azalea petsWhy switch gradually
A sudden change of food can upset a pet's stomach, and cats in particular can be wary of food they don't know. Mixing the new food in over about a week gives the gut time to adjust. Pet food makers recommend the same basic pattern: start with a small share of the new food and raise it every day or two until the bowl is all new food.
- 7 days follows the common schedule: a quarter new food on days 1 and 2, half on days 3 and 4, three quarters on days 5 and 6, and all new food on day 7.
- 10 days adds about a tenth more new food each day, for pets that need a gentler change.
- Keep everything else the same. Same mealtimes, same bowl, same spot. Change one thing at a time.
More detail, including switching between wet and dry food: How to switch your pet's food without an upset stomach.
Sources: Royal Canin, Purina, PetSmart. This page is general information, not veterinary advice.