Can I switch my dog's food flavors within the same brand safely?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 14th, 2017

  It should not harm Chloe to change her food every 6 weeks, provided that the transition is made gradually by mixing the old and new foods together over 5-7 days. The transition should be made gradually, even within the same brand, since the foods likely have different protein and/or carbohydrate sources. However, if she has any dietary intolerances or allergies, there is a chance that she could experience gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of appetite).

  

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• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on September 12th, 2017

  If you want to switch flavors within the same brand of food, that should be fine. A review of the ingredients of each flavor should be done to confirm there are no major differences that could lead to GI upset.
  

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 11th, 2017

  I agree with your vet it's ok to change food, and to do it yearly. If you want to change flavors monthly, do it slowly to avoid GI upset. I agree that grains are good for dogs, and I only recommend doing grain free if the dog has allergies. I would give your dog Fromm :-)

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 11th, 2017

  While that may be possible, you would put your dog through a lot of GI upset to reach that point where they can switch flavors cold turkey, which isn't fair or kind to the dog. Dogs actually don't need a variety of flavors in their food, they are fine being fed the same flavor of food for their lifetime. In addition, frequent changes in flavors can promote finicky eating habits. I personally would stick with Fromm. As you've pointed out, they have grain food, and I don't recommend feeding a dog a grain free diet unless they have food allergies. I would recommend feeding your dog the Fromm Classic recipe. It has chicken, brown rice, and eggs, all of which are great for dogs, and contains 4% fiber, which is exactly the amount of fiber your dog needs daily. I'm so glad to help you, and I hope this has been helpful as well :-)

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful