How to Switch Dog Food

Choosing your dog’s food can feel like a heavy decision. How do you know which protein to choose? How can you be sure your dog is getting the vitamins and minerals they need? Will they have enough energy to live their best life? Wet? Dry? Mix-and-match? It can be overwhelming.  

These questions take on extra weight when you’re trying to decide if it’s time to switch your dog to a new food. Maybe you have a puppy on the verge of adulthood, or an adult dog crossing into senior territory. Perhaps your dog is having some trouble managing their weight or digesting their current food. No matter the reason, switching food requires extra care. 

But don’t worry: If you’re considering making a switch, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll go through some common questions about transitioning and help you make the right choice for your dog. Let’s get started. 

Should I Change My Dog’s Food?  

The first and most important question to ask is whether it’s a good idea to switch dog food at all, right? The short answer is that you shouldn’t switch your dog’s food without a good reason. Changes in diet can have a significant impact on your dog, so you’ll want to have a goal in mind before switching. Ideally, you should only switch foods if you have a concern about your dog’s nutrition or health, although we understand that cost and availability of certain foods can also factor in.  

When Should I Switch My Dog's Food? 

Reasons to switch your dog’s food can include: 

• Changing life stage: Dogs have different nutrient needs throughout their life, so it’s important to transition from puppy to adult maintenance to senior food as your pet ages. 
• Weight management: If your dog is overweight, underweight or obese, changing their food can help manage their weight. 
• Food sensitivity or allergy: Some dogs may develop an allergy to certain ingredients or protein sources, which can be managed by transitioning to a new diet. 
• Picky eating: Though most dogs have no problem eating the same food every day, pets can have food preferences. If your dog is a picky eater, it could mean they simply don’t like their food’s flavor or texture.  
• Better nutrition: Dogs need a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet to look and feel their best. If your dog is lacking energy, has a dull coat or shows other signs of malnutrition, they might need a food with more comprehensive nutrition. 

If you're on the fence, this a great time to consult your vet. They can help you decide if switching foods will achieve your goal. 

How Do I Change My Dog's Food Safely?

Once you’ve spoken with your vet and decided a change of diet is the right call, it’s time to prepare for the transition. Let’s take it step by step. 

Before the Switch 

First, do some research to make sure the food you’re switching to suits your dog’s nutritional needs. Here are a few things to consider: 

• Your dog’s size: Are they a small-, medium- or large-breed dog? 
• Your dog’s life stage: Is it time for adult or senior dog food? Are they a puppy, adult or senior dog? 
• Any health concerns: Do they need help managing their weight?  
• Type of food: Will you feed them exclusively dry food, or mix in wet food? 

Next, make sure your dog's diet is as steady as possible leading into the transition. Limiting their diet to their main nutrition source (kibble or wet food) will help you monitor how they’re responding to the change. That means putting table scraps and snacks on hold. Sorry, furry friends. 

During the Switch 

Everybody ready? Let’s make the switch. Unless your vet advises otherwise, take things slowly. To gradually transition your dog to their new diet, start with 75% old food and 25% new food, gradually adding a larger percentage of the new food each day until your dog seems to be fully adjusted. 

After the Switch 

You're nearly there! Once your dog is regularly chowing down on their new food, keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or signs of illness. Look for excessive itching, upset stomach or vomiting, or changes in the consistency of their poops. 

Time for a Change

Still have questions? IAMS™ is here to help pet parents like you find the right food for your dog, answer common questions about feeding and even help you find a compatible breed to choose as your next pup.