The transition to new food for dogs and cats
Written by Edith |
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.