1 June 2023
Signs You Should Change Your Dog's Food
Have you been questioning if your dog’s current food is right for them? Or have you noticed some issues with your dog’s digestion that’s making you wonder if they’re getting all the nutrients they need? Maybe you’re just looking to find a new healthy dog food without breaking the bank.
Whatever the reason, we’ve made this guide to help you better understand when it’s time to change your dog’s food and how to go about it.
Contents:
Should You Change Your Dog's Food Regularly?
Anyone who’s owned a dog knows that they’re not the pickiest of eaters, so feeding them a consistent diet for a long period is not necessarily an issue. And hey, if it’s not broken, why fix it?
That said, some experts have recommended you should change your dog’s food every three months to keep your dog interested and to avoid them developing any allergic reactions to the ingredients. They also recommended switching the protein source in their food, so if they’re usually eating beef, try switching to a poultry or fish-based food to keep them interested.
Rotational Diet Methods
One popular method for changing your dog’s food is called rotational feeding. The rotational diet for dogs involves rotating your dog’s food depending on the proteins, grains, toppings, or even switching from wet to dry food on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis.
By using the rotational diet, you can reduce the chances of your dog developing allergies to certain ingredients, increase their interest in their food, and even improve their digestion!
However, it’s important to know that the rotational diet won’t work for every dog, and it’s important to watch for any gastrointestinal issues while changing your dog’s food, such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
Reasons to Switch Dog Food
It’s likely you’ll need to change your dog’s food more than once in their lifetime, either because they’ve outgrown their previous food’s age range or because your vet has recommended a change. Whatever the reason, there are some signs you should also keep an eye out for that can indicate it’s time to switch your dog’s food.
Upset Stomach
One of the most common signs that your dog’s food needs changing is gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Sometimes, a change in diet can be just what your dog needs to alleviate their symptoms, but if you notice your dog is having these problems for a couple of days, then you should consult your vet as soon as possible to make sure there’s not another underlying problem.
If your vet advises you to change your dog's food to alleviate symptoms, it’s essential you not make the change too quickly but phase the old food out, as this can make the problem worse.
Allergies
If your dog is eating normally and their stomach is fine, but you notice they’re itchy or have inflamed or flaky skin, then this could be a sign that your dog is allergic to something either in their food or their environment. Dog food allergies are common in dogs, but it’s important to rule out any other potential allergens, such as dust, pollen, or even flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis).
If you think your dog is suffering from allergies, speak with your vet about allergy testing, or try an elimination trial to find the source of their allergies. In the meantime, there are a range of dog allergy treatments available to help manage your dog’s allergy symptoms and soothe their symptoms.
If their food is the root of their allergic reaction, then there are a few things you can do to help, including switching to a hypoallergenic dog food that’s made explicitly without the most common dog food allergens, like wheat, beef, soy, or dairy.
Please bear in mind it can take a few weeks to see any change in your dog’s symptoms, so it’s important to be patient. You can find out more about recognising dog food allergies and how to treat them in our blog below.
Low Energy
Dogs—even the most energetic of them—tend to sleep for 12 or more hours a day, so a sleepy dog is usually a sign of a happy and content dog. However, if you notice your dog is more lethargic than usual or more than is expected of their breed or age, then the answer may be in their diet.
Like humans, dogs get all of their energy from their food, so if your dog has less energy than usual, it may be a sign that your dog’s food is not providing them with all the nutrients and calories they need.
Weight Management
Obesity is a growing issue with dogs – particularly due to dogs being fed inappropriate foods (such as human foods), owners not knowing how much to feed their dogs or lack of physical activities. Obesity can lead to several health problems, including arthritis, heart problems, and even diabetes, so keeping your dog at a healthy body weight for their breed is essential to ensure their health and well-being.
If you’re worried your dog may be overweight, consult your vet as soon as possible for a consultation. After which, you’ll likely be advised to change their diet to better manage their weight and increase the amount of exercise they do, either through longer walks or through interactive play.
Many big-name brands offer a “light” or “weight management” option for their dog foods, so you can work to reduce your dog’s calorie intake while also ensuring they are satisfied and still receiving all the nutrients their body needs. Shop our range of weight management dog food here.
Boredom
While most dogs aren’t fussy with their diet, there is still a chance they’ll go off their food, and one of the most common reasons for this is boredom. After all, would you want to eat the same thing twice a day for your whole life? Probably not.
If your dog is not as excited or motivated by mealtimes as usual, then (barring a medical issue) it's usually a sign they want something different.
If this is the case, you might not need to change their food entirely. Many brands sell their dog foods in various flavours, so you can add a bit more variety to their diet without worrying about long transitional periods. If your dog is on a wet food diet, then why not opt for a variety pack so your dog can have something new each time? Another way to bring some variety to your dog’s diet is to try introducing toppers to their kibble, like a bit of wet food, gravy, oils, eggs, or even fruit. Just make sure whatever you’re adding to your dog’s food is safe for them to eat and isn’t likely to spark any existent allergies.
How to Switch Dog Food
Changing your dog’s food too quickly can exacerbate existing issues, especially if they’re experiencing stomach upset, so it’s important you change their food properly. You can do this by changing their food gradually over the span of a week or more by slowly adding the new food to your dog’s diet while simultaneously decreasing the amount of their old food until you’ve switched completely. You can find a more detailed guide on changing your dog’s food in our blog below.
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour while changing their diet to make sure the new food agrees with them. Watch out for your dog’s energy levels, their interest in the new food and keenness for meals, and their bowel movements to ensure there’s no stomach upset.
Switch from puppy to adult dog food
As puppies grow, their dietary needs can change. Once your dog is considered an adult (which varies depending on breed), you need to switch them to an adult dog food diet. This can be a daunting process as puppies are known to have sensitive stomachs, and changing their food might spark a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Make sure you take it slow and monitor their behaviour and bowel movements to ensure the food agrees with them, and things should go off without a hitch. You can find out more about switching from puppy to adult food in our blog.
How to Choose a New Dog Food
Choosing a new dog food can be a challenge. With so many brands and varieties on offer, it can be a struggle to know where to start.
Knowing which food would be right for your dog depends on a number of things, including, but not limited to:
- What’s wrong with their current diet
- Your dog’s age
- Your dog’s size
- Your dog’s activity levels
- Your dog’s feeding schedule
- Your dog’s individual preferences
With these things in mind, it can be easier to narrow down your choices, but if you’re still struggling to choose a dog food, check out our Guide to Choosing the Right Dog Food.
Choosing the right food for your dog is the most important job for you as their owner, and by making the right choice, you can ensure your dog’s happiness and well-being for a lifetime!
If you’re looking to find a new food for your dog, you can browse our full range, including condition-specific dog food and prescription dog food, below.
This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle thoroughly with your vet before starting any program or treatment.
