[TibetanFan]

I've read on here that it's not good to mix Solid Gold with other kibble. But if I'm switching from another brand am I still suppose to do it slowly? - with mostly the old brand and a little new brand, slowly making it all the new brand. I'm switching from Merrick to Solid Gold on the advice of a Tibetan Terrier breeder who is training my dog. My dog is 8 months and has always eaten Merrick dry mixed with Merrick canned. She also has always had trouble with loose poops. About half the time they seem sort of loose. A real pain to keep cleaning her long hair!! The breeder said her Tibetans had the same problem and she switched to SG and they've been perfect. But now I've read on here that mixing SG with other kibble can cause loose stools - the opposite of what I need!! So do I switch slowly or cold turkey?

[briteday]

I think it depends on the dog. Basic protocol would suggest that you should mix the foods, increasing the new food over time, and the time depends on the dog. If they are doing well, then increase. If they are having a bit of gi distress then slow it down.

And I have no reason to think that SG couldn't be mixed with other foods. ??? Maybe some have had a few problems because SG products tend to have more omega oil than some other brands. When introducing my dogs to salmon oil as a supplement I noticed that I had to do it very slowly in very small amounts, and still do. But I can't think of anything else that would cause an issue.

All that being said, everything depends on the dog. My dogs seem to have cast iron stomachs and can eat something different every day without distress. But I've had fosters that had gi distress within an hour of eating just a tidbit of something new. So you'll kinda have to go with your gut on this one I think.

[crazydays]

To prevent GI upset when switching to a different food it is wise to introduce slowly the new food. The switch can occur over a week. Personally I tend to make my switches based on how the dog is doing. I am switching my one dog right know. I give 1.5 cups at each meal. So, I started by giving half cup of new with 1 cup old. She is doing great after 2 days so I am now giving 1 cup new half a cup old. In 2 days I will completely do the switch.
If your dog was having extreme bad side effects from old food you are better just to do complete switch to get that out of the dogs system.

It is not abnormal for dogs to have some soft semi loose stools related to the switch. They need some time with the new food.
Solid Gold is no different than switching to any other brand. My pup is switching from the puppy formula to Wellness Core.

[TibetanFan]

I read in some old threads that SG purges a dog's colon.
http://www.http://dogforums.com/5-do...nning-poo.html
What is that all about? How is it different from other foods?

[crazydays]

Hey Tibetan- I have no knowledge about that. Both my dogs did well on SG. Hopefully someone will give you the info.