š¶ How to transition your dog to a new food safely
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Make the switch without upsetting your dogās tummy
Switching your dog to a new food like Fergusonās grain-free recipes is a great step toward better health, but itās important to do it gradually. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and a sudden change can lead to upset stomachs, loose stools, or even refusal to eat.
Hereās how to transition safely and what to watch for along the way.
šļø The 7-Day Transition Plan
Ferguson recommends a slow and steady shift over 7 days:
- Days 1ā2: 25% Ferguson food, 75% current food
- Days 3ā4: 50% Ferguson food, 50% current food
- Days 5ā6: 75% Ferguson food, 25% current food
- Day 7 onwards: 100% Ferguson food
This allows your dogās digestive enzymes and gut bacteria to adjust to new ingredientsāespecially if youāre switching to higher meat content or grain-free recipes for the first time.
ā Why Itās Important
If dietary changes are made too suddenly it can cause:
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive gas or bloating
Even healthy changes can be a shock to a dogās digestive system if done too quickly.Ā By easing them in, you give their body time to adapt while reducing the risk of side effects.
š What to Watch For
Keep an eye on:
- Stool consistency: It may soften slightly at first but should normalize by the end of the week. High protein recipes usually create a much firmer stool in the long run.
- Appetite and energy levels: Some dogs eat less during transition but bounce back quickly.
- Itching or scratching: If you're switching to a single protein source recipe due to allergies, improvements may take a few weeks to show.
If symptoms worsen or persist beyond a few days, itās worth checking with your vet.
š” Additional Tips
- š§Ŗ Feed at the same times each day for routine and comfort and do not change any other food elements part of their diet
- š°Ā Ensure fresh water is always availableānew food can change thirst levels.
- š„Ā Donāt overfeed: check Fergusonās portion guide on the bag or this website for your dogās weight and age.
- š¾Ā Patience is key: every dog adjusts at their own pace.
š Ready to Make the Switch?
Fergusonās grain-free, hypoallergenic recipes are made in the UK with real meat, sweet potato, and nothing artificial. Whether youāre changing due to sensitivities or simply upgrading your dogās nutrition, weāre here to help.
