Your puppy is currently thriving on Authority® Puppy Chicken & Rice. While you may eventually choose to switch to a different premium brand, doing so too quickly can cause severe stomach upset, diarrhea, and a weakened immune system.
The “7-Day Golden Rule”
If you decide to change the food, you must do it gradually over a minimum of 7 to 10 days. Never switch “cold turkey” on the first day in a new home!
Follow this mixing schedule:
- Days 1–3: 75% Current food (Authority) + 25% New food.
- Days 4–6: 50% Current food + 50% New food.
- Days 7–9: 25% Current food + 75% New food.
- Day 10: 100% New food.
Important Guidelines:
- Wait for Stability: Do not start a diet transition during the first 2 weeks in your home. Let the puppy decompress from the stress of moving first.
- Monitor the Stool: If the puppy’s stool becomes soft or runny during the transition, go back to the previous step (more of the old food) for a few extra days until it firms up.
- Protein Match: When choosing a new food, try to stay with a similar protein base (like Chicken) to make the transition easier on the stomach.
- No “Human Food”: During the transition period, strictly avoid giving table scraps or new treats. This will help you know if the new dog food is actually agreeing with the puppy.
Why we insist on this: French Bulldogs are prone to food allergies and sensitive stomachs. A slow transition is the best way to prevent a costly trip to the emergency vet for what is simply a “dietary indiscretion.”