There are plenty of reasons that you might want to switch your dog or cat over from a wet food diet to a dry food diet or vice versa. Often times, older pets find wet foods more palatable and easier to eat, for instance. But switching it up isn’t as easy as just picking up a new package of food at the grocery store. There are plans and steps to take to ensure that your pet’s diet is as minimally disrupted as possible. Here, we parse out the easiest ways to get them on the right track so you can have a happy and healthy pet!

 

How to Transition

Give your pup about seven to ten days to make the transition from wet to dry food. You’ll want to use the number of days you’re transitioning them as a guide. If you’re going for a ten-day transition, start by incorporating 9 parts of their regular food and 1 part of their new food; if you’re opting for a 7-day transition, you’ll do 6 parts regular food and 1 part of their new food. Then, with each day that passes, you’ll put one more part of their new food into the mix. For instance on the 7-day transition, by day 4, your pup should be having 4 parts new food, 3 parts old food, etc.

 

Wet Food vs. Dry Food

While both options are perfectly acceptable and get your dog all the nutrients they need, there are perks to feeding your dog both wet and dry food. Dry food promotes jaw health by forcing them to chew more, but it lacks water, and has more calories. On the other hand, wet food helps them drink less water and is heartier and more like real meat. Talk to your vet about which type of food is right for your pup.

 

Life Transiitions

 

Puppy to Adult

Typically puppies transition to adult food between 12-24 months.

 

Adult to Senior

If your adult dog is getting up there at about 5 to 7 years old, make sure they get all their nutrients through a senior formula.

 

Remember to pick food for the right type of breed of dog that you have. Large dogs should be on a large dog breed kibble and small dogs on a small dog breed kibble to ensure they get the right nutrients. While cats are more likely to eat both wet and dry food, the same switchover plan applies for felines as well.