--- title: Switching Dog Food Safely | Happy Paws Kennels, Dixon url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/switching-dog-food/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Switching dog food safely # Switching dog food safely (and why we'll feed your own) Switch dog food gradually over 7 to 10 days, mixing a little more new food in every two or three days. Avoid changing diets right before a boarding stay, because Happy Paws feeds your own food at no charge and a steady diet is easier on your dog's stomach. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A sudden diet change is one of the most common causes of soft stool and vomiting. The fix is patience. ## The standard 7 to 10 day schedule **Whole Dog Journal transition schedule; keep the total daily amount the same.** | Days | Old food | New food | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 to 3 | 3 parts | 1 part | | 4 to 6 | 1 part | 1 part | | 7 to 9 | 1 part | 3 parts | | 10 onward | none | all | ## Slow down when needed Dogs with sensitive stomachs do better changing the mix every two days over about a week of slow steps, or stretching each stage out. Whole Dog Journal warns that large jumps in fat content are a common cause of upset, so be extra careful when moving to a richer food. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea or reduced appetite, and slow down if the stool softens. ## When to ask your vet first Check with your veterinarian before changing the diet of a puppy, a senior, a dog on a prescription diet, or any dog with a medical condition. A bland diet for stomach upset does not need a transition at the start, but returning to regular food afterward should be gradual. ## Why not to switch before boarding A stay is already a change of place and routine. Add a new food and a loose stool is hard to read: was it the food, the stress, or something else? Keep the diet steady for at least a week before and during the stay. ## How the kennel handles food Your own food is welcome at no charge. Bring enough for the whole stay plus a bit extra, in its original bag, with the amount written in cups or tablespoons. Staff feed your dog's food the way you do at home. Prefer not to bring food? The house menu is grain-free kibble and a wet food, plus farm-fresh eggs, hot dogs and treats, all at no extra cost. If a dog refuses food, staff offer enticing extras. See [food and special diets](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/). ## Signs the new food is not working Soft stool for a day or two during a switch is common. Persistent vomiting, bloody stool, itching, a dull coat or a refusal to eat are not, and they are good reasons to call your veterinarian and return to the old food while you wait. Keep notes of what your dog ate and when, which makes the visit more useful and also helps if you later want to write a clear feeding plan for a stay. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Whole Dog Journal, how to transition dog food](https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/?p=596675) - [American Kennel Club, how much should I feed my dog](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Food and special diets](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/) - [Do you charge extra if I bring my own food?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-charge-extra-if-i-bring-my-own-food/) - [My dog won't eat the first day at boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-not-eating-at-boarding/) - [How much to feed a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-to-feed-a-dog/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [What food do you feed?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/what-food-do-you-feed/) ## Read next - [How much to feed a dog](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-to-feed-a-dog/) - [Slow feeder bowls](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/) - [Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [How often should you bathe a dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### How long does it take to switch dog food? Seven to ten days is standard, longer for dogs with sensitive stomachs. ### Can the kennel feed my dog's special food? Yes, at no charge. Bring it in the original bag and write the amounts in cups. ### Should I change food right before boarding? No. Keep the diet steady so any change in your dog's stomach is easy to understand.