Puppy Care Guide
Week 21 – Smooth Food Transition
“Changing Dog Food Without Any Trouble”
Around 5 months old, many pet parents notice curiosity or pickiness at mealtime. Transitioning food gradually protects digestion and keeps mealtime enjoyable and healthy.
🐾 Why Gradual Change Matters
Each recipe differs in protein, fat, and fiber levels. Sudden changes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Gradual transition lets the gut microbiome adjust naturally.
Step-by-Step Guide — 5-Day Transition (Normal Sensitivity)
| Day | New Food | Current Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20% | 80% |
| 2 | 40% | 60% |
| 3 | 60% | 40% |
| 4 | 80% | 20% |
| 5 | 100% | 0% |
For Puppies With Delicate Digestion — 10-Day Plan
| Day | New Food | Current Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10% | 90% |
| 2 | 20% | 80% |
| 3 | 30% | 70% |
| 4 | 40% | 60% |
| 5 | 50% | 50% |
| 6 | 60% | 40% |
| 7 | 70% | 30% |
| 8 | 80% | 20% |
| 9 | 90% | 10% |
| 10 | 100% | 0% |
🩺 PetGo Tip: If your puppy experiences vomiting or loose stool, reduce the new-food ratio for a few days before increasing again.
💡 What to Watch For
- Appetite — finishing meals?
- Energy — normal or sluggish?
- Stool — firm, soft, or too frequent?
If digestion stays stable, you may shorten the plan slightly. For diarrhea or vomiting, extend to 10–14 days and consult your vet.
🐕 Understanding Dog Food Quality
High-quality kibble uses extrusion cooking to preserve nutrients, but ingredients differ widely. Look for:
- Named meats (e.g., chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient
- No artificial preservatives or coloring
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 for coat and skin health
- AAFCO or CFIA “complete & balanced” certification
PetGo Shop | Recommended Puppy Food
These trusted, vet-approved products are perfect for your puppy’s growth, offering premium nutrition and gentle digestion support:
🥕 Simple Fresh Add-Ons
Mixing small amounts of fresh food (≈ 10–15%) with kibble enhances flavor and nutrition. Always use cooked, unseasoned ingredients.
| Combination | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | Kibble 85% + Steamed Carrots 5% + Boiled Chicken 10% |
| Option 2 | Kibble 85% + Steamed Broccoli 5% + Turkey 10% |
| Option 3 | Kibble 85% + Shredded Cabbage 5% + Salmon 10% |
⚠️ Never use raw onions, garlic, grapes, or salty sauces.
PetGo Kitchen
Discover healthy, vet-reviewed recipes made from everyday human ingredients. PetGo Kitchen helps you cook safe, balanced meals your dog will love — from simple snacks to wholesome dinners using real, fresh food.
Explore Dog Recipes →🧠 PetGo Expert Tip
- Warm food to ≈ 37 °C to enhance aroma and appetite.
- Add a spoon of unsalted bone broth for flavor and hydration.
- Rotate 2–3 trusted brands within the same nutritional standard every few months.
🐾 Key Takeaways
- Transition gradually (5–10 days) based on tolerance.
- Observe stool, appetite, and energy throughout the process.
- Select formulas with high-quality proteins and minimal fillers.
- Add cooked veggies or lean meats for variety and enrichment.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
Food transition isn’t just about nutrition — it’s about building a resilient, healthy digestive system for life.
Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide
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