Making the switch

[SamanthaBrynn]

My DH informed me we are low on Callie's puppy chow. So we are going grain free because of the itchy feet. I don't have much left of the old food...maybe a few days worth. Is that enough to switch her or should I get a smaller bag of old and a big bag of new? Just curious before I do it.

[jprice103]

Is it a few days worth at 1/2 the amount you normally feed, or a few days worth at normal feed? Typically, you need a week to transition...although the slower the better. I usually start out with a 1/4 new food and 3/4 old food...do that for 3 days, then 1/2 and 1/2 for 3 days...then 3/4 new and 1/4 old for 3 days...then all new. That would mean that you need 9 days to transition...but the amount of old food decreases with each switch. I like to give a little more time (i.e. the 9 days) but if you can do it in 7, I think that would be sufficient.

[Cassidy's Mom]

As long as she doesn't have any digestive issues you can probably switch her within a few days. I usually fed 2 or 3 meals at each stage, not days - 3/4 old 1/4 new, half and half, 1/4 old 3/4 new, and then 100% new. With a dog that has a more delicate tummy I'd take a little longer, with one that has always had perfect poop and can eat anything, I go with the shorter switch.

[SamanthaBrynn]

Ok, we'll give it a try! I'm glad we're home with her this weekend to see how it goes.