Most owners push through the 50% mark and regret it. Here is how to stop the 'pudding' stools and save your carpet.
Everything was fine at a 25% mix. Now? It is a mess. This isn't a failure—it is a signal your dog’s gut bacteria simply can't keep up with the change.
Your pup's gut is like a factory tuned for one specific product. Suddenly changing the raw materials causes a total production line crash.
Switching to NZ icons like Ziwi Peak? These nutrient-dense foods lack fillers, meaning the gut has to work twice as hard to adapt to the richness.
Soft stools? Just an adjustment. Vomiting or lethargy? That is a red flag. You must know the difference before you take the next step.
Stop pushing forward. Drop back to the last ratio where their stools were firm. Hold there for 3-5 days until the system stabilises.
If your dog is sensitive, 25% increases are too aggressive. Move in 10% increments. It takes longer, but it is cheaper than an emergency vet visit.
Guesswork is the enemy of a sensitive gut. Use a digital kitchen scale. Precision in grams prevents the common 'overfeeding stall'.
A spoonful of plain cooked pumpkin can be a lifesaver. The soluble fibre absorbs excess water and buys the gut time to catch up.
Moved from Auckland to a Canterbury tank? Changes in water minerals can compound food issues. Use filtered water during the switch.
If the stall lasts over 2 weeks or you see blood, stop. Your vet may need to provide B12 support or a prescription transition diet.
You aren't just changing food; you are rebuilding your dog's internal ecosystem. Patience today prevents chronic gut sensitivity tomorrow.
Get the full Reset Protocol checklist and our recommended NZ-specific probiotic guide.