My dog has diarrhoea during the switch: what now?

Step back one stage in the schedule and hold there for three to four days. Split the portion into more, smaller meals. If stools do not recover within 48 hours, or there is blood, call your vet.

Does this schedule apply to cats too?

Yes, the principle is the same. Cats can be pickier, mix small amounts first and build up slowly. If they refuse: try the new food as a topping on the old and gradually increase the share.

Health & digestion

7-Day Food Transition

Switch kibble gradually over seven days: a quarter more new food every two days. With soft stools: extend to 10 to 14 days.

What is it?

The 7-day transition plan is a fixed way to move from one kibble brand or recipe to another. You mix old and new food in the same bowl, every two days you shift the ratio by a quarter towards the new food.

Why does it matter?

Your dog or cat's gut flora is adapted to the current food. An abrupt switch leads to undigested food and often soft stools or diarrhoea. Gradual transition gives gut bacteria time to adjust to new proteins, fibres and fats.

How does it work?

Days 1-2: 75% old, 25% new. Days 3-4: 50/50. Days 5-6: 25% old, 75% new. Day 7: 100% new. Split the daily portion across two meals. If your pet develops soft stools, step back one stage and extend each phase by two to three extra days, up to 10 to 14 days total.

Benefits

Lower chance of diarrhoea when switching food
Simple step plan (quarter per phase)
Adjustable for sensitive guts (10-14 days)

Misconceptions

Feeding old and new food separately (old in the morning, new in the evening) works less well than mixing. The gut does not adapt gradually per meal. The same principle applies to cats, even if some prefer separate portions; mixing in one bowl remains the goal.