Is it safe to feed my dog different proteins at the same time?

While some dogs can tolerate switching between protein sources well (chicken to lamb, etc.), other dogs can have issues and develop GI upset with the change. Nutritionally there is no need to switch protein sources, and dogs can have an allergy to one protein source versus another. If you do switch, I would recommend a slow transition over a week to see how she handles it

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The most common food protein allergen is chicken. I tell clients they can try 2 different over the counter novel protein diets for 2-3 months each before trying a prescription hydrolyzed diet. A novel protein diet means the protein or meat is one that the dog or cat has never eaten before. Only pick one at a time. Examples are Venison, duck, fish, rabbit with green pea, sweet potato, etc. The animals need to eat this diet exclusively, meaning no table scraps, treats or bones, rawhides, greenies or pig ears. The only treats you can give the pet are ones that contain the new protein. You need to give the diet 2-3 months before trying a different protein. There are prescription novel protein diets as well. Hydrolyzed diets are prescription only. The protein is broken down to a very small protein size that isn't recognized as as an allergen by the immune system. Examples are: Hill's z/d, Royal Canin HP and Purina HA. If you find the correct protein that your dog is allergic too then she should only give that diet. Some dogs have food allergies and environmental allergies or atopy. So sometimes food isn't always the perfect fix. But if it is then yes it can help prevent skin and ear infections as long as they don't get anything else to eat that they may be allergic too. I hope this helps! Good luck!

It's best to stick to one protein source. That's because switching food too often can lead to GI upset in the form of vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs will get all the nutrients they need from a high quality dog food.

Waiting for my colleague reply, I can say that it is best not to switch between different proteins but to maintain the same one (often allergy comes from protein source). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

If your kitties are on their current diet because of suspected allergy, and the current foods are well tolerated, i would not switch. If they are both balanced diets then you don't necessarily need different protein sources. It they like the food and are maintaining weight with no tummy upset then it's a great diet for them. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If your vet suggested another protein, then I think it would be safe to make the switch for Trixie. Be sure to the switch slowly to avoid GI upset. If you do get GI upset, then changing protein isn't a good idea, and I would go back to the rabbit and pea. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is best to stay with one type of diet as that can avoid gastrointestinal issues. Dogs just have a more sensitive stomach and respond better to one diet at once. Good luck and have a great day!