Changing your dog's kibble: here's how to do it

Changing your dog's kibble is a delicate process that must be managed carefully, so as to get him used to the new food without side effects. Here are our tips!

Based on the different growth stages, it is always necessary to adapt the food of your furry friend so that he always takes in the correct energy intake and nutrients. But how to change the dog's kibble in the right way?

When to change your dog's kibble

First of all, it is right to ask yourself: when is it the right time to change your dog's kibble?

Changing your dog's food may be necessary in several situations:

• Puppy Growth
• Specific nutritional needs
• Food intolerances
• Improving food quality
  

In particular, if the change depends on growth, it is important to always take into account the size of the dog :

• Small size : from 8 months up to 1 year of age
• Medium size : between 12 and 14 months
• Large or very large size : from 14 months up to approximately 18
  

The first fundamental element to take into consideration when it comes to changing your dog's food is gradualness.

Whether it is a puppy entering adulthood or an elderly dog ​​that no longer needs an excessive energy intake, the process must be anything but sudden.

The main reason? Allowing the body to accept and get used to the new food, especially by making the digestive system produce new enzymes.

If this process is not respected and the new food is introduced too quickly, there is a risk that unpleasant gastrointestinal problems may arise.

Here are the steps to follow to change your dog's kibble in the right way:

• Mix the old kibble with the new one for about 10 days, gradually increasing the new food until you get to giving it exclusively;
• Accompany your diet with extra lactic ferments, in order to avoid any gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or other irritations;
• Don't overdo the quantities : it all depends on the size of the dog and its lifestyle. Consult your vet if you have any doubts about the doses!

What to do if you don't like the new kibble

If your dog refuses the new kibble, there are several strategies you can adapt to make the food change easier:

• Try mixing the new kibble with a little unsalted broth to increase palatability and encourage your dog to try the new food.
• Warm the kibble slightly, as heat can intensify the aroma and make it more appealing.
  
  If despite these precautions, the dog continues to refuse the new kibble, it may be useful to consult a veterinarian to rule out any health problems or food intolerances. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid frequently changing the type of kibble , as this can create instability in the dog's diet and lead to capricious eating behaviors.

How to tell if new kibble isn't good for him

Monitoring your dog's health is essential when changing kibble. If you notice symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, there may be an intolerance to the new kibble. In this case, consult your veterinarian to find an appropriate solution and ensure that your dog receives a balanced and healthy diet.

In addition to knowing how, it is also essential to know when it is necessary to change your dog’s kibble.

It all depends on the stage of development it is in, which in a dog are three, namely:

• Puppy : up to the age of one year;
• Adult : up to the age of seven;
• Elder : after the seventh year.

In each of these phases, the physiological needs of the dog are very different, which is why it is essential that his food is perfectly balanced and suitable for his daily needs.

For puppies, it is essential that the kibble is:

• Rich in easily digestible cereals such as rice;
• Rich in vitamins, mineral salts and chondroprotectors for bone development;
• Rich in animal proteins to ensure the right energy intake.

An adult dog, on the other hand, will need a significant caloric intake to satisfy its energy needs, which is why it is essential that it consumes kibble rich in high-quality meat. To ensure a healthy, balanced and natural diet, furthermore, a good solution can be to focus on natural kibble, therefore free of preservatives and colorants and rich in rice, a highly digestible cereal and also suitable for dogs with intolerances.

Finally, an older dog, given the more sedentary lifestyle due to advanced age, will not need the same energy intake as an adult dog or a puppy. It will be essential to provide a light diet, without fat, but rich in vitamins necessary to avoid joint and muscle fatigue.

Finally, here is the last question to answer to ensure your furry friend has a quality diet: what should you change the kibble to?

Simple! With high quality Italian products such as Aldog® croquettes.

Aldog® offers a vast range of dog biscuits specifically formulated based on different ages, sizes and nutritional needs .

In particular, the following are available:

Puppy food with both meat and fish, formulated for puppies from weaning until the first year of age. These food products are:

• totally natural, in fact they are completely free from colorants and preservatives;


• rich in excellent quality meat;


• rich in easily digestible rice;


• rich in chondroitin, glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane to support joints;
• rich in FOS prebiotics for the maintenance of energy flora;


• rich in choline chloride for better assimilation of fats;


• rich in salmon or linseed oil for the well-being of the retina and coat.

Adult and Senior Kibble : With around 15 products to choose from, these kibbles come in a variety of flavors and compositions based on your dog’s breed, size, weight and nutritional needs. In particular, these kibbles:

• contain only selected Italian ingredients;


• they are available both in the gluten-free version and with a minimal percentage of gluten so that they are always easily assimilated even by particularly sensitive dogs;


• they are completely natural;


• contain a lot of high quality animal protein. You can choose from: pork and rice, chicken, buffalo, lamb, duck, salmon, trout etc rabbit;
• They are easily digestible thanks to the double cooking process of the cereals.