How to Switch Your Dog or Cat to Nutrish

There are so many reasons to make the switch to Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ pet food. First, you can feel good you’re giving your dog or cat nutritious food with a delicious taste they’ll love. Plus, a portion of proceeds from every sale of Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ goes to help animals in need through The Rachael Ray Foundation®.

How to Switch Your Pets to Nutrish

Whether you’re changing from one Rachael Ray®Nutrish™ dog food flavor to another or swapping to Nutrish cat food from a different brand, it’s important to do so safely. Changing your dog food or cat food too quickly can upset your pet’s stomach and cause diarrhea or vomiting.

The following chart walks you through how to switch your dog food or cat food, with the proper ratios of their old food and their new Nutrish pet food for each period of time. This guide also works if you are changing your cat or dog from dry food to wet food (or vice versa).

Days 1-3

Mix 75% of your dog or cat’s current diet with 25% of their new Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ food.

Days 4-6

Mix 50% of your dog or cat’s current diet with 50% of their new Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ food.

Days 7-9

Mix 25% of your dog or cat’s current diet with 75% of their new Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ food.

Day 10+

After day 10, your dog or cat should be fully acclimated to their new Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ food.

Common questions to switching your pet’s food

When do I start to switch my pet’s food?

You can start the switch as soon as you find a Rachael Ray® Nutrish™ dog or cat food you know they’ll love. Explore all of our dog food and cat food options to find the right one for your pet.

Some pets are more sensitive to dietary change and may need a more gradual transition. Monitor your dog or cat for any stomach upset, which would require a longer period for a transition.

What should I do if my pet is showing signs of distress or difficulty while changing foods?

Please consult your veterinarian if your pet has any difficulty transitioning foods. Symptoms can include diarrhea, lethargy, and refusal to eat.

How do I switch my cat from wet food to dry food?

Follow the instructions above on how to switch your pets to Nutrish.

Can you change dog food flavors within the same brand?

Yes! Rachael Ray®Nutrish™ offers many varieties of dog food. Explore the flavors to find one your dog will love, follow the instructions above on how to switch your pets to Nutrish.

At what age should I switch my cat from kitten food to adult cat food?

Cats will reach adulthood at one year of age. This is the best time to transition from kitten food to adult food.

When should I change from puppy food to dog food?

Small dogs develop much sooner than large and giant breeds. Small and medium breeds should transition from puppy to adult food at one year of age. Large and giant breed dogs should transition from puppy to adult food at 15 to 18 months of age.

Is there a way to safely switch my dog’s food without mixing?

Some dogs are more sensitive to dietary change and require a longer transition. However, some dogs do not require a long transition. With many dogs, a rapid change in diet will result in increased gas and loose stools for a few days. It is highly recommended for the comfort of your dog to follow a transition feeding.

What are signs that I’m switching my pet’s food too quickly?

An increase in gas and change in their stool can indicate you are switching rapidly.

When should I consider switching my cat from dry food to wet food?

Some cats prefer wet food to dry food and some like to have both. Both provide complete and balanced nutrition, so you can confidently feed either or both.

Mix and Match with Home Chef-Inspired Bowls

Rachael Ray®Nutrish™ pet food makes it easy to mix and match dry and wet food recipes, along with home kitchen ingredients safe for your pet. Get inspired with one of our home chef-inspired pet food bowl recipes.