How to Transition Your Dog to a New Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach

Switching your dog to a new food can be a good move, especially if you’re choosing a more balanced or cost-effective option. But doing it too quickly can lead to problems like loose stools, vomiting, or refusal to eat. Dogs get used to their routine, and sudden changes in diet can upset their digestion.

If you’re thinking about moving your dog from their current food to a Favour product, the right approach can make a big difference.

Why Slow Changes Matter

Dogs have sensitive stomachs. Even if the new food is better, their gut needs time to adjust. Bacteria in the digestive system adapt to break down certain ingredients. If you switch food too quickly, the gut can’t cope, leading to upset.

A gradual change gives your dog time to get used to the new recipe. It also helps you spot any signs of intolerance or allergies before the food becomes a full part of their diet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Dog’s Food

Here’s a basic 7-day plan for switching from your current food to Favour Original with Chicken, Favour Original with Beef, or either the Favour Beef Chunks in Gravy or Favour Chicken Chunks in Gravy.

Day 1 and 2: 75% old food, 25% Favour

Start with mostly the food your dog is used to. Mix in a small portion of the new Favour product. This helps introduce the new smell and taste without overwhelming their system.

Watch how your dog reacts. If they eat around the new food, try mixing it more evenly. If they eat the full bowl without any issue, move to the next step after two days.

Day 3 and 4: 50% old food, 50% Favour

Split the bowl evenly between old and new food. At this point, you’re helping the digestive system adjust to different ingredients and textures.

Keep an eye on stool quality, appetite, and energy levels. Mild changes in stool are normal, but anything severe should prompt a pause or slower transition.

Day 5 and 6: 25% old food, 75% Favour

By now, your dog should be familiar with the new food. You can reduce the old food and increase the Favour portion.

If everything is going well, your dog should show signs of adjusting. They should eat their meals without hesitation and have normal energy and bowel movements.

Day 7 and onwards: 100% Favour

After a full week, you can feed your dog the new food without mixing. If the change has gone smoothly, their system should be ready to digest Favour food on its own.

Tips to Help the Transition

Some dogs adapt faster than others. These tips can help make the process easier and avoid setbacks.

Stick to regular mealtimes

Feed your dog at the same time each day. This helps create routine and makes it easier to track any changes in appetite or behaviour.

Use fresh water

Always provide clean, fresh water during a food transition. It helps with digestion and reduces the chance of constipation or dehydration.

Avoid treats and scraps

Try not to give your dog other food during the switch. Too many treats or human food can confuse the process and upset their stomach.

Monitor stool and energy

Soft stools for a day or two can happen, but they should not persist. If your dog becomes sluggish, vomits, or refuses to eat, slow down the transition or speak to a vet.

Choosing the Right Favour Product

All Favour products are complete and balanced. You can choose the one that works best for your dog.

Favour Original with Chicken: A dry food with 23% protein, suitable for daily feeding and active adult dogs.

Favour Original with Beef: Similar to the chicken version, ideal for dogs who prefer beef flavour.

Favour with Chicken or Beef Chunks in Gravy: Moist food that works well for fussy eaters or dogs who need a softer texture.

If your dog enjoys variety, you can switch between flavours once the initial transition is complete. Stick to the same food type (dry or wet) when rotating, or repeat the gradual change steps if moving from dry to wet food.

When to Slow Down or Stop

Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs than others. If your dog shows strong signs of discomfort such as ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, or loss of appetite it’s best to pause.

Return to their old food for a few days and try again with a slower transition. You can also mix in a smaller amount of the new food over a longer period, such as two weeks instead of one.

If issues continue, speak to your vet. There may be an underlying issue or specific ingredient causing trouble.

Final Thoughts

Switching your dog to Favour can be a good step towards simpler, more balanced feeding. But the way you make the change matters. A slow, steady shift helps protect your dog’s stomach and gives them time to enjoy the new taste.

Stick to the 7-day plan, keep things simple, and monitor your dog closely. With a little patience, you’ll find the process smooth, and your dog will soon be enjoying their new food without fuss.