You love the idea of a dog food that’s really, truly, actually sustainable, but you might not be ready to switch your dog’s food. We get it, we’re dog parents too.
It can be a journey to find a food that works well for your pup, and sometimes you just want to stay close to home (we’re doing a lot of that these days). If you are willing to take a walk around the block – so to speak – then we’ve got a few ideas on ways to incorporate Jiminys’ dog food into your dog’s diet and begin reducing their carbon pawprint, one small step at a time.
1) Food as a Treat
If you talk to an animal behavior specialist, they will often tell you to use complete and balanced food as a reward for your dog whenever you can. There will be times, of course, when you need a “higher value” treat (e.g., a special training treat) but, for many occasions, a great tasting food can serve that same purpose.
Jiminy’s baked kibble – not coincidentally, since we’re being honest – is a delicious choice that also packs in a host of benefits unique to our insect protein.
The best part is you’ll get your dog’s attention because it’s different from their normal food – but feel great about treating with a morsel packed with essential nutrients (and it’s really, truly, actually sustainable).
2) Mix it In
Make the earth move beneath their feet. Offer a mix of foods to enhance palatability, then enjoy watching your pup enjoy discovering fresh and interesting flavors all over again.
They’ll also be getting a mix of different nutrients at the same time, so even your sneaky side will approve.
With Cravin' Cricket, you’re also adding a food with a protein source that feeds the dog’s gut microbiome (and yes – finally – the gut microbiome gets its moment in the sun!).
3) Create a Rotational Diet For Your Dog
A revolving diet – also known as a rotational diet – is all about taking a well-balanced approach to your dog’s diet.
Instead of feeding him the same food every day, rotate recipes so your dog gets a range of proteins (and other nutrients) into his diet. This can help reduce the likelihood of your dog developing food sensitivities.
By rotating in Cravin' Cricket or Good Grub you can also “reset” your dog’s gut microbiome which is so important for your pup’s well-being. Choosing a food that helps feed those microorganisms is a great way to promote overall health (and we won’t be so crass to suggest that Jiminy’s is a great choice here).
4) Make the Full Switch To A New Dog Food
When you do decide to make a full switch, congratulations!
Why congratulations? Well, if your pup is currently eating a chicken-based diet, then you’ll save over 480,000 gallons of water a year by switching to Cravin' Cricket or Good Grub! Just don’t forget to make the switch gradually.
Here’s how to transition your dog to a new food:
- Mix your dog’s current food with the new food.
- Over 7 days, gradually increase the ratio of new food to old food.
Though you might start with just a tablespoon of new food, by the end of the 7 days your dog will be eating an entire bowl of his new kibble. No penalty if you want to take more than 7 days.
The world is changing.
In a few years, our population will exceed our means of food production.
But where others see setbacks, we see opportunities and new ways to live that consume fewer natural resources, reduce critical greenhouse gases, and provide a better, more humane, and healthier source of protein for our pets. We know it’s ambitious but staying focused on the future gives us a chance to improve it. Let’s make a better world.
FAQ - How to Transition Your Dog to a New Food
1. Why should I transition my dog to new food slowly?
Transitioning food gradually helps prevent digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or reduced appetite. A slow transition gives your dog’s gastrointestinal tract time to adapt to new ingredients and nutrient profiles without overwhelming the system.
2. What’s the recommended schedule for switching dog food?
A common and effective transition schedule is:
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Days 1–2: 75% old food + 25% new food
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Days 3–4: 50% old + 50% new
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Days 5–6: 25% old + 75% new
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Days 7–10: 100% new food
Gradually increasing the new food over ~7 – 10 days helps reduce digestive issues.
3. What should I do if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider extending the transition to 10–14 days or longer. Slower changes give the gut microbiome extra time to adapt and can reduce symptom flare-ups. Monitor stool quality and appetite throughout.
4. Can I switch foods faster than 7–10 days?
It’s possible for some dogs, especially those with robust digestion, to transition a bit faster. But for most dogs especially those with history of GI upset, allergies, or sensitive digestion, a gradual approach is recommended to reduce risks of digestive distress.
5. Should meals be the same portion size during transition?
Yes — stick to your dog’s normal portion sizes during a transition. Changing both diet and portion size at the same time can make it harder to know what’s affecting your dog’s digestion. Hold feeding amounts steady and maintain a routine.
6. What signs indicate a smooth transition?
Signs your dog is handling the new food well include:
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Normal stool consistency
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Normal appetite
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No excessive gas or vomiting
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Normal energy levels
Positive changes like improved coat or digestion may also show over time.
7. What if my dog has soft stools or diarrhea during the switch?
If minor digestive issues appear, slow the transition pace by maintaining a higher proportion of old food for a few extra days before increasing new food again. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond a day or two, consult your veterinarian.
8. Can treats and toppers affect the transition?
Yes — try to limit introducing new treats, toppers, or supplemental foods during a transition period. These can confuse your dog’s digestive process and make it harder to determine what’s causing symptoms. Keep treats consistent or minimal until the new diet is fully established.
9. Should I use the same feeding schedule?
Absolutely — maintain your dog’s regular feeding times and routines. Consistency in when and how you feed helps your dog adjust mentally and physically to the new food.
10. Can switching food improve allergies or sensitivities?
Yes — changing to a different protein source (like novel or limited-ingredient diets) can help dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. A careful transition is essential to assess whether symptoms improve with the new diet.
11. When should I talk to my veterinarian during a transition?
Contact your vet if your dog shows:
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Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Lethargy or weakness
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Signs of dehydration
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Severe or worsening symptoms
Veterinary guidance ensures underlying issues are addressed.
12. Can probiotics help during a food change?
Probiotics or digestive support supplements may help stabilize gut flora during dietary changes, especially for dogs prone to GI upset. Discuss options with your veterinarian to find the right choice for your dog’s needs.
