We have all heard the age old advice not to change your pet's food and that they should stay on their chosen pet food for the rest of their lives. Not True. Like humans, dogs change physiologically over time and their food needs to be adjusted every now and then to ensure proper nutrition. So, how can you tell if your dog is not getting enough nutrients (or too much) from their current dog food? Here are seven signs that it's time to change your dog's food:
Changing your dog's current food can sometimes be a tricky task. It's hard to wade through all the different varieties out there. As an owner, sometimes it feels like you need a PhD in dog food just to figure out what works and doesn't work for your pet. Transitioning your dog's food must be done over a 7-10 day period. Starting with about a 20-25% "new" food mixed with the old. Gradually increase the percentage of new over the time span until the old food is phased out. Sometimes, a food allergy may pop up with a new dog food. It is generally best to to pay attention to the ingredients in the food. If you notice an allergic reaction in your pet, check to see if there is something novel in that specific food. It may be a specific meat source, a grain or something completely random like a blueberry. If you find that the symptoms above seem to be a chronic problem, please, please, please call your veterinarian! Finding the right food for your pet can be tricky sometimes and expert opinions make it a whole lot easier on you and your pet.
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