A Minute with Michele 

Rotating your dog’s food is basically the difference between eating the same sandwich every single day… or enjoying a little buffet moment.

Here’s why mixing it up helps:

• More variety = happy belly bugs. Your dog’s gut is full of good bacteria. Different foods feed different bacteria, so variety keeps the “good guys” strong and balanced.
• Lower chance of food sensitivities = less drama later. Eating the same protein forever (hello, chicken every day for five years) can sometimes lead to sensitivities. Switching it up helps reduce that risk. Starting this at a young age can help prevent issues later.
• More nutrients, less boredom. Different brands—like Fromm, Annamaet, and Petcurean—all use slightly different ingredient mixes, so rotating can help round out nutrition.

Just don’t go wild and dump a brand-new bag into the bowl overnight—ease into it over about a week. Your dog’s stomach prefers a smooth transition, not a surprise party.

I’m sure we’ve all heard, “If the food isn’t bothering your dog’s tummy, stick with it forever.” But do you know where this suggestion comes from? Big pet food companies that want you to buy their product forever! They want you to become a lifelong customer for every one of your pets.

To transition to a new food—whether it’s a different brand of kibble or moving from kibble to a more biologically appropriate raw diet—we suggest the following schedule:

Days 1 & 2
¾ old food + ¼ new food

Days 3 & 4
½ old food + ½ new food

Days 5 & 6
¼ old food + ¾ new food

Day 7
100% new food

If at any point during this transition you notice any “poopy” issues, don’t panic—just take a step back. Stay at the current ratio until everything looks normal before progressing. Some dogs take a little longer than others to adjust.

The key is not to give up. In the long run, your dog will feel better with a more well-rounded, nutritionally balanced diet.