Kibble and fresh food are very different meals for a dog's stomach. Moving over across a week gives it time to get used to the new food, and if something doesn't agree with your dog, you see it early, in a small amount.
What is the schedule for switching from kibble to fresh food?
Seven days, in four steps. Each step lasts two days, and the last one is all fresh.
This is the same switch week as our feeding guide, and a transition guide comes in every Wagbowl box.
Switching to Wagbowl? The 1 Week Trial is 7 packs at half price: enough fresh food for the whole switch week.
How much fresh food do I mix with kibble?
Work in shares of each food's own daily amount, not gram for gram. Kibble is dry, so a small scoop is a lot of food; fresh food holds far more water. Swapping 100 g of kibble for 100 g of fresh food would leave your dog short.
Start with two numbers: how much kibble your dog eats now (the amount on their bag), and how much fresh food they need a day. Get the second one from the feeding guide or the 60-second quiz.
For example, a 15 kg dog with normal activity needs about 670 g of fresh food a day:
Never put fresh food on top of a full bowl of kibble. Cut the kibble down as the fresh food goes up, or you'll overfeed.
Is loose stool normal when switching dog food, and how long does it last?
Softer stool (a loose motion or two) on days 2 to 4 is normal, and it settles on its own. Give your dog's stomach up to two weeks to fully settle.
If the stool is still loose past day 5, go back to a 50/50 mix for three days, then step up again.
Can I switch without mixing?
We don't suggest it. A sudden change is the easiest way to upset a dog's stomach, and the week of mixing is what keeps it calm. If the old food has already run out, message us and we'll help you plan the week.
Why does my dog seem hungrier on fresh food?
Fresh food digests faster than kibble, so a dog can genuinely feel hungrier in the first fortnight. Split the day's amount into three feeds instead of two, rather than adding more.
Many dogs also turn up to the bowl keener than before. Fresh food smells stronger than kibble.
What if my dog won't finish the bowl?
Usually it's the portion, not the food. Dogs coming off kibble often need less volume than you'd expect. Give it three days at the same amount, then try warming it slightly: warm food smells stronger.
How do I serve fresh food from frozen?
Put the packs straight into the freezer when they arrive. At mealtime, warm a frozen pack in a pan with a splash of water on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring. Or move tomorrow's pack to the fridge tonight and warm it for 2–3 minutes. Serve it warm, not hot.
Bin what's left in the bowl after 2 hours (1 hour above 32°C). Use a thawed pack within 24 hours, never thaw on the counter, and never refreeze it.
When should I see a vet?
Stop moving forward if you see
- Vomiting
- Loose stool after day 5
Slow down and message us. Loose stool with vomiting, or lasting over a week, isn't a switching issue: see a vet.
If your dog has a diagnosed condition, check with your vet before you switch. Not sure about something else in their bowl? Look it up in Can my dog eat?
Sources
Wagbowl feeding guide: daily amounts, the switch week and the storing card. Wagbowl FAQs: stool, appetite, serving and storing answers.
