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My dog is vomiting & lethargic after food changes. Should I switch food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 years and 11 months old

While we were away, our dog ran out of food (Iams minichunks). His sitter picked up a small bag of grain-free food (forget the brand). When we returned we bought him a bag of Pedigree for adult dogs. Now he has been eating grass, vomiting, and his nose is dry to the touch. He has been lethargic and hasn't eaten his meal today. Should we switch him back to what he's used to (Iams minichunks) or just let his system adjust to Pedigree?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 25th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that Django hasn't been feeling well! Sudden diet changes can cause acute episodes of gastroenteritis (inflammation in the GI tract), which can lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. You can try continuing to withhold food for the rest of the day today, then offer small frequent amounts of a bland diet starting tomorrow morning. Feed boiled white meat chicken and white rice (1 cup for every 10 pounds of body weight) for several days if his vomiting and nausea subside. After a few days, gradually mix his normal food in with the bland diet over another 5-7 day period. All of that said, if Django remains lethargic, refuses to drink any water, or experiences profuse vomiting, he should be examined by a vet because he may need fluids or other medications. I hope that he feels better soon!

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