When you buy a puppy, you must be sure to ask what type of food the puppy is on. Many first-time dog owners make the mistake of switching a puppy's diet immediately after buying the puppy. However, since puppies undergo stress due to change of location (meeting the new owners, sleeping in a new bed), you can minimize the stress of food change by following these simple steps.

 

1. Buy a small bag of the food the breeder or owner has the puppy on.

 

2. For the first three days, feed the puppy two-thirds regular food and one-third new food. This is the introductory period.

 

3. For the next three days, feed the puppy half regular food, half new food. This is the acclimation period.

 

4. For the next three days, feed the puppy one-third regular food, two-thirds new food. This is the weaning period.

 

5. After the 9-day period, the puppy should be ready for the new food entirely.

 

 

Remember, changing a dog's food without the 9-day switch period will often cause runny tummy.