The question of “Should You Rotate Brands Of Dog Food?” comes to us quite frequently. For example, one reader told us that she currently has her dog on Orijens and was thinking of rotating, but she wasn’t sure how different the flavors are. She is also thinking of rotating Fromm Surf and Turf into the mix, but she’s just not sure if she can rotate brands of dog food. Many people are working to give their dogs a healthy diet of only organic, natural or even gluten free foods. In the process, they find themselves switching back and forth amongst brands, but is it necessary?
Related: High Quality Kibble: Grain Free, Gluten Free or Neither?
Should You Rotate Brands Of Dog Food?
Many readers have questions not only about about what to feed their dogs, but also about how to rotate from one flavor or brand to another once they have established a healthy diet routine. Here are some of our tips regarding whether you should rotate brands of dog food.
Stick with similar health benefits. Once you have switched to an all natural, grain free or healthier dog food don’t go back. If you want to give your dog variety, stick with the different flavors of the healthy brand. Most of the well known brands and types as mentioned above are going to be similar if not identical quality products. Don’t go back to the old bad or unhealthy dog food and expect their tummies to respond well. In essence, avoid the back and forth with healthy and non healthy brands.
Related: Is Grain-free Dog Food A Fad?
Don’t worry about flavor differences as long as your pet enjoys the brand. Try fish one month and chicken the next, or mix and match. Your big concern should be how they are reacting to the differences. Most of the time as long as they are similar in health benefits and ingredient quality your dog won’t have any problems switching. Sometimes however, if your pet has allergies to specific products it can leave them unable to switch back and forth with ease. Monitor which flavors they seem to enjoy, as well as which ones upset their tummies. Adjust in the future as needed.
Start with small changes. Instead of buying a giant bag of a new flavor of food, go with the smaller bag first and test it out over the course of a few days. Give it a test and if all goes well, you can add it into your rotation with a purchase of a larger bag.
Making changes in your dogs diet is a big part of improving their health. Knowing whether or not you should rotate brands of dog food really boils down to how your individual dog responds. It is not necessary to change foods, but it may make them more agreeable when you do.
