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My dog's new food caused diarrhea. Can I switch to another food now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 16.6 lbs

I recently switched my dog to a new dog food, and ever since her poop has been squishy and green and she isn't that interested in eating the food. I got a new food to try since that one didn't go well. However, I do not want her on this old food any longer because of how much it is upsetting her stomach. Is it ok to just switch straight to the new food? I don't have the ingredients here to try a bland diet first. Both foods are dry foods.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 2nd, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Usually we recommend a switch to a new food slowly to avoid the signs that you are seeing now (diarrhea, upset stomach, etc.). If you are already seeing these signs then there is no point on a slow switch. I would suggest switching over to the new food now. Be prepared for more diarrhea/upset stomach however, and if you can go buy some boneless skinless chicken breasts and rice, and boil BOTH of these, and feed this for a few days once you get it, it might help. Then mix in the new food slowly. In the mean-time though, just switch to the new food. Best of luck with Aspen!

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    Some dogs are ok with sudden changes in diet. It probably won't cause any more issues than she already has. Try the new food and stick with it for a few days. If she is still having issues with it, I would recommend that you have her examined by a vet. The vet may do an intestinal parasite screening. They can also prescribe probiotics to help with the diarrhea.

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