I would like to give my german shepard a different food, I was thinking canidae or innova, he currently has pedigree dog food. He has been eating this food for 2 weeks and I want to switch but how should I introduce the new food? Should I add a little of the new stuff to his current food and increase the amount gradually? By gradually that means how much per day? Sorry if this seems stupid but I am not sure and dont want to upset his tummy..thank you for serious answers.....what are your opinions on the canidae and innova? Sorry if I didnt spell them right but you know what I mean.
2006-11-25 11:45:53 · 21 answers · asked by rufnready 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yes I know pedigree sucks but thats what I have for now so dont rip on me ok?
2006-11-25 11:46:36 · update #1
Switch gradually by using 1/4 of the new dog food with 3/4 old for a few days. Then 1/3, Then 1/2, Then 2/3 Then all new.
Stop if your dog is having a reaction to the new food. Some shepherds are sensitive to different meats. Mine needed to eat Venison and Rice. Nature's Recipe makes that. I am sure there are some other premium brands that make food with that meat.
I am not familiar with Canidae or innova. I have heard others speak very highly of Canidae but I do know that Diamond and Innova had some recalls of food, or seem to remember hearing that some time ago. I could be wrong.
GL with your shepherd! Also ask your Vet about recommended supplements for skin and coat. I use 3V Caps with Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vit. A, D and E.
2006-11-25 11:54:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not familiar with those brands..but WELLNESS is really amazing. COst is slightly more..but well worth it. All natural..no fillers or by products. Pedigree is not a healthy food. You are smart to switch him. Gradual is the key. Just in case he has a sensitive stomach..the slower the better. Replace 1/8 of the food with the new for a few days...Then 1/4 for a few days, then finally after about a week...1/2, and then by the second week, you should be totally switched. Always better to be safe than sorry. Good luck :)
2006-11-25 20:09:15 · answer #2 · answered by alllanas 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've never had a problem switching food on a dog. They say to mix in a small amount and then over time build up until they are completely off the old food but i've gone straight to half and half with no problem. It all depends on how sensitive the dogs tummy is to the new food. If you are really concerned I seem to remember the vet said to increase it by week not day... So try 1/4 of the new food for one week then increase from there. If he seems fine then don't worry about it and bring it on!
2006-11-25 19:58:59 · answer #3 · answered by bella 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's the formula I follow:
For two to three days each -
1/4 new kibble, 3/4 old kibble
1/2 new kibble, 1/2 old kibble
3/4 new kibble, 1/4 old kibble
Then 100% new kibble.
I've never fed Canidae or Innova, but from what I've heard both are good foods.
2006-11-25 20:40:49 · answer #4 · answered by lickitysplit 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What we tell people to do at our store is to start with putting 1/4 of the new food in for a 12 days. Then 1/2 for the next 12. Then 3/4 of it for 14 days. Make sure it has no problems then switch to all of it being the new food. But sprinkle a few tablespoons of the old food over it for a few days. We never had any problems switching food this way.
2006-11-25 19:53:56 · answer #5 · answered by Serena T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people think that you should gradually mix in the new food but I am of the opinion that an immediate switch is fine. My folks do it all the time because they feed a new food every month. I think that it's necessary for dogs to have variety in their diet and change so agree with this philosophy. I'm not familiar with innova but I'm assuming your talking about Royal Cannin? That is a good food and one I would certainly recommend.
2006-11-25 20:38:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should start mixing the food 50/50 if you change it too drastically your dog will get diarrhea which is not fun with a larger breed dog. Just gradually add more of the food that you are changing over to until you have him on the new food.
Pedigree is a good dog food, I fed it to my kennel dogs for years mixed with a little canned Pedigree for years.
I'am not that familiar with Canidae or Innova.
Iams is also a good dog food.
2006-11-25 19:52:47 · answer #7 · answered by judy_derr38565 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have the right idea. I usually do the quarter serving rule. Start with switching 1/4 of what ever amount you are giving him do this for two days. If you noticed nothing happening, no excess poopoing, etc. Then do 1/2. If you noticed any side effects stay there for a couple of days.
As for the food I have no experience with those two brands but my personal favorite is Eukanuba. My dogs are free range eaters on this they eat about 1/2 cup per day on other stuff they were close to two cups.
2006-11-25 19:49:48 · answer #8 · answered by live4logan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You must do this gradually starting with small amounts of the new food and increments every week until you are just feeding it the new food.If you see that he doesn't react well with the new food just start with a few kibbles then gradually increase. It's understandable that you don't want to upset it's stomach.Good luck.
2006-11-25 19:58:09 · answer #9 · answered by ballerinaninja 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just slowly add more of the new dog food to the stuff you are already feeding your dog. The more of the new dog food you give, use less of the old dog food. Do this until you are giving your dog all of the new dog food. Just gradually work up to this so you don't upset your dogs stomach.
2006-11-26 02:47:12 · answer #10 · answered by kerrberr95 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋