switching puppy food

[iloveoscar]

when i got my puppy he came with a small bag of iams, he finished that , then yesterday i switched to this all natural puppy food, i got sick like 4 times yesterday whats up? does it take them time to get usedto it?

 

[Saje]

Yes you should switch him over gradually. Did he throw up? Or get diarrhea? Sometimes added plain canned pumpkin to their diet helps with the transition.

 

[iloveoscar]

ya he had diahrea and puked

 

[Saje]

Sounds like a pretty sensitive stomach then. Get a small bag of iams and start mixing in the new stuff slowly. Add about a tablespoon full of the pumpkin to each meal and see how he does

 

[Corgi_Mom23]

This is a case of switching food to quickly. Switching dog food can be rough on dogs, especially when they are younger. This best way to change is to buy a bag of the new food before they run out of the old kind. Slowly mix a little more of the new food in with each meal. This helps the transition and makes things much easier on their stomach.

Right now, switching him back to his original food would have the same effect on his stomach. Keep on eye on him and just wait out his body's adjustment. If things don't get better, I suggest giving the vet a call. Loose stool is a common effect in dogs when they start a new food.

 

[iloveoscar]

thank you!

 

[dogsarebetter]

how many days does it usually take to have a complete switch?

 

[Saje]

Depends on the dog. I'd do it over a week. I don't agree that after feeding your dog the new kibble once he can't go back to his old food. Since he is young and obviously has a sensitive stomach you should do everything to help with the transition. At least try the pumpkin. And make sure you aren't overfeeding. High quality ingredients tend to be richer and if overfed can be hard on the stomach. Maybe more small meals a day?

Good for you for switching

 

[Julie]

Since your pup is around other dogs, and hasn't finished shots yet, be alert to diseases.

It is probably doing the food switch too quickly, but you never know and it can help to recognize a health problem.

Good Luck.

 

[Corgi_Mom23]

Oh no, Saje. I didn't mean he couldn't go back. But a food switch is a food switch. When you start feeding them a new food, it would make their old food new. It would be best to buy an old bag and start mixing. I agree when that was said. But I wouldn't do another complete switch.

And the pumpkin sounds like a great idea. I know it helped calm some dog's nervous stomachs when they are boarded.