Changing your dog's food too quickly is the main reason vets see vomiting, diarrhea, and sad puppies. A proper transition takes 7-10 days and protects your dog's gut health. At Pro Nutrition UAE, we help thousands of pet parents every month make this switch smoothly with our high-quality formulas. This guide gives you the exact information you want.
Why a Slow Transition Matters
Your dog's digestive system is full of good bacteria that are used to the current food. Sudden changes kill off those bacteria and let bad ones take over. This leads to gas, loose stools, or even worse problems. Taking it slow lets the gut microbiome adjust safely. Dogs with sensitive stomachs, puppies, and senior dogs need extra care.
The Proven 7-10 Day Transition Plan
Follow this schedule exactly. Print it or save it on your phone.
Day | New Food % | Old Food % | What to Watch For |
Day 1-2 | 25% | 75% | Normal stools, normal energy |
Day 3-4 | 50% | 50% | Slight softness is okay |
Day 5-6 | 75% | 25% | Monitor appetite and stool quality |
Day 7-10 | 100% | 0% | Fully switched – celebrate! |
Tip: Always mix the two foods in the same bowl so your dog doesn't pick out only the tasty new one.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Do This Every Single Time)
- Buy enough old food to last the full 10 days
- Start with the 25/75 mix for the first two meals
- Measure accurately – use a kitchen scale if possible
- Serve at the same temperature (many dogs hate cold new food)
- Feed at the same times as usual
- Keep water fresh and available 24/7
- Skip treats or human food during the switch
If stools stay firm and your dog is happy, move to the next phase on schedule.
Red Flags – When to Slow Down or Call the Vet
Stop increasing the new food and go back one step if you see:
- Watery diarrhea more than twice
- Vomiting
- Refusing to eat for 24 hours
- Extreme lethargy or belly pain
These signs are rare when you follow the plan, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Special Cases That Need Extra Patience
Situation | Recommended Transition Length | Extra Advice |
Puppy under 6 months | 10-14 days | Smaller portions, more frequent meals |
Senior dog (7+ years) | 14 days minimum | Add warm water to soften kibble |
History of a sensitive stomach | 14-21 days | Consider our Sensitive Stomach formula |
Switching to raw or homemade | 3-4 weeks | Work with a vet nutritionist |
Why Pro Nutrition Makes the Switch Easier
Our customers tell us their dogs accept our food faster than any other brand. That's because we use single-animal proteins, prebiotics, and gentle fibers that support gut bacteria from day one. Thousands of happy tails across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah prove Pro Nutrition really is the best dog food brand in UAE for smooth transitions.
Your 3-Point Checklist Before You Start
- You have at least 10 days of old food left
- You picked a high-quality new food (yes, we're biased, but facts don't lie)
- You are ready to measure and mix every single meal
If you can tick all three, you're ready.
Final Words
Switching dog food doesn't have to be stressful. Follow the table, watch your dog like a hawk for the first week, and you'll both come out happier on the other side. When you're ready for food that dogs actually love, and that loves their tummy back, explore our complete range. Pet parents across the country already trust Pro Nutrition as the best dog food brand in UAE, and we can't wait to welcome your pup to the family too.