Is it ok to feed your dog, differnt foods?

Question

Is it ok to swich up your dog's kibble from one flavor or brand to another?

Answer 1

You can change dog food ONLY doing it by mixing small amounts at a time (day by day) into the food that they are used to.
Then you can change over once you have depleted the older food that they are used too.
Changing suddenly will cause an upset stomach, and other symptoms.
Just like when you have a pup, you give it puppy food, as it gets older their digestive system changes. Especially when they are an older dog.

Answer 2

You can switch it but it has to be gradual. You have to slowly introduce the new kibble by mixing a little in with the old kibble and gradually using more of the new and less of the old until you are only using the new. You can upset your dogs stomach if you try to just one day give him a new kibble and he will start vomiting and will have runny stool. It's best not to change brands once you find one that works well and your dog enjoys. Switching flavors, but in the same food is OK. I use Science Diet and I switch between Lamb & Rice and Chicken, but it is still from Science Diet.

Answer 3

If you are going from an 'ok' type dog food to an upgrade brand, I'd say go for it. As others have said, mix it into their food now and switch after a few days of that. If you're NOT switching to an upgraded brand of food, don't bother switching him.

Also, Ralph, dogs are different than us. We DO want variety, but dogs are fine with eating the same thing over and over. And it's great for their tummys not to be trying to digest all different kinds of food.

I have 2 rat terriers and they get a bit of IAMS food in the am and a bit in the pm. They are fine with that. I have doggie snacks and they usually get 2 a day...just the crunchy kind. They are both healthy and perfect weight.

Answer 4

I'm sure switching flavors (same Brand) is ok, but realize each brand has different ingredents that their body might need getting used to. For sure avoid certain ingredents like corn, any type of gluten (like the recalled junk) because its all fillers (less proteins, and nutrients) We have 3 dogs (2 sharpeis and 1 beagle) and feed them Nutro-Max Pro its Holistic food its made in the U.S. and they love it!
First thing to do is look at ingredents if corn or anything other than meat is in the first 3 ingredents avoid its cheap and not worth the money. ('ol roys from walmart is good example of cheap nasty food) Also, some dogs have problems with chicken, so don't be surprised if your dog has plenty of gas when fed chicken. If you decide to change food, do it slowly so the dog(s) body can adjust.

Answer 5

Yes. Switching kibble types regularly has been known to deduce health problems such as urinary tract infections and prevent food allergies from developing. Dogs are carnivores so therefore supplementing kibble with regular fresh foods (especially biologically appropriate food such as raw meaty bones, muscle meat and organ) is beneficial to their health.

Answer 6

generally this is not a good idea, as it creates a finicky dog and can contribute to food allergies...
best to find ONE food and only make 2 changes in a lifetime

puppy to adult, and adult to senior...

the trick is finding a good food - NONE from grocery store or Wal Mart is any good (way too much filler and nasty ingredients like by-products (beaks feet feathers) and "meatmeal" a mystery meat that can be ANY dead animal... hmmmmm

avoid foods which are marketed to look good but are really crap eg. Science Diet and Eukanuba..

read the lables - some good ones are - Canidae, Wellness, Innova, in Canada - Nutram.

Answer 7

It could cause stomach upset for the first few days. I recommend mixing the old and new foods together for a couple of days so his stomach gets used to the new food.

Answer 8

i have 4 dogs, and over the years have given them a variety of dog foods.I believe dogs like having varieties,that's why they like table scraps so much.My neighbor says different.She thinks I spoil my dogs anyway.But wouldn't you get tired of eating the same food day in and day out?Besides,there are so many different kinds out there you can choose from now, why not try something different.

Answer 9

No, you'll give your dog diarrhea if you do that. Just choose one top quality dry food and stick with it. Dogs have only a fraction of the taste buds people have - they don't mind eating the same thing every day - it's better for them.

Answer 10

You shouldnt switch once you find one that he likes and is good for him. If you keep switching he is liable to get sick and get the runs, which is not fun. Find one that both you and the dog like, and stick with it.