Tips & Methods for Switching Dog Foods

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It is important that your dog switch dog food gradually from his current dog food to avoid digestive upset or tummy trouble.

To transition, mix your dog’s current food with his new food. Over 7 days, gradually decrease the amount of the current dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food.

To help you with the switch and dog food transition, refer to the 7-Day Transition Schedule below.



Remember these tips when switching your dog’s food:

  • Puppies become adults at 12 months of age and should transition to an adult dog food to ensure they are receiving proper nutrient levels for adult dogs.
  • Large breed puppies and small breed puppies should switch to a large breed or small breed adult dog food to ensure that their special needs are met.
  • For small and medium size dogs who are older, about the age of 7, they should transition to a mature adult or senior dog food that ensures that they are receiving the appropriate level of nutrients for that older lifestage.
  • For large breed dogs that are around 5 years of age, their food should switch to a mature adult or senior large breed dog food so that their special nutrient requirements are met.
  • Pregnant or nursing dogs need energy-dense foods with increased calcium content so be sure to transition them during this special time to a puppy food. However, during pregnancy or nursing, large breed dogs should be switched to a regular puppy food, not a large breed puppy food.


If your veterinarian has recommended a therapeutic dog food for a specific health condition, please be sure to discuss transitioning in detail. There could be some special considerations and suggestions to ensure success.

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