Yes, you should mix your dog's new food with the old food during a transition, ideally over a 7 to 10-day period. This gradual process minimizes digestive upset—like diarrhea or vomiting—by allowing your dog’s stomach to adapt to new ingredients. The transition usually involves decreasing the old food while increasing the new.

Do you have to mix dog food when switching?

Begin by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food. This gradual introduction helps your dog's digestive system adjust to the new ingredients. Monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or digestive issues.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

How to properly transition a dog to new food?

When switching to a new food, start very small. If you change too quick, your dog will get diarrhea. Start 25% new food, 75% old for 3 days or more. Then 50/50 after 3 more days or more. Then 75% new food, 25% old food for 3 or more days. Then finally 100% new food.

How long does it take to transition to new dog food?

Dogs should transition to a new food over seven days. Initially replace 25% of the old food with the new food. Continue to gradually increase the proportion of the new food offered based on your pet's acceptance. Cats may need up to 40 days to transition, so be patient.

PLEASE SOAK YOUR KIBBLE!

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

How do I transition a picky eater's food?

5 Tips to Deal With Picky Eaters

1. Shop and cook with the kids. Kids are more likely to taste a dish if they help plan or prepare it. ...
2. Cook one meal for the whole family. Serve one meal for everyone in the family — with no exceptions. ...
3. Keep offering new foods. ...
4. Avoid the clean plate club. ...
5. Serve smart snacks.

Can I mix wet and dry dog food?

Mixing wet and dry food is a great way to reinvigorate mealtime for your dog or cat and help get them excited about what's in their bowl. If you've fed your furry friend the same dry or wet food for an extended period, they can understandably become bored with the same flavors and textures day in and day out.

What happens if you switch dog food too quickly?

Symptoms of changing puppy food too quickly (or any dog food for that matter) include diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite and regurgitation. The balance of gut bacteria can be disrupted by dietary changes, hence the gastrointestinal upset. This can be mitigated with the use of a vet-approved probiotic.

What is the hardest month with a puppy?

The "worst" month of puppyhood varies, but common tough stages include 3-4 months (intense biting/teething, potty training issues, sleep disruption) and the 6-12 month adolescence period (rebelliousness, boundary testing, increased energy/independence, "terrible teens"), with the biting often peaking around 13 weeks. While teething (4-6 months) brings destructive chewing, adolescence brings behavioral challenges as hormones kick in, leading to disobedience and independence.
 

How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?

An hour for a dog doesn't pass like it does for humans; due to their faster metabolism and perception, a human hour feels much longer to a dog, with some suggesting it's closer to 7 minutes of their time, making a work day feel like days, and explaining their intense excitement when owners return from seemingly short absences. They sense time through routines, smells, and body changes, not abstract clocks. 

Is it okay to feed dogs the same food every day?

However, as long as their nutritional needs are met, technically they can eat the same thing at every meal. The truth is, pet preferences are unique, just like humans. While some dogs are happy with the same meal, morning and night, you are encouraged to spice it up a bit and try new things.

What is the 95 rule for dog food?

The dog food 95% Rule (set by AAFCO for the FDA) means if a product name highlights an ingredient (e.g., "Chicken Dog Food"), that ingredient must make up at least 95% of the product by weight (excluding added water); if two ingredients are named ("Chicken & Liver"), they must total 95%, with the first listed being more abundant, while other rules cover "Dinner" (25%) or "With" (3%) claims. This helps consumers understand the primary components of their pet's food.
 

Do vets recommend dry or wet food for dogs?

Your vet is the best source of advice when it comes to your dog's diet. They understand your dog's individual health requirements and can recommend whether wet, dry, or a combination of both is ideal. For example, a vet may suggest wet food for hydration or dry food for longer-term feeding.

How many days should you transition dog food?

Be patient and slowly ease into the new routine with your pup as this change can cause digestive adjustment and upset if transitioned too quickly. Start the transition by putting the new food at the bottom of the bowl and give yourself a good 7-10 days to transition.

What is the one bite rule for picky eaters?

This can create excitement about the meal the upcoming meal. Ban your clan from saying negative things about foods around the dinner table. Apply the 'one bite rule. ' That means that all family members have to try at least one bite.

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