Last Updated: 14/12/2025
How to Transition Your Dog to Fresh Bonnodog Meals
Learn how to smoothly transition your dog to fresh Bonnodog meals with vet-recommended tips, a step-by-step schedule, and advice for fussy or sensitive dogs.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Switching your dog to Bonnodog is an exciting step for both of you!
The key is to go slow and steady. A sudden change in diet can upset your dog’s tummy, and new routines take time to get used to. By easing into it, you’ll help your dog adjust comfortably and keep mealtimes happy.
Follow this simple, vet-recommended guide for a smooth (and delicious) transition.
Benefits of Fresh Feeding
Feeding a fresh, gently cooked diet like Bonnodog has many advantages. Made with real, whole ingredients you can see and recognise, it offers balanced nutrition without unnecessary fillers or heavy processing.
Owners often notice:
- Better digestion and stool quality
- Improved skin and coat health
- Increased meal enjoyment (even for fussy eaters)
- Enhanced hydration thanks to higher moisture content
- Peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in their dog’s bowl
Fresh feeding brings nutrition back to basics - real food for real health.
Before You Start: Preparation Tips
Set yourself – and your dog – up for success:
- Keep some of the old food handy. You’ll need it to mix with Bonnodog during the transition.
- Defrost / prepare properly. As Bonnodog comes frozen, plan ahead and defrost overnight in the fridge. To speed things up, place sealed packaging in a bowl of warm (not hot) water.
- Check serving temperature. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed (never hot). Stir well before serving to remove any hot spots.
- Create a positive mealtime environment. Stay calm, confident and relaxed. Dogs are very perceptive and pick up on your energy.
- Stick to portions and routine. Keeping feeding times and amounts consistent helps to avoid tummy upsets.
* for dogs with particularly sensitive digestion, consider the addition of a probiotic such as Prokolin during this transition period, to help support healthy digestion and smooth the transition
5-Day Transition Schedule
Transitioning your dog gradually is the best way to set them up for long-term success with their new diet.
Think of this schedule as a guide rather than a rulebook – every dog is unique. Some pups adapt in just a few days, while others need a little extra time to adjust.
If your dog has a sensitive tummy, there’s no rush. You can stretch the transition over 7–10 days (or longer) and pause at any step until they’re comfortable before moving forward. The key is to go at your dog’s pace.
Day
% Bonnodog
% Old food
Notes
Day 1
25%
75%
Mix a small portion of Bonnodog into the old food.
Day 2-3
50%
50%
Half and Half. Monitor stool and appetite.
Day 4
75%
25%
Almost all Bonnodog- you're nearly there!
Day 5
100%
0%
Fully transitioned to Bonnodog meals.
Day 1
25% Bonnodog
75% Old food
Mix a small portion of Bonnodog into the old food.
Day 2-3
50% Bonnodog
50% Old food
Half and Half. Monitor stool and appetite.
Day 4
75% Bonnodog
25% Old food
Almost all Bonnodog- you're nearly there!
Day 5
100% Bonnodog
0% Old food
Fully transitioned to Bonnodog meals.
Tips for Fussy or Sensitive Dogs
If your dog is a little hesitant or has a delicate stomach, these extra tips may help:
- Warm it up slightly. Enhancing the aroma can make the meal more appealing.
- Introduce one recipe at a time. Give your dog time to get used to each new flavour.
- Feed consistently. Offer set amounts at regular times each day to build routine.
- Try smaller, more frequent meals. Ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs.
- Cut back on extras. Too many treats can reduce interest in their main meal.
- Stay confident. Present the food positively and avoid coaxing excessively.
- Change things up. A new bowl or feeding spot can sometimes spark interest.
Troubleshooting Common Transition Issues
What you might notice
What it means
What to do
Softer stools or a bit of gas
Gut adjusting to the new diet
Slow the transition and consider adding a probiotic
Refusing food or hesitant to eat
Unsure about the new texture or smell
Warm food slightly or mix with a small amount of old food
Loose stools for more than 2 days
Transitioned too fast or mild intolerance
Go back one step and give the gut time to settle
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Gastro upset or underlying issue
Stop new food and contact your vet if it persists beyond 24 hours
Softer stools or a bit of gas
What it means: Gut adjusting to the new diet
What to do: Slow the transition and consider adding a probiotic
Refusing food or hesitant to eat
What it means: Unsure about the new texture or smell
What to do: Warm food slightly or mix with a small amount of old food
Loose stools for more than 2 days
What it means: Transitioned too fast or mild intolerance
What to do: Go back one step and give the gut time to settle
Vomiting or diarrhoea
What it means: Gastro upset or underlying issue
What to do: Stop new food and contact your vet if it persists beyond 24 hours
FAQs
Transitioning to Bonnodog’s fresh meals is a wonderful way to support your dog’s health and happiness — just remember: patience and consistency are key.
A slow, gentle approach will help your dog’s tummy (and tastebuds) adjust smoothly, ensuring every mealtime becomes something they look forward to.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue Dec 9 2025
Written by Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
