So you’ve made the decision and it’s time to move on to a new dog food for your Yorkie. You don’t want to just completely swap in their new food one day. In this article we give instruction on changing dog food for your Yorkie so it goes as smoothly as possible, even if your Yorkie is a picky eater.
Be Mindful of Your Yorkie’s Sensitive Stomach
As you probably know, Yorkies have very sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to make the switch very slowly. Make sure you make the switch before you’re almost out of their current food. Make sure you have at least a couple weeks worthy of the old food left when you make the switch. You’ll find out why soon.
Introduce the Food in the Days Leading Up to the Change
Two days before you start making the switch, you can begin using the new dog food as a treat for them. Hand feed them a few pieces of the new food so they are getting used to it before the food-switching process starts
Change From Your Old Dog Food to New Dog Food Gradually
For the first 3-4 days you’re going to mix in the new food very gradually. Make a bowl of food with the new food accounting for about 20% of the bowl.
The next 3-4 days you’re going to make the new food account for about 50% of the food in the bowl. Then follow that up with 75% of the bowl being your new food. Finally after 9 to 12 days you’re able to move on to the new food completely.
Worried Your Dog Will Not Eat the New Food? Here Are Some Things to Try
- Try handfeeding your dog the new food. Give it to them as treats in the days leading up to their new food being introduced.
- Cut treats out completely during the food switch. You want your dogs to be hungry and ready to eat when the new food is introduced.
- If you are worried about your dog getting an upset stomach because of the new food, give them Benebac gel. (Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link)
Good luck! By following these instructions you’re making the chances of a smooth food switch much higher.