Simple steps for a smooth, stress-free food switch.
It’s finally happening. You took the leap to help shelter pets and purchased a bag of CUDDLY food! Amazing choice! Now… what exactly do you do with it?
If your pup is new to CUDDLY food, it’s important not to immediately swap out their entire bowl (despite how outrageously delicious their new CUDDLY food is). A sudden change can upset even the hardiest of tummies. If you value that new rug you just bought for the living room, read on for some tips on how to transition your pup to their new food!
According to the American Kennel Club, a gradual transition is best for giving your pup’s digestive system time to adjust to a new formula. Here’s the timeline they suggest:
- Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.
- Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.
- Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.
- Day 7: 100% new diet.
However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, this process can take even longer. Think six to eight weeks. A slow progression allows your pup’s digestive enzymes and gut bacteria to adapt without discomfort.
Okay. So now we’ve got the timeline sorted. What’s next? Well, it’s not just the GI tract you’ve got to keep an eye on. Changing food can reveal sensitivities or allergies you didn’t know your pup had. Watch out for:
- Excessive itching
- Red, irritated skin
- Unusual shedding
These symptoms may indicate a food intolerance or an allergic reaction to a new ingredient. While mild symptoms can sometimes resolve as the body adjusts, persistent issues should be discussed with your vet before continuing the switch.
There’s a world full of allergens and yucky ingredients out there. But with CUDDLY brand food, you can rest easy knowing that a board-certified companion animal nutritionist formulated your pup’s meal, especially since some pets are more prone to allergies than others. Pit Bulls, for example, often experience allergic reactions to chicken.
Thankfully, CUDDLY’s Salmon & Rice Dog Food formula includes no sneaky chicken byproducts, making it ideal for pups who don’t vibe with poultry. Even more exciting, CUDDLY’s Chicken & Pea Dog Food is entirely grain-free—that means no corn, no wheat, and no soy.
But what’s even more delicious is the feel-good knowledge that your CUDDLY food is helping an animal in need. For every bag of CUDDLY food purchased, we donate a meal to a shelter pet. This past year alone, we’ve donated over 750,000 pounds of food. That’s incredible!
Above all, remember that transitioning food is a marathon, not a sprint. Every dog is different. What matters most is that your pup is excited about mealtime and that they’re receiving the nutrition they need to fuel their body. Follow the gradual transition plan, watch for changes in digestion and skin health, and don’t hesitate to slow down the schedule if your dog needs extra time. With patience and the right approach, your furry family member will be happily enjoying their new CUDDLY meals in no time.
