How to switch your puppy onto a new food

Whether your puppy has just come home, or you've decided it's time for a recipe that suits them better, a change of food is a big moment for a small tummy. A puppy's digestive system is still developing, and a sudden swap can mean loose stools, wind or a puppy who turns their nose up at the bowl. The good news is that a gradual, well-planned change avoids most of that.

At Puppy Steps, every puppy we train is raised on Dog's Life, so we've guided plenty of owners through this. Here's how we'd do it.

Take it slowly

Our feeding guides recommend introducing a new food gradually over a period of two weeks. Many puppies settle sooner, but there's no prize for rushing. Mix the new food into the old, increasing the share a little every few days:

Days	Old food	New food
1-3	75%	25%
4-6	50%	50%
7-9	25%	75%
10-14	0-10%	90-100%

Keep the total amount the same; you're changing what's in the bowl, not how much. If your puppy came from a breeder, ask for a small bag of the food they were on so you have something to mix with. A new home is a big change on its own, and familiar food helps.

Watch the stools

It isn't glamorous, but your puppy's poo is the best guide you have. Firm, well-formed stools mean things are going well. Slightly softer stools for a day or two are common during a switch. If they become loose, simply drop back to the previous step for a few days before moving on again.

Feed the right amount

Puppies need different amounts depending on their age and how big they're expected to be as adults. As an example, here's the daily guide for our Grain Free Puppy Chicken with Turkey, Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot:

Expected adult weight	2-4 months	4-6 months	6-12 months	12-15 months
1-4kg	45-70g	65-75g	65g - Adult	Adult
5-10kg	95-155g	140-165g	140g - Adult	Adult
11-20kg	145-260g	225-270g	215-270g	Adult
21-30kg	200-380g	325-390g	295-375g	310-320g
31-45kg	275-525g	445-530g	380-480g	405-480g

Grams per day. Every recipe has its own feeding guide on its product page, so check the one for the food you're switching to. Split the daily amount across several small meals rather than one or two big ones, and remember that every dog is different: adjust for breed, age, temperament and activity level. If you can feel but not see your puppy's ribs, you're about right.

Fresh water, always

Dry food means your puppy will drink more than you might expect. Always make sure fresh, clean water is available, and wash and refill the bowl every day.

Go easy on treats

Treats are brilliant for training, and we use plenty of them, but they all count. During the switch, keep extras to a minimum so you can tell how your puppy is coping with the new food. A handy trick is to set aside some of the day's kibble and use it as training rewards. Your puppy still gets a reward, and their tummy has fewer new things to deal with.

Keep things consistent

Feed at the same times each day, in the same quiet spot, and pick the bowl up after around 15-20 minutes. A routine helps with house training too: puppies usually need to go out shortly after eating.

When to see your vet

A slightly softer stool or a skipped meal during a change isn't usually a cause for concern. Do call your vet if your puppy:

• has diarrhoea that lasts more than a day or two, or has blood in it

• is being sick repeatedly

• seems lethargic, off-colour or in pain

• refuses food for more than a day

• shows itching, red skin or ear problems that could point to an intolerance

Very young puppies can go downhill quickly, so if in doubt, ring your vet.

The short version

Go slowly over about two weeks, keep an eye on what comes out, feed to the guide for your puppy's age and expected adult size, keep the water bowl full and go easy on extras. Do that, and most puppies won't even notice the change, apart from enjoying their dinner.

If you're unsure which Dog's Life recipe is right for your puppy, get in touch. We're always happy to help.