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Starting your dog on Bep Ben is an exciting time, for both the dog and the owner! But transition to Bep Ben too quickly and it could lead to upset bellies and a bit of a mess.

That’s why, below, we’ll go through:

1. Why transitioning slowly is important
2. How to transition to Bep Ben 
3. How to monitor your dog while transitioning

Why Transitioning Slowly is Important 

Unlike humans, dogs are used to eating the same food everyday, often for years. If you switch their food entirely, with no transition period, it often leads to digestive upsets like vomiting and diarrhea. Please note that, even during the transitioning period, you may notice some constipation and diarrhea. This is quite common when you’re switching your dog’s diet. That’s why you need to transition slowly. Gradually changing your dog’s diet is important because it helps reduce discomforts like belly upsets, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation.

How to Transition to Bep Ben 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) you should transition a dog’s food over 5 to 7 days. If your dog has any food allergies, sensitive stomachs, gastrointestinal diseases, you may need to provide a longer transitioning period of 7 to 14 days, so their digestive system isn’t thrown off by the changes. 

We recommend following the AKC Guide:

• Day 1 - 2: 25% Bep Ben and 75% old diet
• Days 3 - 4: 50% Bep Ben and 50% old diet
• Days 5 - 6: 75% Bep Ben and 25% old diet
• Day 7: 100% Bep Ben

If Bep Ben is similar to their old diet, you may be able to cut the transition to a few days. If at any point during their transition, you notice a bit of digestive upset or discomfort, we recommend extending the transition and slowing down the process further. 

• For example: If you’re on Day 6 (25% Old Food and 75% Bep Ben), and you notice that your dog’s poop is a bit loose and runny compared to normal, stay on this stage for a few more days until your dog’s poop is solid.
  

We also recommend adding a small amount of the Probiotics Powder we’ve included (in a small zip lock bag) in every meal, to help boost gut bacteria and keep the good bacteria in balance.

Monitoring Your Dog

It’s essential you also monitor your dog during the transitioning process. You’ll need to monitor their digestive health by looking at their poop, taking note of their energy levels, recording any adverse reactions, and even watching your portion size.

The Proof is in the Poop!

• Is the poop quality changing?
• Is the frequency changing (are they pooping more or less)?
• How is the consistency of their stool?
• Is the color of their poop different?
• Are they experiencing any constipation or diarrhea?
  

For a simple guide, please refer to this image below. 

You want to make sure your dog’s poop falls in the ideal section, where it’s either:

• Firm but not hard, segmented
• Log-shaped, moist, holds form when picked up
  

For more information on what good and healthy poop looks like, please have a look at our article: Stinky Business: Decoding your Dog’s Poop.

Energy Levels 

Your dog’s energy level is also a key factor. Are they more playful, do they have more energy or are they more tired? Take note of these changes and talk to your vet, if you are concerned.

Adverse Reactions

If your dog is displaying any gastrointestinal signs (persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea) despite slowing down the transitioning process, or cutaneous symptoms (itching, skin inflammation, hair loss, and a rash), or even a combination of the two, you should have your dog evaluated by your vet. The dog might be having an adverse reaction due to a food intolerance. It’s extremely rare for a dog to fall very ill if you switch their food. However, if you notice any severe problems or prolonged digestive upsets, please reach out to your vet immediately. Your dog might be experiencing an allergic reaction. 

Portion Size

How much you feed your dog is also key in successful transitions. If you give your dogs too much food (overly large portion sizes) it can make them feel sluggish and also make weight management extremely difficult. If you want to learn more about feeding guides, check out our article: How much Bep Ben to Feed Your Dog. If your dog is overweight, have a look at our article on Weight Management for Dogs to learn more about the calories you should feed them per day.

Overall, if your dog displays normal behavior and energy levels, and there’s no news, that would indicate that the transition is going well! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret. Remember to keep the transition slow and steady, and monitor your dog during this process.

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Happy munching puppers!