Why Changing Dog Food Is Good for Your Pet

Why Changing Dog Food Is Good for Your Pet

Why Changing Dog Food Is Good for Your Pet

Jul 8, 2025

Ever feel like your pet is getting bored of the same old bowl of food? You’re not imagining it. Just like us, dogs enjoy variety—and their bodies thrive on it, too. If you’ve heard that changing dog food can upset your pet’s stomach, we’re here to gently bust that myth and show you how rotational feeding for dogs can be one of the best choices for long-term health and happiness.

What Is Rotational Feeding?

Rotational feeding simply means rotating dog food proteins in your dog’s diet, such as chicken, beef, and fish. At Steve’s Real Food, we believe rotational feeding supports a more complete nutritional profile and keeps mealtime exciting for pets and their people. You don’t have to switch to a new protein as often as every other box or bag, but offering variety does have its benefits!

The Benefits of Rotational Feeding

Broader Nutrient Profiles for Better Health

Each protein source offers a unique nutrient profile, making variety essential for balanced nutrition.

For example:

  • Beef is rich in zinc and iron.
  • Chicken is a good source of B vitamins and selenium, which are essential for energy metabolism and immune function.
  • Turkey offers lean protein plus key nutrients like phosphorus and riboflavin.
  • Pork is highly digestible and provides thiamine (vitamin B1), a vital nutrient for nervous system function and energy production.

By rotating proteins, you ensure your pet receives a full spectrum of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Prevents Picky Eating

If your dog sniffs their food and walks away, you’re not alone. Many pets become bored with repetitive meals. Just like we wouldn’t want to eat plain chicken breast every day, pets crave variety. Rotational feeding keeps mealtime exciting. Changing dog food flavors, textures, and aromas can reignite interest in eating, especially for picky eaters. Additionally, pets regularly exposed to new foods tend to be more flexible and adventurous eaters in the long run.

Promotes a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Gut health is a big deal—for both pets and humans. A healthy gut supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and even the immune system, and variety plays a key role in this. Feeding an array of proteins and ingredients encourages diversity in the gut microbiome, the trillions of beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive tract. Research shows that a diverse microbiome leads to better digestion, improved immune function, and less inflammation.*

By rotating your pet’s diet, you’re helping support a thriving gut environment, which means fewer tummy troubles and better overall health.

Reduces the Risk of Developing Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities often develop from overexposure to the same ingredient over time. When your pet eats the same protein every day, their immune system can begin to view it as a threat, triggering symptoms like itching, ear infections, or GI upset. Rotational feeding can help reduce this risk. Regularly switching proteins helps the immune system stay balanced and tolerant, decreasing the chance of developing a sensitivity in the first place.

Bonus: If your pet already has sensitivities, rotating among proteins they tolerate well can help prevent further issues and may offer relief from chronic symptoms.

A Common Misconception: “Rotating Upsets Their Stomach”

One of the most common concerns we hear is that changing dog food causes digestive upset. While it’s true that sudden changes can lead to loose stools, that’s usually only a problem when switching between brands with wildly different formulas, or making abrupt changes without any transition.

But here’s the good news: rotational feeding done right actually strengthens your pet’s digestion! It builds a more adaptable gut, so your pet can handle a variety of foods with ease. Over time, their system becomes more resilient—not more sensitive.

How to Start Rotational Feeding with Steve’s Real Food

Ready to give rotational feeding a try? Here’s how to get started:

  • Pick 2-3 protein recipes your pet already does well on.
  • Switch every few weeks or with each new box.
  • Use toppers like goat milk or freeze-dried treats to add variety.
  • Observe and adjust based on your pet’s preferences and digestion.

Steve’s Real Food makes it easy with a range of thoughtfully formulated, complete and balanced raw recipes for both dogs and cats. If you’re already feeding Steve’s, try switching between different proteins. The formulas are designed to be similar, so transitions are smoother. No matter what you are rotating between, you can feel good knowing your pet is getting top-quality nutrition with every meal.

*“The Gut Microbiota of Dogs and Cats and the Influence of Diet,” Journal of Animal Science, 2017)