One change, made slowly

Most dogs do better with a gradual mix than with a Monday-morning swap. This plan is a default for an otherwise well dog. It is not for a dog that is already vomiting, has blood in the stool, or is on a prescribed diet — those are vet conversations first.

For the wider context, see Fresh cooked dog food: a practical guide and What “fresh dog food” actually means.

Before day one

  • Keep enough of the current food to finish the week, in case you need to slow down.
  • Note what normal stools and appetite look like for your dog.
  • Make space in the fridge if the new food is cooked and packed. In a Bangalore apartment, storage matters: Feeding a dog in a Bangalore apartment.
  • Serve cooked food at room temperature, not straight from the fridge and not piping hot.
  • Keep water available.

The default mix

  • Days 1–2: about 25% new food, 75% current food.
  • Days 3–4: about half and half.
  • Days 5–6: about 75% new food.
  • Day 7: 100% new food, if things have been steady.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, start with a spoon or two and hold each step longer. There is no prize for finishing early.

What “steady” looks like

Appetite is close to normal. Stools stay formed — they may look or smell a little different. The dog is otherwise themselves.

Slow down if stools loosen, if gas increases a lot, or if the dog starts leaving food. Go back a step rather than pushing on.

Call your vet if there is repeated vomiting, blood, a hard or swollen belly, lethargy, or a full refusal to eat. Do not treat that as a “transition issue” to wait out.

After week one

Keep meal times regular. Do not add a new treat, a new chew, and a new food in the same week. If you are still unsure whether the format is right, write to wiggie.petcare@gmail.com with the dog’s age, weight and what you observed. We can talk it through. We cannot replace your vet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch in two days if my dog seems fine?
You can, but a shorter switch is more likely to upset the gut. A week is a kinder default.

What if my dog only picks out the kibble?
Moisten and mix thoroughly, or slightly reduce the kibble share more slowly. If this turns into a full refusal, pause and ask your vet.

Can I stay on a mixed bowl forever?
Only if both foods together still make sense as a diet. If the new food is meant to be complete, mixing it long term can unbalance the bowl. Ask whoever planned the meal, or your vet.

If you want cooked meals delivered in Bangalore, see our fresh dog food page, or email wiggie.petcare@gmail.com.