Help eliminate GI upset when switching your dog or cat’s food brand by following the 10 Day Food Transition Protocol. The Meowing Vet teaches pet owners how to slowly and safely transition their pets from one diet to the next.
Learn how below…
Changing your dog or catโs food brand? While frequent diet changes are not generally advisable in pets, sometimes a food swap is necessary. For instance, your veterinarian may have recommended a different food brand, or your older puppy or kitten will soon be transitioning to an adult formula. An abrupt dietary change can lead to gastrointestinal distress, causing vomiting and diarrhea. The best transition protocol to reduce your dog or catโs chances of GI upset when switching pet food formulas is to gradually transition to the new diet over a 10 day period, as described below. As a rule of thumb, it’s also always advisable to seek the counsel of your personal veterinarian for individualized diet advice. Talk to your vet if your pet still experiences GI issues during this food transition protocol.
The total daily food amount should roughly be about the same in most cases when using the ratios provided below. Consult the nutrition information on your pet’s food bags, or ask your vet for assistance. The examples below works best when the old and new diets are nearly identical in nutritional profile, namely calories per same serving of food. If the serving size and calorie amount recommended for your petโs age/size/etc. differ drastically between the two diets, this transition protocol amount will need to be tweaked. However, the general principle of gradually transitioning to a new diet by using these ratios holds true when calorie content remains the same. Please consult your personal vet if you have any questions, particularly if youโre switching to a weight-loss diet or from puppy or kitten formulas to adult diets.
Days 1, 2, and 3
Feed 75% of the old diet & 25% of the new diet
For example, if you originally fed your pet 1 cup of dry food in the morning and 1 cup again in the evenings, you will now feed 3/4 cup of the original food and 1/4 cup of the new food brand in the morning. Repeat in the evening.
Days 4, 5, and 6
Feed 50% of the old diet & 50% of the new diet
For example, if you originally fed your pet 1 cup of dry food in the morning and 1 cup again in the evenings, you will now feed 1/2 cup of the original food and 1/2 cup of the new food brand in the morning. Repeat in the evening.
Days 7, 8, and 9
Feed 25% of the old diet & 75% of the new diet
For example, if you originally fed your pet 1 cup of dry food in the morning and 1 cup again in the evenings, you will now feed 1/4 cup of the original food and 3/4 cup of the new food brand in the morning. Repeat in the evening.
Day 10
Full transition to 100% of the new diet
For example, if you originally fed your pet 1 cup of dry food in the morning and 1 cup again in the evening, you will now feed 1 cup of the new diet morning and evening.
– Maranda Elswick, DVM
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This article originally appeared as a post on The Meowing Vet’s Instagram profile, @themeowingvet (July 19, 2017).
