How to Switch Dog Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach

A simple 7 to 10 day plan to change your dog's food, plus how to adjust the portion when the new food has different calories.

Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and a sudden change of food is a common cause of loose stools, gas, and vomiting. Switching gradually gives the gut time to adjust.

A 7-day switching plan

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, stretch the plan to 10 to 14 days and move forward only when stools are normal. If you see loose stools, go back to the previous step for a day or two before trying again.

Do not swap cup for cup

This is the step people miss. Different foods have different calories per cup, so using the same scoop can cause weight gain or loss. Find the kcal per cup on each bag (here is where to look) and compare.

For example, if your dog eats 2 cups a day of a 320 kcal-per-cup food, that is 640 calories. A 420 kcal-per-cup food would need only about 1.5 cups to provide the same calories. Our calculator does this for you when you enter the new food's calories per cup.

What to watch during the switch

• Stool consistency. Mild softness for a day or two is common.
• Appetite and energy.
• Itching or ear trouble, which can signal a food sensitivity.

When to call your vet

Contact your vet if your dog has repeated vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than a day or two, blood in the stool, a refusal to eat, or unusual tiredness. Puppies, small dogs, and seniors can become dehydrated quickly, so call sooner for them.

Tips for picky dogs

• Do not give in to refusal by adding lots of tasty extras, which makes the next switch harder.
• Warming food slightly or adding a spoonful of water can make it more appealing.
• Keep mealtimes consistent, and take the bowl up after 15 to 20 minutes.

If your dog has a medical condition or is on a prescription diet, ask your vet before changing foods.

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