Food Switch

TrickyShepherd · 10-13-2011, 08:46 PM

After some suggestions on here and my own research. I recently switched Zira to ProPlan Sensitive Stomach & Skin to help get her back from some issues with SIBO. We are slowly switching her over to avoid any steps back with how well she's been eating and gaining weight (a little at a time). After a bit of time, we are currently on 75% old and 25% new.

How long should I take this switch? When is a good time to have her on 100% new?

I've noticed her stool smells MUCH worse now.... is this just a reaction to the new food? She's never been on a Salmon formula, I figured her body just may need some adjusting. Or should I be worried?

Also... once on 100% ProPlan... How long should it take for me to know if it's working or not? I know at the beginning, she will have looser stool... I've expected that. But how long is too long, when should she be 'adjusted'?

I really think this food is going to be a good switch for her... but who knows, it's hard to predict anything with her.

Sorry for all the questions on this, I know it probably gets old to everyone who see's and answers threads like these on a daily basis. It's a first time for me, dealing with all these digestive issues... always had dogs that ate anything that went in font of them with no issue. So switching foods and all these different types are a bit foreign to me. Anyway, you all have been a big help over the past months.... thank you for all the advice so far, and I appreciate any future help as well!

BlackGSD · 10-13-2011, 10:05 PM

When did you start the switch? Did you start out at 75% /25% our is that just where you are now? As far as your other questions, I don't know so I will let someone else answer those.

fuzzybunny · 10-13-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrickyShepherd

How long should I take this switch? When is a good time to have her on 100% new?

I've noticed her stool smells MUCH worse now.... is this just a reaction to the new food? She's never been on a Salmon formula, I figured her body just may need some adjusting. Or should I be worried?

Also... once on 100% ProPlan... How long should it take for me to know if it's working or not?

For my guy with digestive issues, I increase by 25% every two days.
Day 1&2: 75% old/25% new
Day 3&4: 50/50
Day 5&6: 25% old/75% new
Day 7: 100% new

This worked for him but some dogs need more time and others need less so evaluate and modify as needed.

My vet said it takes 6-8 weeks to know if a food is working. Now with that being said, if my dog was having explosive diarrhea I don't think I'd wait 6 weeks.

Can't help you with the smell. My dog is on Pro Plan SS and his poop stinks but he does awesome on it otherwise so I'm not changing him. Jazz's poop stinks though regardless of what food he's on.

Good luck! I hope you have success with this food. It can be frustrating.

TrickyShepherd · 10-13-2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackGSD

When did you start the switch? Did you start out at 75% /25% our is that just where you are now? As far as your other questions, I don't know so I will let someone else answer those.

Tonight will be her 3rd night on it. I did start 75/25. Figured that was a good starting point.

TrickyShepherd · 10-13-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

For my guy with digestive issues, I increase by 25% every two days.
Day 1&2: 75% old/25% new
Day 3&4: 50/50
Day 5&6: 25% old/75% new
Day 7: 100% new

This worked for him but some dogs need more time and others need less so evaluate and modify as needed.

My vet said it takes 6-8 weeks to know if a food is working. Now with that being said, if my dog was having explosive diarrhea I don't think I'd wait 6 weeks.

Can't help you with the smell. My dog is on Pro Plan SS and his poop stinks but he does awesome on it otherwise so I'm not changing him. Jazz's poop stinks though regardless of what food he's on.

Good luck! I hope you have success with this food. It can be frustrating.

Oh good! So I didn't start too strong! I started her on 75/25. That sounds like a good switch. I may up it tonight, it'll be day 3 with it.

Yeah, I plan on giving it a decent bit of time since it's supposed to be a good food for digestive issues. I agree though.... if it turned into explosive potty issues, I wouldn't be waiting that long either! I don't see any problems yet though. It is a little bit looser, but nothing shocking.... Not enough for me to stop the switch, since she did the same at the start of science diet lamb and rice and she was ok with that after a few weeks. So we'll give this a chance too.

The smell is terrible

... but if that's normal, I'll deal with it.

BlackGSD · 10-14-2011, 10:29 AM

I know it's been a couple of of days, so it's probably to late, but personally I would go slower with the switch. Especially when dealing with a dog with digestive issues. I go slower than that with my dogs and I've never had any with ssues.

TrickyShepherd · 10-14-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackGSD

I know it's been a couple of of days, so it's probably to late, but personally I would go slower with the switch. Especially when dealing with a dog with digestive issues. I go slower than that with my dogs and I've never had any with ssues.

Ok, thanks for the suggestion. I'll cut it back a bit for a little longer.

10-13-2011, 08:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
TrickyShepherd Master Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 946	Food Switch After some suggestions on here and my own research. I recently switched Zira to ProPlan Sensitive Stomach & Skin to help get her back from some issues with SIBO. We are slowly switching her over to avoid any steps back with how well she's been eating and gaining weight (a little at a time). After a bit of time, we are currently on 75% old and 25% new. How long should I take this switch? When is a good time to have her on 100% new? I've noticed her stool smells MUCH worse now.... is this just a reaction to the new food? She's never been on a Salmon formula, I figured her body just may need some adjusting. Or should I be worried? Also... once on 100% ProPlan... How long should it take for me to know if it's working or not? I know at the beginning, she will have looser stool... I've expected that. But how long is too long, when should she be 'adjusted'? I really think this food is going to be a good switch for her... but who knows, it's hard to predict anything with her. Sorry for all the questions on this, I know it probably gets old to everyone who see's and answers threads like these on a daily basis. It's a first time for me, dealing with all these digestive issues... always had dogs that ate anything that went in font of them with no issue. So switching foods and all these different types are a bit foreign to me. Anyway, you all have been a big help over the past months.... thank you for all the advice so far, and I appreciate any future help as well! __________________ Zira (GSD, 01/09/11) Pakros von Jagenstadt "Duke" (GSD, 01/06/10) Peaches (Golden Retriever, 10/31/97 - 02/05/11)

10-13-2011, 10:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
BlackGSD Crowned Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 7,795	When did you start the switch? Did you start out at 75% /25% our is that just where you are now? As far as your other questions, I don't know so I will let someone else answer those. __________________ Tracy Siren vom Banach { Sable female GSD 3-20-08} R.I.P. Wrangler male ACD/Aussie mix. 9-29-99 to8-29-11.

10-14-2011, 10:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
BlackGSD Crowned Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 7,795	I know it's been a couple of of days, so it's probably to late, but personally I would go slower with the switch. Especially when dealing with a dog with digestive issues. I go slower than that with my dogs and I've never had any with ssues. __________________ Tracy Siren vom Banach { Sable female GSD 3-20-08} R.I.P. Wrangler male ACD/Aussie mix. 9-29-99 to8-29-11.

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