Practice Scenario
Meet TEDDY
A 4-month-old, male, Great Dane puppy
- Teddy is presented today for his final puppyhood vaccinations.
- When asked about Teddy's diet, his owner said Teddy eats a complete and balanced food that the breeder provided. Since the food is nearly gone, the owner wants to provide Teddy with a "more natural diet."
- Teddy’s owner plans to feed a grain-free dog food, possibly one that is also raw. The owner eats a gluten-free diet and feels "much healthier." Teddy’s owner wants a long, healthy life for Teddy, too.
- The owner also asks if Teddy needs a calcium supplement. His sire is a large, heavy dog; the owner believes Teddy will be similar in size and weight.
Changing Diets
Switching Pet Foods - Dogs
Gradually transitioning onto a new diet will minimize the risk of stomach upset or other issues. In order not to overfeed – check the feeding guidelines on the new food and the recommended amount for the dog’s weight (assuming the pet has a good body condition score).
Gradually replace ¼ of the current food with the ¼ of the new food every 2nd day. After 7 days, the switch over to the new food is complete.
If a pet is susceptible to stomach upset, it may be beneficial to transition over 10 days.
