Acana switch

[Michelle Motorola]

I am going out today to grab some more dog food and im thinking about switching to a different flavor.

Right now Chloe is on Wild Prairie, and she doesnt to love it so maybe the Pacifica?

Would just like to make sure it wont upset her tummy, and would it be a tell tale sign if she enjoys the chicken Zukes treats more then the Salmon that she likes chicken better?

Did anyones pup like Pacifica better then the other formulas?

Also if Wild Prairie is 1.3% Calcium and Pacifica is 1.4% calcium is that really a difference?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I switch between the Acana family often. Pacifica is his least favorite but that is just his taste. Others love it most. But sure, switch it up a bit. I usually buy two different flavors and switch on and off on different days. It doesn't bother his sensitive tummy at all

[Michelle Motorola]

I am also thinking about switching to the single grain Chicken and Burbank potato for now, Because she has panosteitis and hasnt gotten 100% better yet i might humor myself and put her on a lower protein, but definitly dont want to switch brands. The only thing is the Chicken and burbank doesnt say ALS or anything. She also does okay with grains as she was on Royal Canin before without any issues.

If i do make the switch to single grain should i mix the grain free with the single grain as i would a brand new food?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Your last question is the easiest to answer: no, lol.

It's fine to rotate foods from one bag to another, especially when you stay with the same product line. Most premium foods are designed for that. But a few other factors need to be taken into account: the dog's age, the length of time the dog has been on the food, and the dog's particular digestive system. Some dogs have more sensitive tummies than others, and have a harder time adjusting to food changes.

With younger puppies, you have to go more slowly than with adult dogs. For example, if someone switched their 3 month old puppy to Acana Wild Prairie from say, Purina, and the puppy has only been eating the Acana for two weeks, I would probably stay with the same formula for a bit longer.

Also, it's a huge mistake to start making food choices based on what the dog seems to 'like" better or "enjoy" more. Rotating formulas keeps them interested in their food and helps to prevent the development of food sensitivities, but don't do it because you want Chloe to "enjoy" her food. Many people have fallen into that trap and have ended up with very picky dogs who have learned that if they hold out long enough, they will be offered something "better". It makes more sense to buy the training treats that she likes best, because those are being used to motivate her. Her food is being provided for nutritional purposes, and as strange it may sound, not for "enjoyment". If humans thought about food that way, they'd be in a lot better shape, lol.

[Michelle Motorola]

yes i suppose as long as shes eating she doesnt necessarily have to enjoy it, that is very good advice i never thought about it like that. And she absolutely loves the zukes treats she will bend over backwards for one haha (not literally although that would be an amazing trick!)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I switch monthly between Acana grain free formulas and the dogs eat them all and have no problem switching. The difference in calcium is insignificant.