Changing food for new Puppy

[Rae]

We are getting a new baby very shortly and we're thrilled! However, the breeder feeds the puppies, as well as all her dogs, Kirkland Dry Dog Food. We want to get our baby off it ASAP. The breeder sends "a supply" of the food home but we don't know how much. I know it's recommended to wait a full two weeks after getting the puppy to start switching food. I'm sure we won't be getting a three week supply from the breeder and I honestly don't want to buy 33# of Kirkland and then have tons left over. So, do you think it would be okay to switch her food earlier? She'll be going on Fromm or Caster & Pollux ( probably Fromm Puppy). Opinions are very welcome! Thanks!

[Susan Dingess]

Hi,

I just know from my own experience about 2 months ago that I got a 2 day supply of food from the breeder. I ordered in advance the smallest bag of Life's Abundance which I have continued. Life's Abundance does not have the best ratings on this forum or on a national rating. I am only saying what I did.

[Kathy]

Just took my 2 off of LA,,,had   nothing but problems with that terrible food ,,after a months on it they were,,constanly vomiting 2 to 3 times a week!They had bad breath ,,,from it,,thank God ,,i switched to Acana  (wild prarie) And they LOVE it NO more Vomting,the breeders all get theres for free,for selling it,,i bet there dogs dont eat it!!! im just saying be careful,, As im sure you will hear this from others!!!! Good luck with your new pup!

[Rae]

I know! I'm kind of feeling like I'm between a rock and a hard place! I don't want nor would I ever feed my dogs the Kirkland food but with a tiny puppy that has been on it for at least half her little life I'm afraid a fast switch would really do a number on system. We lost our little Bella to complications from Addison's just last September (she was only 6) and now we're dealing with reoccurring e-coli UTI with Rozee and we're determined to do everything possible to give our new baby the best start and long life we can.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Congratulations on your new pup!  Honestly, if I were you, I would just ask for a supply from your breeder..or I would just buy the 33 lb bag, and donate it to a shelter when you are done. When you do the switch you will have to gradually add the new food in..so really, you may go through most of the bag.  I would not change anything in your pups diet,or introduce any new treats, until you know their digestion is under control.  ALOT of puppies come home with giardia, resulting in loose stools.  It can be a pain to not know what is causing the loose stools at first (many times giardia doesn't show up in a fecal for weeks!) if you are changing food, giving treats, and just the overall stress for the puppy coming into a new environment.  I think Fromm is a great choice..check out this link..it is a list of our recommended dog foods.  Best of luck!

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/recomme...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Don't they make a smaller bag?

If not, I would still stick to the two week guideline and dump whatever is left. It's just not enough money to be worth the kind of headaches you'll have if you switch too early, not to mention what the vet bills will cost you. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

PS: Fromm is a great brand.