There are several good reasons to switch your dog to a new type of food. Perhaps you have found a less expensive but equally high-quality alternative to your dog's current food, or supply issues have forced you to make the change. Maybe your dog is entering a new phase of life or has developed medical issues that require a different diet. No matter for what reason you want to make this transition, the following tips can help.

1. Switch Over Slowly

Dogs often react badly to a sudden change in diet. Like humans, they have microbes in their guts that help them to break down and digest food. The exact balance of microbes is highly dependent on the dog's diet and so it might not be able to cope with dramatically different foods. By switching slowly to a new dog food brand, you give your dog's microbiome time to adapt.

Start by mixing just a single spoonful of the new dog food into a full serving of the old food. Gradually increase the amount of the new dog food and reduce that of the old until your dog is fully transitioned onto the new diet.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Dog

You should monitor your dog carefully while making a change to their diet. Track the dog's bowel movements, energy level, and mood. If your dog develops constipation, starts vomiting, or has diarrhoea, switch back to the old food and ask your veterinarian for advice. Dogs can have food intolerances, just like humans, so not every brand of dog food is suitable for every dog.

3. Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Food 

The caloric densities of various dog food brands can be very different. Therefore, feeding your dog a portion of food that looks similar to what they used to eat might not result in them getting the same amount of calories or protein. Check the packaging of the dog food to find out what portion size is equivalent to the amount that your dog usually eats.

If your dog needs to lose weight, then decreasing their calorie intake may be a part of your reason for switching to a new dog food brand. However, it's important not to slash your dog's calorie intake too suddenly. The safest and healthiest way to approach weight loss is to ask your regular vet to provide a structured plan. Learn more by contacting dog food suppliers.