Reasons Why Dogs Get Diarrhea When Switching Foods

Section 1: Why Does My Dog Get Diarrhea After Changing Food?

Many pet owners mistakenly assume that their dog's diarrhea is due to a problem with the new dog food. However, in most cases, the real issue lies in the way we transition the food.

Dogs have delicate digestive systems. When they switch to a new diet suddenly, their intestines may not adapt well to the new food, leading to intolerance to certain new ingredients. Therefore, it's quite common for dogs to experience soft stools or diarrhea after a change in diet.

Solution:

When your dog has diarrhea after changing food, it's advisable to temporarily stop feeding the new food. Instead, offer your dog their previous food or something light like a bowl of porridge, and add a small amount of probiotics to the meal. After a few days of this, your dog's diarrhea should improve. Then, gradually introduce the new food to your dog's diet.

Section 2: The Proper Steps for a Smooth Diet Transition

When changing your dog's food, it's crucial not to rush the process. Throughout the transition, keep a close eye on your dog's bowel movements and appetite, adjusting the amount of new food accordingly.

Day 12:

During these initial days, your dog is completely unfamiliar with the new food, making it a prime time for gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, start by introducing only 25% of the new food, with the remaining 75% being the old food.

Day 34:

If your dog hasn't shown signs of diarrhea during the first two days, it's a good indication that they are gradually adapting to the new food. You can now increase the proportion of new food to 50%, with the old food making up the other 50%.

Day 56:

By this point, if your dog hasn't shown any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, it suggests that they have a high level of tolerance to the new food. You can now adjust the ratio to 1 part new food to 3 parts old food.

Day 7:

Under normal circumstances, this means you've successfully completed the transition. You can now switch your dog to the new food entirely!

Important Note: If at any stage during the transition, your dog shows signs of diarrhea, vomiting, or a decrease in appetite, return to the previous step. Continue feeding them for a few days until they recover, and then proceed with the next step.