How to switch your dog to McDuffy
A slow, gentle change over about 10 days lets your dog's tummy adjust — so the switch to real, gently-cooked food is smooth, not messy. Here's the day-by-day plan, what's normal, and what to do if your dog is picky or has a sensitive stomach.
Why switch slowly?
Your dog's gut is used to their current food. Swapping everything overnight is the most common cause of an upset tummy or loose stool. Mixing a little more McDuffy in every few days gives their system time to adjust — most dogs settle in beautifully by day 10.
Your 10-day mixing chart
Keep your dog's total daily amount the same — just shift the ratio from their old food to McDuffy. The blue is McDuffy; the light bar is their current food.
Start slow so the tummy adjusts.
Half and half.
Mostly McDuffy now.
Fully on fresh. Welcome to the pack!
It depends on your dog's size. Get your dog's daily grams, then take the % above. Example: a dog that eats 300 g/day starts with ~75 g McDuffy + ~225 g of their current food on Days 1–3.
Calculate my dog's daily grams →| When | Mix | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 25% McDuffy · 75% current | Start slow so the tummy adjusts. |
| Days 4–6 | 50% McDuffy · 50% current | Half and half. |
| Days 7–9 | 75% McDuffy · 25% current | Mostly McDuffy now. |
| Day 10+ | 100% McDuffy | Fully on fresh. |
Stretch each stage to 4–5 days — a gentler ~2-week switch. Rushing can upset the tummy.
Dogs already used to varied food can move a little faster — but only if stools stay firm at each stage.
What to expect during the switch
Fresh food is a big upgrade from kibble — a few small changes in the first week are completely normal.
Common while the tummy adjusts. Keep fresh water available and stay on the schedule.
Once fully switched — fresh food is more digestible, so there's simply less waste.
McDuffy is gently cooked with real moisture, so many dogs drink a little less. That's fine.
Real food smells like real food — a lot of dogs get noticeably keener to eat.
✅ Normal & nothing to worry about
- Slightly soft stool for 1–2 days
- Eating eagerly; normal energy
- A little less drinking from the bowl
- Smaller poops as you reach 100%
⚠️ Check in with us or your vet
- Loose stool lasting more than 1–2 days
- Vomiting, or refusing food for 24h+
- Low energy, or your dog just seems unwell
If loose stool lasts more than 1–2 days, or your dog seems unwell, message McDuffy Care on Viber and check with your vet.
🐽 Picky eater? Try this
Some dogs are cautious about anything new. These little nudges usually win them over.
- Serve at room temperature. Warmth lifts the aroma and makes it irresistible. Never microwave-hot.
- Hold each stage a little longer. Stay 2–3 extra days at a mix your dog is comfortable with before adding more McDuffy.
- Hand-feed the first few bites. Sit with them; a spoonful from your hand often breaks the ice.
- Same spot, same times, twice a day. Routine tells your dog "this is dinner."
- Pick up uneaten food after 15–20 minutes. No snacks in between, so they arrive hungry for the next meal.
- Ease off treats during the switch. A full dog on treats has no room for the new food.
- One recipe at a time. Don't rotate proteins mid-transition — keep it simple until they're fully switched.
🌿 Sensitive stomach? Go gentler
If your dog has a delicate tummy or a history of food reactions, slow the whole thing down.
- Stretch every stage to 4–5 days. A ~2-week switch is easier on a sensitive gut.
- Introduce gradually. Rushing can upset the tummy — the slow mix is doing the work.
- Keep fresh water available at all times, especially in the first week.
- Skip new treats and table scraps while switching, so the only new thing is McDuffy.
- Lead with the fish-free option. Chicken It Up is our gentlest starter — no fish, great for sensitive dogs.
- On a prescription or bland diet? Check with your vet on timing before you start.
You don't have to figure it out alone. Message McDuffy Care on Viber — we'll help you adjust the pace, and we always suggest checking with your vet for anything that worries you.
Message McDuffy Care on Viber →Storage & handling
McDuffy is real food with no artificial preservatives — treat it like you would your own.
- Keep packs frozen until the day before serving.
- Thaw the next day's food in the chiller (fridge) overnight — not on the counter.
- Once thawed, use within 3 days and keep refrigerated. Do not refreeze.
- Serve at room temperature; never microwave-hot.
Common transition questions
How long does the switch take?
About 10 days for most dogs, or around 2 weeks if your dog has a sensitive tummy. There's no prize for rushing — a smooth switch is the goal.
Can I just switch cold turkey?
We don't recommend it. A sudden change is the most common cause of an upset stomach. The gradual mix is gentler and gets you to the same place with far less mess.
My dog devoured it on day 1 — can I speed up?
You can move a little faster if stools stay firm at each stage. If you're unsure, stick to the schedule — the slow ramp protects the gut even for eager eaters.
My dog skipped a meal. What now?
Offer the same mix at the next mealtime and don't top up with treats. If your dog refuses two meals in a row, message McDuffy Care on Viber.
Do puppies, seniors or pregnant dogs transition differently?
Same gentle method — but their portions differ. Use the quiz for a tailored daily amount, and check with your vet first for any special condition.
Ready to start fresh?
Get your dog's exact portions and a plan built around their weight, allergies and appetite — new plans get 50% off the first box and 20% off the second.
This is feeding guidance, not veterinary advice. For anything specific to your dog's health, check with your vet.
