At several points in its growth, the puppy may need to change its diet. In this case, it is imperative to set up a gentle food transition in order to avoid a refusal on the part of the dog accustomed to its food and the digestive disorders likely to occur during a too sudden change. Find out how to proceed in this case.
Why do you need to implement a food transition?
When the puppy leaves his breeder, his mother and his siblings to join his new home, when he becomes an adult or quite simply if the situation requires it, he may have to change his diet. Whether this change is dictated by medical or physiological reasons, it is imperative to avoid any sudden changes and it is better to make a smooth transition.
Why such a precaution? Quite simply because a gentle food transition allows the dog to gradually get used to his new diet and help his body to better support the change. The digestive system of our little companions is indeed particularly sensitive and the sudden changes unbalance the intestinal flora to the point of disturbing their good health.
So, it’s best to make a smooth dietary transition for any change, whether it’s a brand new product or just a change in flavor.
You may wonder if this transition is really necessary and if your pooch risks anything in case of omission. Be aware that your pet can really suffer from a sudden dietary change and that even the most resistant dogs need some time for their body to be able to adapt to a new diet and assimilate it without difficulty. .
Indeed, if you do not make a food transition, your little companion is exposed to the following risks:
- Diarrhea : the dog’s body does not appreciate the change, so that its intestinal flora finds its balance with a routine diet. Enzymes and bacteria are specific to the food ingested each day. As a result, too abrupt or non-existent transition can prevent the doggie’s digestive system from properly assimilating swallowed food. However, the nutrients that cannot be absorbed are sent directly to the large intestine, fill up with the water present in the colon and are then evacuated in the form of loose stools or diarrhea.
- vomiting : Some dogs will tend to expel undigested food in the form of vomiting and not diarrhea.
- food intolerance : when the change is brutal, the intestinal flora of the doggie is disturbed. A real imbalance can occur, because it may not be able to assimilate new foods. However, by dint of ingesting badly accepted elements too brutally, the intestinal wall is altered and ends up causing a food intolerance which can concern certain types of meat or gluten.
- Food refusal : some dogs totally refuse to ingest a new food. They have their habits and they are not in favor of the idea of changing their routine. They will thus show their disagreement by refusing to eat. You don’t have to worry though, because all you need to do is set up a smooth transition for them to change their minds.
How to set up the food transition of the puppy?
Setting up a food transition for the puppy is not really complex, but it does take a little time, a few days or even several weeks. Making a smooth transition is essential to allow the dog’s body to adapt well to new foods and to assimilate them without difficulty or cause digestive problems.
What steps to follow for the puppy’s food transition?
For the puppy’s food transition to be successful, it is important to prepare the doggie’s daily ration each day in a container and to mix his old and new food by gradually adapting the quantities of each.
Prepare the daily ration in a suitable container in order to respect the quantities necessary for the puppy according to its age, breed, weight and physical activity. Then you just have to give him the daily content by splitting it into several meals.
To make the food transition a success, you must follow the following steps over a period of about 10 days. However, note that if your pooch needs more time, you can simply extend the duration of the stages by an additional day or two.
- For days 1, 2 and 3mix 75% of his old diet and 25% of his new diet.
- For days 4, 5 and 6mix 50% of his old diet and 50% of his new diet.
- For days 7, 8 and 9mix 25% of his old diet and 75% of his new diet.
- For day 10give him 100% of his new diet.
Do not hesitate to adapt the quantities according to the indications mentioned on the packaging by the manufacturers, because the characteristics of the products may be different and the needs of your puppy must above all be respected.
Of course, your dog should always have a bowl of fresh, clean and clear water within reach.
It should also be noted that if your pup is switching from wet to solid food, the transition may be more complex due to texture. So do not hesitate to moisten the croquettes at first, or even crush them, to help him get used to this new taste gently and thus promote good assimilation by his body.
How many daily meals should the puppy be fed?
A puppy can ingest dry food (kibbles) from the age of about 6 weeks.
Depending on the age of your puppy, you will have to give him his daily ration in several meals, the number of which varies, whether it is a dry, wet or mixed diet. This fragmentation will allow his body to better assimilate food and his stomach to get used to the right quantities, without risk of overflow and digestive disorders.
- Until the age of 4 monthsgive your puppy his daily ration in four meals.
- Until the age of 6 monthsgive him three meals per day.
- Until the age of 12 monthsyou can give it two meals per day.
- Beyond 12 monthsone meal a day is enough, but you can split it into two meals if your pooch seems to prefer it.
Remember that not all puppies become adults at the same age. Indeed, small breeds reach their adult size around 8 to 10 months, puppies of medium breeds around 12 months and puppies of large breeds or giant breeds between 18 months and 24 months.
Don’t hesitate to weigh your puppy regularly to make sure that his weight is changing favorably. He must not lose it and he must not take too much. Ask your veterinarian for advice if in doubt. Know that you can weigh it free of charge at your veterinarian as soon as you wish, a suitable scale being generally made available to customers.
Pay attention to the risk of overweight and obesity, which are sources of various diseases and disorders such as diabetes, urinary or hepatic insufficiency or even cardiovascular disorders. Don’t underestimate them.
Your puppy must be able to eat in optimal conditions, in peace, without being disturbed in order to avoid sources of stress. Offer clean bowls, preferably glass, stainless steel or ceramic. Avoid plastic which absorbs odors and alters flavors.
Also make sure that your puppy practices regular physical activity adapted to his needs.