Changing your dog's food

Dog owners know that their four-legged friend's diet is perhaps the most important factor in their well-being. Food must meet the highest standards (both human and canine). However, over the course of a dog's (hopefully long) life, it may be necessary to make a change in diet.

The reasonsThe reasons for this can be manifold:

• New life phase, such as puppy > adult
• Diet food due to obesity
• Fewer calories
• From dry to wet food or vice versa
• Development of aFood allergy
• and much more.

The importance of a correct change in dog food and, above all, its important role in maintaining a healthy microbiome is explained by veterinarian and molecular biologistNatasa Xenophontos, DVM.

"The gut microbiome responds metabolically to the nutrient composition of the diet. The content of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates has a strong impact on the composition of the microbiome. Changes in these nutrient profiles can cause rapid changes in health. The gut microbiome contributes to the animal's metabolism, protects against pathogens, develops the immune system, and through these fundamental functions, directly or indirectly influences most of the animal's physiological functions."  

Rapid microbiome changes can lead to dysbiosis. This is an imbalance in the composition of bacteria in the digestive tract, which contributes to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. In the case of intestinal dysbiosis, symptoms in animals can include:

• Diarrhea
• flatulence
• abdominal pain
• Vomiting and
• Itching may occur.

Therefore, a longer-term food transition is a good idea. To ensure the transition goes smoothly and is a pleasant experience for everyone involved, we have compiled helpful tips for a smooth transition to the new food.

1. Step-by-step introduction:Gradually mix the new food with the current food over a period of 7-14 days. For very sensitive dogs, this process may take longer.
2. Observe your dog:Pay attention to changes in appetite, digestion, and well-being.
3. Patience and continuity:Give your dog enough time to get used to the new food (entoVITAL). Don't switch food too quickly.
4. Water absorption:Always provide sufficient fresh and clean water.

1. Start by gradually introducing the new food (entoVITAL) into your dog's diet. To do this, first mix a small amount of the new food (entoVITAL) with the regular food. Over the course of a few days, gradually increase the amount of entoVITAL food while simultaneously reducing the amount of the old food.
2. During the food transition, it's important to closely monitor your dog. Pay attention to any changes in behavior, digestion, and appetite. If you have any concerns or notice any unusual reactions, please consult your veterinarian.
3. Give your dog plenty of time to get used to the new food (entoVITAL). Every dog is different, and some may need more time than others to adjust to changes. Be patient and support your dog during this process.
4. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Adequate hydration is important to support your dog's digestion and metabolism.

We want to achieve a positive change for your dog's health and well-being with a food change. With these tips, we hope to help you make this process as smooth as possible. If you have any further questions or concerns, we're happy to help.

Please note that it's important to consider your dog's individual needs and health concerns. Always consult your veterinarian with any specific questions or concerns.

Interview mit Tierärztin & Molekularbiologin Dr. Natasa Xenophontos, DVM
„Das Darmmikrobiom reagiert empfindlich auf veränderte Nährstoffzusammensetzungen. Ballaststoffe, Proteine und Kohlenhydrate beeinflussen die Bakterienvielfalt und damit das gesamte Immunsystem. Eine zu schnelle Umstellung kann zu Dysbiose führen und Symptome wie Durchfall, Blähungen, Erbrechen oder Juckreiz auslösen.“

• Durchfall
• Blähungen
• Bauchschmerzen
• Erbrechen
• Juckreiz

Diese Hinweise deuten auf eine gestörte Balance im Darmmikrobiom hin – meist durch eine zu abrupte Futterumstellung verursacht.

Basierend auf unserer Futterumstellungskarte von entoVITAL und tierärztlicher Empfehlung:

Zeitraum Futteranteil entoVITAL Futteranteil bisher

Tag 1–2 25 % 75 %
Tag 3–4 50 % 50 %
Tag 5–6 75 % 25 %
ab Tag 7 100 % 0 %

Merke: „Zwei Tage – ein Viertel!“ ist die Faustregel.

✅ Geduld & Zeit einplanen: Bei sensiblen Hunden kann die Umstellung 2–3 Wochen dauern.
✅ Hund beobachten: Führe ggf. ein kleines Ernährungstagebuch.
✅ Immer frisches Wasser bereitstellen, besonders bei Trockenfutter.
✅ Nicht mischen mit Leckerlis oder anderen Futtersorten während der Umstellung.

Unsere entoVITAL-Produkte sind speziell für ernährungssensible Hunde entwickelt. Die Kombination aus Insektenprotein, präbiotischen Ballaststoffen und hochwertigen Kräutern unterstützt den Darm und sorgt für eine sanfte, nachhaltige Ernährung.

Eine Futterumstellung muss nicht stressig sein – mit einem strukturierten Plan, tierärztlichem Wissen und hochwertigen Produkten gelingt der Übergang reibungslos. Unterstütze deinen Hund aktiv auf dem Weg zu mehr Wohlbefinden und Darmbalance.

Hinweis: Dieser Beitrag ersetzt keine tierärztliche Diagnose. Bei auffälligen Symptomen oder Unsicherheiten wende dich bitte an deine Tierarztpraxis.