Food Transition Scheduler
Pick a start date and pace — get a day-by-day old-food/new-food mixing plan plus a downloadable .ics calendar. No more GI upset from a sudden switch.
Percentages are by portion weight at every meal. If stool goes soft, drop back to the previous ratio for 2–3 days before stepping up again.
Your plan
Pick a start date and pace, then tap Generate plan.
How it works
Your dog's gut flora is tuned to the current diet. A gradual ramp — the schedule vets recommend — lets it adapt without diarrhea or food refusal. The plan steps through four phases:
- Phase 1 — 25% new food, 75% old food
- Phase 2 — 50% new, 50% old
- Phase 3 — 75% new, 25% old
- Phase 4 — 100% new food 🎉
The pace sets how long each phase lasts: the 7-day standard plan holds each mix for ~2 days; the 10-day plan for 3 days; the 14-day plan for 4 days. The .ics file adds a reminder on each day the ratio changes, so you never forget to step up the mix.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch my dog to a new food? +
Gradually, over 7–14 days. Start with about 25% new food mixed into 75% old food, then step up to 50/50, then 75/25, then 100% new. A slow ramp gives the gut microbiome time to adapt and avoids diarrhea, vomiting, and food refusal.
What happens if I switch too fast? +
The most common results are diarrhea, soft stool, vomiting, gas, or refusal to eat. Dogs' gut flora adapts to one diet; an abrupt change is the classic cause of avoidable GI upset. If a sudden switch is unavoidable (recall, food unavailable), feed smaller portions for a few days and watch the stool.
How long for a sensitive dog? +
Dogs with sensitive stomachs, a history of GI issues, or those switching between very different diets (e.g. kibble to raw) do better on a 10–14 day plan, holding each mixing ratio for 3–4 days before stepping up.
What if my dog gets diarrhea during the transition? +
Drop back to the previous ratio that produced normal stool and hold it for 2–3 extra days before stepping up again. If diarrhea persists more than 48 hours, contains blood, or comes with lethargy or vomiting, stop and call your vet.
Do I need to transition between flavors of the same brand? +
Usually a short 5–7 day transition is still worth it. Even same-brand recipes can differ in protein source, fat level, and fiber — the usual triggers of loose stool. The closer the two formulas, the faster you can go.
Related tools & reading
Switching for the better?
Check the new food's NutriScore before you commit.
TopiBowl scores commercial foods on real nutrition and flags risky ingredients — scan the bag before the transition starts. Free on the App Store.
