Forcing a new diet too fast isn't 'tough love'—it's a recipe for a sick dog and a ruined carpet. You need a slower protocol.
Hit the halfway mark and suddenly everything stalls? That is when your dog's gut microbiome is struggling to adapt to new enzymes.
Switching from Sainsbury’s basics to high-protein grain-free? That is a massive structural change for their gut bacteria to handle.
Don't push through the diarrhoea. Step back to the last ratio where stools were firm. Usually, that means 75% old food.
If it is just a slow adjustment, you will see a fix in two days of stepping back the ratio. If not, something else is wrong.
Support the digestive tract with a UK vet-standard probiotic like Pro-Kolin or YuMOVE while you perform the reset.
Watery diarrhoea? Switch to plain boiled chicken and white rice for one day. No treats, no extras, just the basics.
Is your dog itching or getting red paws? This is not a 'stall'—it is a sign they cannot handle that specific protein.
Sensitive tummies need a 21-day sliding scale. It is not a race to the bottom of the bag; it is a biological transition.
Can't find tinned pumpkin in Tesco? Use steamed, mashed butternut squash instead to help firm up their stools naturally.
If the stool is soft, stay at that stage for 3 extra days. Do not move forward until the output is 100% right.
It is a pacing problem. By slowing down to your dog's natural speed, you avoid chronic inflammation and long-term gut issues.
Get the exact ratio breakdown and the list of UK-approved gut supports for your pet's transition.