Changing Dog Food: What You Need to Know

When a change in diet is needed, along with our top tips for how to go about it.

Why you might need to change your dogs food

Many of us tend to stick to the same dog food for our four-legged friends throughout their lifetime. The decision about which food we choose is often heavily influenced by professionals such as dog breeders, rescue centres and vets. It’s no surprise then, that as a nation of dog lovers we tend to stick to the same food unless advised otherwise. But it’s important to recognise when your dog is displaying symptoms which could mean that their diet could do with a change.

Signs you may need to change your dog food:

Dull coat

It’s important that your dog gets plenty of essential fatty acids from their diet to help keep their skin and coat in great condition. Look for meals which are high in protein and contain good quality meat. Meat derivatives don’t always deliver the nutrition promised.

Lethargy

If your dog is feeling a little lethargic, look for a diet high in anti-oxidants. This will help to boost their immune system and help fight off any illnesses that could be lurking. If your pet seems unusually lethargic though, make sure you get them checked out by a vet just to be on the safe side!

Itchy skin

Allergies are very common in dogs, and food is just one of many possible causes. If your dog suffers from allergies (regardless of what it is), they may benefit from a low-allergen diet. This will reduce the overall number of allergens your four-legged friend is exposed to. We recommend a grain-free diet.

Gaining weight

This is often the most noticeable sign that your dog could do with a diet spruce-up. It doesn’t take much for our canine companions to end up with a little excess weight on their frame. Look for a naturally nutritionally-balanced diet which is low in calories, and delivers the essential nutrients needed.

GI Upset

Excess wind, loose stool, or rumbly stomachs can be the result of food intolerance. Some dogs simply don’t tolerate certain diets or ingredients as well as other ones. GI upset is an inconvenience to owners as well as being uncomfortable for your pet. If this is an ongoing problem for you, ask your vet to diagnose the problem.

What To Look For In Your Dogs Food

"A natural diet is a food that is made up of ingredients found in nature to which nothing artificial has been added and has been subjected to only basic manufacturing processes. Additionally though, it is also important is to ensure a natural diet is labelled ‘complete and balanced’ to ensure it meets all your dog’s nutritional requirements."

Watch our helpful video to find out more on what to look for in your dogs food.

Dr James Greenwood, Media Vet and Forthglade Ambassador

Switching By Day

A Handy Guide

"When transitioning your dog onto a new diet, it is particularly important to do this gradually and to avoid any sudden changes. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt with the switch and remain in balance. As a minimum, allow 5 full days to gradually reduce their current diet whilst simultaneously increasing their new food with each meal. For dogs with sensitive tummies, go even slower and transition over 1-2 weeks"

Dr James Greenwood

Find out more about our ranges

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Grain Free Natural Wet Food

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Great for dogs with sensitive tummies, and available across all lifestages, our grain free hypoallergenic wet food range is supplied in single or variety recipe packs. With a 75% single protein source across the range, and packed full of veg, these recipes are our most popular for a reason!. We've also included added vitamins and minerals tailormade for your dogs needs and lifestage.

Premium Grain Free Dog Food

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Our British Classics range celebrates the best of British with six recipes you can enjoy with your furry best friend. All made with 100% British Proteins, each recipe is packed with four delicious fruit and vegetables giving enhanced flavour passing the ultimate taste test.

Wholegrain Wet Dog Food

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Great for dogs who don't have an allergy or intolerance to grains, our wholegrain recipes include carbohydrates offering wholesome variety to your dogs diet. Bursting with goodness but still easily digestible, these hypoallergenic recipes are available from puppy right through to senior.

Just 90% Complementary Dog Food

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Our highest protein recipes, our Just 90% natural dog food range should be fed alongside a mixer such as our natural dry cold pressed dog food for optimum nutrition and health. This makes them perfect for tailoring mealtimes so your dog gets just what they need.

Cold Pressed Dry Dog Food

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Our cold pressed dry food is made using natural ingredients with added vitamins & minerals to ensure it contains everything your dog needs to stay happy & healthy. You don't need to mix our dry food with anything else, but if you prefer to mix up mealtimes, it's the perfect companion to our complete wet food ranges.

Lightly Baked Dry Dog Food

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Our premium natural lightly baked dry food contains simple, quality ingredients including 50% single source lamb, chicken or turkey alongside nutritional vegetables, vitamins, minerals & botanicals. Free from junk or fillers, this nutritionally balanced dry food comes in easily digestible, bite-sized pellets for dogs of all sizes.

Natural Grain Free Trats

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To complement your dog’s main source of food, we’ve developed a range of natural treats. Available in a range of flavours, our treats can be broken in two so perfect for training or easier portion control for smaller dogs. All of our treats are suitable from 2 months of age.

Plant Based Dental Sticks

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Our new plant based dental sticks are made using natural ingredients and developed by vets to help your four-legged friend maintain a healthy dental routine. They’re ideal for supporting strong teeth, helping to remove tartar and plaque, and freshen breath.

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