Hi. After reading about all the different foods available and peoples opinions on here, I have decided to change my 10 week old CKCS pup over to Naturediet. At the moment he is having 2oz of Pedigree puppy complete with 1/4 pouch of pedigree puppy twice a day (we cut out supper because he wasn't touching it).
What is the best way to go about the change - mixing ratios ect??
The reason I have chose Naturediet is because I have a feeling he is having trouble with his anal glands - he is up to date with worming programme so can rule that out, but he is rubbing his bum on the floor and last night after sitting on my lap, I was left with a vile fishy smell on my trousers - YUK!! Will see the vet tomorrow about this. Anyway, Somebody on here said that after changing to Naturediet, their dog who also had anal gland troubles had improved immensly and had lost their 'doggy smell'.....sounds good to me! Lets hope it does the job for Harvey although I do realise what works for one doesn't necassarily work for another.
I am thinking of just feeding Naturediet or would it be better for Harvey if I mixed it with a quality comlete meal??
I really appreciate any help given.

Thanks

Hayley x

Hi -

To answer your questions in order:

The way which is usually recommended to change is to mix some ND in with the Pedigree and then gradually increase the amount of ND and decrease the Pedigree.  But what a lot of people find is that when you put both Pedigree and ND in a bowl, the dog will just pick out the ND and often be less keen on the Pedigree.  As a result, I've always gone "cold turkey" with mine and just swapped them over immediately.  Sometimes there is a day or two of softer poos while their body adjusts but I've never had any kind of long term trouble caused as a result of switching foods.

I think ND will probably help with the anal glands, because it is highly digestible and little waste is created.  Pedigree contains a lot of indigestible grains and additives and these do contribute towards the body's waste - which can manifest itself in the anal glands.

Just feeding ND should be fine for him.  You could also mix it with either Burns or James Wellbeloved if you wanted to, but there's no need.  Since he's such a small breed he's not going to eat much ND and you're unlikely to find it too expensive, which would be the only reason to consider mixing it. 

But if you do want to mix it, here are some links to Burns and James Wellbeloved: www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk   www.wellbeloved.co.uk

Thanks for the info onetwothree. I'm off to pets at home later to get some Naturediet. Re the anal glands - that was my theory regarding digestion and waste. Hope it works for us!