Your canine friend's digestive system is completely different than that of a human. If we can eat different kinds and brands of food within a day or a hungry lunch break, nothing bad will happen to us. But for dogs, giving them a different brand or type of food without the proper transition process can endanger their lives. This is because their digestive system is only designed to recognize a certain kind of food and once a sudden change of food intake had occurred, this could lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, dehydration and loss of appetite. If you don't want this to happen to your beloved pet and you also want to give them the right amount of nutrition by changing their food, you must follow the correct process for a safer and healthier transition.
Choosing a New Dog Food
The first thing that you have to decide on is whether you'll feed your dog with canned or a dry food. For older dogs, it is not necessary to change the kind of food that they have been eating. While for puppies that are no longer getting the right amount of nutrients from the old type of food, it is advisable to learn more about their breed before settling down to a certain kind of food or brand. For pet parents who always leave food on the bowl at all times, dry is the best option.
Most pet parent's reason for changing the brand and kind of food for their babies is nutrition. Since a dog's body does not rely on the quantity of the food they eat but on the nutrients that the food has, you will have to learn on how to weigh and measure nutrition. Check on the numbers of carbohydrate, protein and other contents. To ensure that the food is safe, look for AAFCO seal. Once you have found the food that would give the proper nutrients and is compatible on your canine's breed, check first whether you can easily buy it anywhere to save you and your pup from another transition process. Its fine to think about your budget but the truth is, you won't be saving money if your dog becomes sick due to lack of nutrients from your chosen inexpensive food.
Introducing the New Food
This is the step where you have to take some extra care and caution. Now that you have chosen the right brand for your beloved pet, the next challenge is how you are going to introduce it to their systems. On the first day of transition, mix a small amount of the new brand with their old food. Gradually increase the amount everyday and observe your dog's appetite, stool and other behavior. Check for signs of digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. For you to make sure of the right measurements, you can check then printed instructions on the food package.
Once your dog has developed some digestive problems while under transition, you can try to mix the food with rice and chicken meat. Giving a small dose of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium might help but visiting the vet's office is still the best thing to do. Observation should last for days until you have completely phased out the old brand. If there is no improvement or if you found blood in the stool and vomit, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Choosing a New Dog Food
The first thing that you have to decide on is whether you'll feed your dog with canned or a dry food. For older dogs, it is not necessary to change the kind of food that they have been eating. While for puppies that are no longer getting the right amount of nutrients from the old type of food, it is advisable to learn more about their breed before settling down to a certain kind of food or brand. For pet parents who always leave food on the bowl at all times, dry is the best option.
Most pet parent's reason for changing the brand and kind of food for their babies is nutrition. Since a dog's body does not rely on the quantity of the food they eat but on the nutrients that the food has, you will have to learn on how to weigh and measure nutrition. Check on the numbers of carbohydrate, protein and other contents. To ensure that the food is safe, look for AAFCO seal. Once you have found the food that would give the proper nutrients and is compatible on your canine's breed, check first whether you can easily buy it anywhere to save you and your pup from another transition process. Its fine to think about your budget but the truth is, you won't be saving money if your dog becomes sick due to lack of nutrients from your chosen inexpensive food.
Introducing the New Food
This is the step where you have to take some extra care and caution. Now that you have chosen the right brand for your beloved pet, the next challenge is how you are going to introduce it to their systems. On the first day of transition, mix a small amount of the new brand with their old food. Gradually increase the amount everyday and observe your dog's appetite, stool and other behavior. Check for signs of digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. For you to make sure of the right measurements, you can check then printed instructions on the food package.
Once your dog has developed some digestive problems while under transition, you can try to mix the food with rice and chicken meat. Giving a small dose of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium might help but visiting the vet's office is still the best thing to do. Observation should last for days until you have completely phased out the old brand. If there is no improvement or if you found blood in the stool and vomit, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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