Canagan
Cat Food Chicken (Grain-Free)
Dry✓ Complete dietCrude protein 34 %
4.9Editorial ratingFair value
5.0 Rakuten reviews
≈$42 ≈$3/100g
How to Switch Cat Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach
Updated: September 18, 2026 ·
Most problems during a food change come from changing too fast, not from the new food itself. With a sensible pace and a clear stop signal, the transition is usually uneventful.
Take a week to ten days
Raise the share of the new food gradually, completing the change over seven to ten days. Start at around 10–20 percent new. Check the stool daily, and only step up when it stays normal.
When they refuse
Cats are wary of unfamiliar food. Mixing in a little wet food, or warming it slightly to release the aroma, often helps. If they still refuse, do not force it — step back to the previous ratio.
When to stop and see a vet
Stop the transition if diarrhoea or vomiting persists, if your cat is lethargic, or if it eats almost nothing for over 24 hours. Prolonged fasting is dangerous for cats, so a vet visit is warranted when appetite does not return.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a transition between flavours of the same brand?
The overlap in ingredients makes it easier, but for cats with a sensitive gut, easing in is safer even between flavours.
Does the same apply to a therapeutic diet?
The principle is the same, but a therapeutic diet may come with its own instructions on pace and mixing, so follow your vet.
Products in this guide
Orijen
Original Cat
Hill's Science Diet
Adult 1–6 Indoor Cat Chicken (Dry)
Dry✓ Complete dietCrude protein 33.2 %
4.5Editorial ratingGreat value
5.0 Rakuten reviews
≈$15 ≈$1/100g