet 75%

Day 6: Old diet 10% + New diet 90% 

Day 7: Old diet __    + New diet 100%