The transition to new food for dogs and cats

Written by Edith | June 3, 2025

Nutrition is an important part of caring for your dog or cat. Good nutrition helps keep your pet healthy. This means that switching to a different type of food may sometimes be necessary. If you are planning to transition to a new pet food, it is important to pay close attention to a few key points.

Reasons to switch pet food

Your pet is reaching adulthood
Your pet is getting older
Your pet is developing health issues
Intolerances or allergies to ingredients
Switching from kibble to fresh meat or vice versa
Financial reasons or the owner’s personal preference

Once you’ve found a new dog or cat food and are ready to make the switch, it’s best to do so as gradually as possible. Your dog or cat will need some time to adjust to the new food. Below you’ll find a table showing a possible transition schedule:

Switching to a different food
Day	Percentage of current food	Percentage of new food
Day 1 & 2	75%	25%
Day 3 & 4	50%	50%
Day 5 & 6	25%	75%
Day 7	0%	100%

It is especially important to keep a close eye on your four-legged friend during this transition period. Do you notice that your dog or cat is eating less while switching foods? Then take a bit more time. For example, mix in smaller amounts over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Or does your pet have a sensitive digestive system? In that case, it might be better to wait 3 days before moving on to the next step. Cats in particular often need more time to get used to the shape or hardness of the new food.

Relevant Products

Switching to a veterinary diet

Your dog or cat may suffer from a condition such as an intestinal disorder, food allergy or digestive problems. In such cases, switching to a veterinary diet may be necessary. Only do this in consultation with a veterinarian. When your pet is unwell, the urgency to switch to a different food may feel high, but transitioning too quickly can lead to complications. So be patient with the process.

Possible consequences of switching food too quickly

Flatulence
Frequent bowel movements
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Itching
Refusing food

Tips for switching to a raw food diet

Starting with KVV (Complete Raw Meat Meals) is the easiest option. It most closely resembles the familiar canned food that many pets are already used to.
First, try to see how your pet reacts to raw food. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, it’s best to take things slowly.
Pour boiling water over the raw food. This removes the harshest raw edge and helps release the aroma, which can support your pet in accepting raw food. It also aids digestion.
Mix the raw food with the food your pet is already eating. Start by stirring in just a small amount, and gradually increase it each day. At the same time, reduce the amount of the old food a little each day until your pet is eating fully raw.
Serve the food at room temperature. It’s more appealing and your pet will be more likely to accept it.
When switching, carefully consider the portion sizes. For KVV, you’ll find the feeding instructions on the packaging.

The most important tip is: be patient. Don’t expect your dog or cat to turn from a kibble eater into a raw food lover overnight. Your pet also needs time to get used to the idea.

Feedwise helps you choose the best dog food for your dog or cat

The veterinary team at Vetsend works with Feedwise, a special nutrition tool that helps determine which food is best suited for your dog or cat. Feedwise provides free, independent, and personalised nutritional advice.