We recently switched our dog from Beneful to NutroMax. He seemed fine at first (we didn't mix it...we had samples). For the past two days his poop has been different. First off it is HUGE... not being gross but it is HUGE and there is a lot of it.
Do I need to go back to his original food? Mix them up? Or take him to the vet. It is a consistency of hard and soft...not quite runny
i know this because he escaped from his pen twice this week and had an accident all over the house.
2006-10-17 11:20:08 · 12 answers · asked by Lil Miss Answershine 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I did know that i was supposed to mix it...but we ran out one day and had a free sample. When it didn't bother his tummy I thought that it would be okay not to mix it. I thought that NutroMax would be better for him (since they don't use chicken by-products).
The poop is not hard it is big and looks almost the consistency of the inside of a 3 musketeer (but it he normal color).
2006-10-17 11:33:30 · update #1
He's not sick - he's just getting used to his new pup food.
There will normally be about a week's worth of loose or inconsistant stool whenever you change his puppy chow. Just be prepared for it and race him outside when he's gotta go - cuz that stuff can stain the carpet really badly!
You don't need to mix his food - if he has been on it for a few days, it is better to just keep course with the new food, because he could have some of the same problems getting used to his old food again.
2006-10-17 11:22:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
To begin with, never abruptly change your dog's food. That's just asking for tummy upsets and loose stools. Consult with your vet before you do anything, and see if the food is appropriate for your dog's needs. (I'm not a big fan of Beneful OR Nutromax, and if you want the reasons why, email me. I'll be happy to answer anyone's questions in private.)
To change over your dog's food, start by mixing 1/4 new food with 3/4 of the old. Feed him that combination for three days, then do a half and half ration for another three days.
Finally, do a 3/4 mix of new to 1/4 old for three days. On the 10th day, you should be able to feed him the new food by itself. Yes, it takes ten days to switch over, but it lets your dog's system get used to the new food gradually.
And it helps to avoid a lot of mopping and carpet scrubbing!
2006-10-17 18:34:00 · answer #2 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hI there,my dog is a very picky eater and I have had to change brands many times.They say to gradually mix the new food with old.E.G.
80% old with 20% new for first three days,Then 60/40 ,50/50 and so on.I usually do it a bit faster then that though and havent had any problems.If your pouch has been on nutro for a few days now not much point in going back to old.Give it a few more days and double check the serving amount.I had my dog on nutro for awhile but found it had too much filler in it.Not knocking the brand at all its just not for me,i mean her.Trying raw food,no grains no flou,she seems to like it.Most dog foods are the same as long as its not "kibbles and bits".
My friends dog lived to 17 and lived on science diet her whole life,i didnt think it was any good,but who am i to say.
good luck
2006-10-17 18:30:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest taking him to the vet. If he was fine when you first switched the food he should not be having problems now. NutroMax should result in smaller stools and he should not be having loose stools.
2006-10-17 18:31:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm surprised your vet didn't tell you this. When you start an animal on a new food, you need to mix the new food in slowly. For instance, one part new food to 3 parts old food for about one week. Then second week use 2 parts new food and 2 parts old food. 3rd week, 3 parts new food and 1 part old food. 4th week, all new food. Works every time.
2006-10-17 18:23:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It should be about a week, maybe 10 days at the most.
If you have already switched food, don't switch back. Consistency is key from now on. You will make it worse if you bounce back and forth. Just ride it out.
Good Luck
2006-10-17 18:25:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he needs more fluids if his poops are hard. Switching to a new diet is always rough the first month. Try adding an egg to the food or miving wet with the dry to see if that makes a difference to his poops. The best thing for you is to call your vet and ask his/her opinon.
2006-10-17 18:23:33 · answer #7 · answered by Jackie 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gradually mix some of the new food with his old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food and, before long, he will be eating the new food. Also...remember that changing foods can cause diarrhea. Doing it gradually should help prevent that.
2006-10-17 18:35:49 · answer #8 · answered by dmg1969 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
will it will take about 2 weeks for them to get used to it if it is big you to try and crush it up as little as you can so he can eat it hope this will help if you have any moor questions feel free to email me at firefighter_girl_2007@yahoo.com
2006-10-17 18:24:40 · answer #9 · answered by heather 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are survivors, They can live off rotten food. If the food you give your pup isn't appealing, it has to be really bad food!
2006-10-17 18:23:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋