When its time to change your puppys food, whether you're making the transition to an adult food or simply changing brands, always do it gradually. Dogs have sensitive stomachs, and a rapid dietary change can bring on vomiting or diarrhea. Begin by adding small amounts of the new food to your puppys regular food over a period of five to 10 days. The more different the foods are from one another, the more gradual the change should be, Dr. Laflamme says.
For instance, if you're switching from Brand A Puppy Food to Brand B Adult Food, the change should go more slowly than if you're changing within the same line of food; say, from Brand X Puppy Food to Brand X Adult Food. The same is true if you're switching from dry food to canned food or vice versa. Allow plenty of time for the dogs gastrointestinal system to fully adapt to the new diet. One of the advantages of switching within a line of food-from a puppy food to the same manufacturers adult food-is that theres usually a consistency of ingredients, and that can help reduce the risk of a tummy upset, Dr. Laflamme says.
How can you tell if your puppy is eating the right food? Simple. Just take a look at your pup. A puppy eating a balanced diet is bright-eyed, well-muscled and active, with good breath, a shiny coat and healthy skin. Its not too fat and not too thin. If you can look at your puppy and honestly say that it meets the above description, relax. You're doing a great job of feeding it.
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