I’ve heard people say that they think their dogs need variety in dog foods because they get tired of them so they often switch their daily brands. While we are under the misconception that dogs have an iron stomach and can eat anything, anytime, that is not true. It is best to find a food your dog likes and stick with it. They aren’t like humans where they prefer different foods everyday.
Switching foods suddenly can cause a loss of appetite, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea or indigestion. It is best not to switch your dogs food unless for medical reasons it becomes necessary. Buying what is on sale that week is not good for your dog.
If you do switch foods, do it gradually. The first few days of feeding should be ¾ of the food they have been eating, and ¼ of the new food. After three days, make the proportions even, ½ of each. After day 6, you can feed ¾ of the new food and ¼ of the old food, and then by day 10, you should be able to safely feed 100% of the new food, with little or no side effects.
If you continuously switch your dogs food, you will make them more prone to chronic diarrhea or chronic indigestion. They may even start to refuse eating altogether.
