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Switching your dog to a new food can be one of the best decisions for their health.
However, dietary changes can sometimes lead to temporary digestive upset or feeding challenges while your dog's system adapts.
This guide covers the most common dog food transition problems and how to overcome them. You'll find practical tips to help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you've followed our advice and would like additional support with transitioning your dog to WILD Pet Food, email us at contact@wildpetfood.co.uk and our friendly team will be happy to help.
WHY DO SOME DOGS STRUGGLE WHEN SWITCHING FOODS?
RICHER, NUTRIENT DENSE INGREDIENTS
High-quality foods often contain more animal protein and fewer fillers than traditional kibble. While this is beneficial long-term, some dogs need time for their digestive system to adapt to the increased nutrient density.
TRANSITIONING TOO QUICKLY
One of the most common causes of digestive upset is switching foods too fast. Gradually introducing the new food over 2 weeks+ gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust and help reduce the risk of stomach upsets.
SENSITIVE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Every dog's digestive system is unique. A sudden change in ingredients, protein sources, or nutrient levels can temporarily upset the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to loose stools, gas or digestive discomfort.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR TRANSITION
REDUCED APPETITE
WHY THIS CAN HAPPEN
It's not uncommon for dogs to lose interest in food during a transition and it's not always caused by the new food itself.
Stress, teething, dental discomfort, warmer weather or a change from foods containing palatants can all affect appetite. Dogs moving from raw food may also need time to adjust to different moisture levels.
If your dog is otherwise happy, active and producing normal stools, this is usually temporary. However, if they refuse food for more than 48 hours or show signs of illness, contact your vet for advice.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP
If your dog is hesitant to eat, try adding one of the following:
- Plain, unseasoned bone broth: adds flavour and moisture. Add a splash.
- Plain pumpkin: gentle fibre and natural sweetness. Add 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs or 2-3 teaspoons for larger dogs, per meal
- Plain mashed sweet potato: easy to digest and naturally tasty. Add a small spoonful
- Plain, xylitol-free Greek yoghurt: provides natural probiotics and a creamy texture. Add a small dollop (around 1tsp) for most dogs
- Warm water: softens the food and enhances aroma
Introduce one addition at a time and make changes gradually to avoid upsetting your dog's stomach.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
We recommend:
- Add a simple topper such as bone broth, pumpkin, sweet potato, plain Greek yoghurt or warm water
- Crush their favourite treats on top for a familiar scent
- Add a small amount of plain scrambled egg
- Try a different recipe if they're not keen on their current on
- Reduce treats between meals
- Slow down the transition to the last successful stage
- Mix with warm water to soften the food and release natural aromas
If your dog has stopped eating WILD, contact us and we'll help find a recipe they love.
If you're feeding our Fresh Frozen range, try warming it for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving.
CHANGE IN STOOLS
WHY THIS CAN HAPPEN
Loose stools are one of the most common dog food transition issues and are usually temporary.
WILD is a nutrient-dense, cold-pressed dog food made in a true 80:20 formulation, making it more concentrated than extruded kibbles. Fro dogs transitioning from lower-protein kibble, foods relying heavily on fresh meat claims, or high-moisture diets, this can be a significant change for the digestive system.
As your dog's gut adapts to the new food, loose stools can sometimes occur. In most cases, this settles as the transition progresses and their digestive system adjusts.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP
If your dog has loose stools while transitioning to a new food, these additions can help support healthy digestion:
- Plain pumpkin: a natural source of fibre. Add 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs or 2-3 tablespoons for larger dogs, per meal
- Cooked sweet potato: provides gentle fibre and digestive support. Add a small spoonful, mashed and cooled to meals - no seasoning!
- Dog-specific probiotics: can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines
These can be mixed into meals during the transition to help firm stools and support digestive health. Introduce any new addition gradually and monitor your dog's response.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
We recommend:
- Add one digestive aid at a time - choose pumpkin, sweet potato or a probiotic and introduce it gradually
- Reduce their portion size - WILD is highly nutrient-dense, so your dog may need less food that they're used to
- Slow down the transition - if loose stools started after increasing WILD, return to the last successful ratio and progress more slowly
- Keep them hydrated - always provide fresh water to support healthy digestion
Most mild digestive upset resolves with simple adjustments. If symptoms are severe, persistent or you're concerned, contact your vet for advice.
FLATULENCE ISSUES
WHY THIS CAN HAPPEN
Some flatulence issues are normal when switching to WILD.
Our food has high meat content and no fillers like grains, legumes or artificial additives - so it can take time for your dog's digestive system to adjust.
This shift may temporarily disrupt their gut microbiome, leading to more gas.
Flatulence is more common if the transition is too fast, as a sudden change can overwhelm the gut.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP
If your dog increased flatulence during the transition, these additions may help support healthy digestion:
- Plain pumpkin: a natural source of fibre. Add 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs or 2-3 tablespoons for larger dogs, per meal
- Warm water or bone broth: adds moisture to meals and may help ease digestion
- Dog-specific probiotics: can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines
- Fresh curly parsley - add a small pinch, finely chopped, to help support digestion and reduce odour
Introduce only one addition at a time and monitor your dog's response. Avoid parsley for pregnant dogs or those with kidney issues.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
We recommend:
- Add one digestive aid at a time - choose pumpkin, parsley or a probiotic and introduce it gradually
- Slow down mealtimes - use a slow feeder bowl to reduce swallowed air
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals - this can be gentler on digestion
- Avoid feeding your dog human foods - rich foods, dairy and human scraps (like beans) are notorious for causing gas
- Slow down the transition - if flatulence started after increasing WILD, return to the last successful ratio and progress more gradually
Introduce changes one at a time so you can identify what's helping. If excessive gas persists beyond the transition period or becomes severe, contact us or speak to your vet for advice.
VOMITING
WHY THIS CAN HAPPEN
Mild vomiting during a food transition can happen because your dog’s digestive system is adjusting to new ingredients, textures, and nutrient levels.
Their gut microbiome - the balance of bacteria that helps break down food - is used to their old diet. When it suddenly changes, the body can respond with digestive upset.
Vomiting may also happen if your dog eats too quickly, overindulges, or struggles with a richer recipe.
It’s usually nothing to worry about, but it’s a sign to slow things down and give their tummy a little more time to adjust.
If you're ever concerned, you should consult your vet.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP
If your dog is experiencing mild vomiting during the transition, try these:
- Plain pumpkin: a natural source of fibre. Add 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs or 2-3 tablespoons for larger dogs, per meal
- Plain bone broth: adds moisture to meals and may help ease digestion
- Dog-specific probiotics: can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines
- Fresh grated ginger - a small pinch may help settle the stomach
Introduce only one addition at a time and monitor your dog's response. If vomiting persists, worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhoea or lethargy, contact your vet for advice.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
We recommend:
- Add one digestive aid at a time - choose pumpkin, ginger or a probiotic and introduce it gradually
- Slow down mealtimes - use a slow feeder bowl to reduce swallowed air
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals - this can be gentler on digestion
- Slow down the transition - if flatulence started after increasing WILD, return to the last successful ratio and progress more gradually
Still not sure? Or vomiting hasn't improved after a few days? It's always safest to check in with your vet, just to rule out any underlying issues.
NEED MORE SUPPORT?
Experience some challenges are a completely normal part of the transition process and can take up to 30 days to normalise.
If you would like personalised support, or just want to chat about your dog's food journey, reach out to us by the button below, quoting your order number, and our team will be ready to support you.