Should you change dog food every once and a while

[KSID]

Just wondering should I change food every once in a while? I've been feeding Innova large breed for a while and they eat it but do you change to something just as good every once in a while for the dog.

[observer]

There are a number of people here who rotate foods at varying intervals. Others don't.

I do, with just one dog, try to rotate after no more than 2 large bags; my girl only eats 2 cups a day. Rotating among the premium foods helps insure that over time, you are giving your dog a good variety of the nutrients they need. And, I think they get bored after a while. Missy started on a new food tonight, and she was a happy girl about that!

[JemarsSerena]

I'm another who does this. I liked the idea of rotating when I read it. Since Serena will eat anything without showing even the slightest sensitivity I figured it was th e right thing for us.

[buckeye96]

We tried doing this and Ellie was not having any part of it. We tried rotating to Solid Gold from Dick van Pattens and she was not happy.

[spidey]

I rotate foods every 1-2 months. I feed super premium kibble for breakfast (rotating brands every 1-2 months) and prepared raw or canned or tripe for dinner (rotating protein sources regularly). I think it's healthier for the dog, and it also means that I can feed my dog almost anything and not worry about an upset stomach, because his system is used to a varied diet. My vet feels that rotating at least protein sources is useful in preventing some food allergies (many food allergies develop because a dog gets over exposed to the same protein all the time).

[MomMcpsl]

I rotate as well. I rotate every 3 months. I ususally go between Solid Gold (lamb) Canidae (all stages chicken) Wellness (fish) and Innova (turkey). I also add half a can of wet food to the dry twice a week. That is always either innova, solid gold, canidae, or wellness too. I like rotating b/c I know they are getting different things from each different food. Good luck!

[Cash]

Originally Posted by spidey

My vet feels that rotating at least protein sources is useful in preventing some food allergies (many food allergies develop because a dog gets over exposed to the same protein all the time).

Once again, I agree with Spidey's advice! I don't think there is a post I DISagree with, be it nutrition, behavior, training - you are such an invaluable source!

It is recommended to rotate foods/protein sources at the very least every 18 months. IF a dog is prone to developing allergies it most likely will do so if fed the same food for over a year and a half - rotating food is simply a way to prevent that.
Many dogs do fine on the same food and protein source for it's entire life. But to be safe, and new research show that more and more dogs are developing allergies -- switch the protein source. I like the premium kibbles that offer single source proteins (protein "MEAL") so it's easier to keep track of what your dog was on and is changing to.