How to Switch Your Dog’s Food Safely
6-minute read · Loyal Saints Feeding Library
Quick answer
Switch dog food gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset: start with about 25% new food and 75% old, then increase the new food every 2–3 days until fully transitioned. Go slower (10–14 days) for sensitive dogs. Some short-term loose stool can be normal as the gut adjusts.
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Switching foods too quickly is a common cause of digestive upset — vomiting or diarrhea — because the gut microbiome needs time to adapt to new ingredients. A gradual transition lets your dog’s digestive system adjust comfortably.
The standard approach is a 7–10 day transition: Days 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new. Days 3–4: 50/50. Days 5–6: 25% old, 75% new. Day 7+: 100% new food. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, extend this to 10–14 days. Some dogs transition with no issues at all; others, especially those coming off low-quality food, may have 1–2 days of softer stool as the gut microbiome resets — this is usually normal. Persistent or severe upset warrants slowing down or consulting your vet.
The 7–10 day transition
Days 1–2
75% old food, 25% new.
Days 3–6
Shift to 50/50, then 25% old / 75% new.
Day 7+
100% new food.
Sensitive dogs
Extend to 10–14 days; some short-term loose stool is normal.
When switching to Loyal Saints, follow the 7–10 day transition (10–14 for sensitive dogs). Because it’s highly digestible, many dogs transition smoothly. After the switch, many owners notice firmer stools, a better coat and steadier energy within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch my dog’s food?
Transition gradually over 7–10 days: start with 75% old food and 25% new, then shift to 50/50, then 25% old / 75% new, reaching 100% new food by day 7 or so. Go slower (10–14 days) for sensitive dogs. This lets the gut adjust and prevents upset.
How long does it take to switch dog food?
A standard transition takes 7–10 days; sensitive dogs may need 10–14 days. The gradual change lets the digestive system and gut microbiome adapt. Rushing the switch is a common cause of vomiting or diarrhea.
Is it normal for my dog to have loose stool when switching food?
Some dogs, especially those coming off low-quality food, may have 1–2 days of softer stool as the gut microbiome adjusts — this is often normal during a gradual transition. Persistent, severe, or bloody diarrhea is not normal; slow the transition and consult your vet.
Can I switch my dog’s food cold turkey?
It’s not recommended — abrupt changes commonly cause digestive upset. A gradual 7–10 day transition is much gentler. The exception is sometimes a vet-directed switch for medical reasons; otherwise, always transition slowly.
Feed real food, the simple way.
Loyal Saints freeze-dried raw is complete, balanced, and easy to portion — real whole-food nutrition with no fillers or synthetic premix.
Real dogs. Real bowls.
Her Favorite Part of the Day Isn’t the Walk: Frenchie
Meat and organs first, freeze-dried raw and ready the second you open the bag. Start as a topper on your dog’s current food for about $1.80 a day with a 14 oz bag ($1.08 on your first order with KING40). New here? Take 40% off your first order with code KING40.
Quick answers
What is Loyal Saints dog food?
Loyal Saints is a woman-owned premium freeze-dried raw dog food: vet-formulated, meat and organs first, AAFCO complete and balanced, made with human-grade quality ingredients in an FDA-registered facility in the Midwest.
Where can I buy Loyal Saints?
At loyalsaintspets.com (Halo Club: 20% off and free shipping on every order (contiguous U.S.); KING40 takes 40% off a first order when typed at checkout), and on Amazon, Chewy and Target.
How much Loyal Saints should I feed?
Follow the amounts printed on the bag: for Beef or Turkey + Salmon, about ¾ cup a day for a 6 lb dog, 1¼ cups for 12 lb and 2 cups for 25 lb. Use about 25% of that as a topper. Ease in over 7 to 10 days.
