Switching your pet’s food can feel like a minefield. With so many opinions and “expert” tips online, knowing when – and how – to make a change isn’t always straightforward.
We sat down with veterinarian Dr. Suzanne Moyes to cut through the noise. From fussy eaters to food intolerances, she shared her expert insight on how to make the switch smoothly – and why consistency and confidence are key.
Why do some dogs (and their owners!) resist switching foods? What’s behind that resistance?
In many cases, resistance comes down to change itself. It’s something new, and both owners and dogs can be creatures of habit. Owners often rely on recommendations from breeders, rescue centers, or vets, and tend to stick with what their pet was already being fed to maintain stability.
There are certain points in a dog’s life when food changes are more likely – for example, when the dog first comes home, after neutering, at a health check, or when transitioning from puppy to adult food. Once a dog is on a routine and doing well, many owners feel, “If it’s working, why change it?”
Sometimes, change only happens when something shifts. Perhaps the dog’s health changes, the vet recommends a new food, or the owner’s economic situation alters.
From the dog’s side, some breeds are naturally more “fussy” than others – for instance, Labradors usually eat anything, whereas smaller breeds can be pickier. But often, fussy eaters are made, not born. Modern pet owners treat pets as family members and want them to enjoy their food, so they may mix in wet food or extras to please them. That can make switching harder, because once an owner finds something their dog loves, they’re reluctant to risk changing it.
Ultimately, a new food or brand needs a compelling story. It needs to be high quality, have great ingredients, have proven palatability, and clear health benefits, to overcome that resistance.
How can owners tell whether a dog is being picky versus not tolerating a food?
It’s about looking at the bigger picture. Is your dog otherwise healthy? Are their stools normal? Is their coat shiny and their weight stable?
A truly unwell or inappetent dog won’t eat anything, even treats. But a “picky” dog might just turn up their nose initially, hoping you’ll add something tastier. Observe patterns in their behaviour. For example:
- A dog refusing food but still excited about treats is probably being selective.
- A dog consistently losing weight or refusing all foods might have a medical issue.
- Also, consider underlying causes like dental discomfort – sometimes tooth problems make eating painful without obvious signs.
If there’s any doubt, it’s always worth getting them checked by a vet.
What are some common mistakes owners make when introducing a new food?
The biggest mistake is switching too quickly. An abrupt change can cause digestive upsets and even create a negative association with the new food if the dog feels unwell afterwards.
Ideally, transition gradually over 7-10 days, reducing the old food while slowly introducing the new. Some owners start well but rush the process after a few days.
You can begin by offering small amounts of the new food as treats, then mix into meals. Also, keep feeding behaviour consistent – use the same bowl, same routine, same feeding location. Don’t hover or anxiously watch them eat, as dogs pick up on that energy. Just act as you normally would.
With cats especially, any change in your behavior around food can make them suspicious and hesitant to eat.
How important is consistency in feeding routines during a transition?
Consistency is key. Keep everything – timing, bowl, feeding spot – the same. Avoid introducing multiple changes at once, like a new feeding area or bowl, while also switching food. Once your pet has settled into the new diet, you can adjust other variables later.
Some pets adapt easily; others are more sensitive, so the steadier you keep things, the better.
What signs suggest that a food change might be necessary?
There are a few indicators:
- Life stage changes: Puppies should move to adult food at the right time, and adults eventually to senior diets. Larger breeds typically transition earlier.
- Weight changes: Keep an eye on both gain and loss. Body condition scoring is a great tool – you can easily find guides online of what to look for to score your pet, and many vet clinics let you pop in just to weigh your pet.
- Loss of interest or poor eating habits: If your pet is consistently unenthusiastic about food and you’ve ruled out medical issues, it might be time for a change.
That said, don’t switch too often – frequent changes can create fussy eating habits and digestive upset.
What signs might indicate a food allergy or intolerance?
True food allergies in dogs are quite rare. Most cases are intolerances, where the body reacts without a full immune response. Typical signs fall into two categories:
- Digestive: loose stools, vomiting, or recurrent tummy upsets.
- Skin: itching (especially paws), ear infections, or general irritation.
If these symptoms are persistent or recurring, consult your vet. A single episode of an upset tummy doesn’t necessarily mean intolerance, but repeated issues might.
Certain breeds are more prone. For example, West Highland White Terriers often have skin sensitivities, while some Setter breeds have delicate stomachs.
Are there any strategies that can help make a food transition smoother? Like food toppers, for example.
Yes – toppers can help improve acceptance but choose them wisely. Look for high-quality, nutritionally meaningful toppers rather than quick fixes like gravy or excessive salt. It should always positively add something to your pet’s diet.
Products like Green Pantry supplements can boost palatability with functional ingredients such as liver powder while also adding nutritional value.
Avoid adding things you don’t intend to continue long-term (if you start mixing in chicken every day, your dog will come to expect it!)
What myths or misconceptions do you hear most often around switching pet foods?
A common misconception is confusing coincidence with cause and effect. Because pets eat the same food daily, owners often blame a food for unrelated issues (“He ate that, then got sick”), but this isn’t likely because they do eat this every day without upset, so the cause of the sickness is likely to lie elsewhere.
There are also widespread myths about what dogs can’t digest, for instance, that they shouldn’t eat wheat, rice, or carbohydrates. Dogs are omnivores, genetically distinct from wolves, and capable of digesting a variety of proteins and carbohydrates.
The key is feeding a balanced, good-quality diet from reputable sources. Be cautious of online advice – not everything on social media is accurate. Cross-check information on trusted sites, and when in doubt, seek guidance from professionals.
Any final advice for pet owners navigating all the conflicting information out there?
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed – there are countless brands and opinions. Stick to reputable sources, talk to your vet, and rely on trusted recommendations.
Ultimately, focus on feeding your pet the best-quality food you can afford, with meaningful ingredients and clear nutritional benefits. That’s what keeps them healthy and happy in the long term.
