How to Transition Your Dog to Refrigerated Food

By Dog Supplies Warehouse | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to safely switch your dog to refrigerated food with a step-by-step transition guide, including portion tips and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

Transition your dog to refrigerated food over 7–10 days by gradually mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the current diet, monitoring stool consistency and appetite at each step.

Why a gradual transition matters

A sudden switch to refrigerated food can upset your dog's digestive system, causing loose stools, gas, or refusal to eat. Because refrigerated food has higher moisture and different protein and fiber levels than dry kibble, the gut needs time to adjust enzyme production and bacterial balance. A slow transition minimizes stress and helps your dog accept the new texture and flavor.

What to expect during the switch

Some dogs take to refrigerated food immediately, while others need extra days on the same ratio. You may notice softer stools during the first few days — this is normal as long as your dog remains active and hydrated. If diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours or your dog refuses to eat for more than one meal, pause the transition and consult your veterinarian.

Step-by-step transition plan

Days 1–2: 25% new food, 75% old food: Mix ¼ of the refrigerated food with ¾ of your dog's current diet. Serve at room temperature (let refrigerated food sit out for 10–15 minutes). Watch for loose stool or refusal — if either occurs, stay at this ratio for one extra day. Common mistake: adding too much new food too fast. If stools are soft, repeat this ratio.
Days 3–4: 50% new food, 50% old food: Increase to equal parts. Your dog may start to show a preference for the refrigerated food. Keep meal times consistent. If your dog skips a meal, offer the same ratio at the next feeding — do not revert to old food alone. Checkpoint: Stools should be formed but slightly softer than usual. Firm stools mean you can proceed.
Days 5–7: 75% new food, 25% old food: Most dogs are ready for this ratio. The old food now acts as a safety net. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, extend this phase to day 9. Continue to serve at room temperature and never microwave refrigerated food. Common mistake: rushing to 100% before stools normalize. Wait for two consecutive days of normal stools.
Day 8–10: 100% refrigerated food: Serve the full portion of refrigerated food. Portion sizes vary by brand — follow the feeding guide on the package. For Deli Fresh Vital 5.5 lb. Complete Meals, a typical adult dog needs about ½ to 1 cup per 10 lbs of body weight daily, split into two meals. Store unused portions tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Checkpoint: After one week on 100%, assess your dog's energy, coat condition, and stool quality. If all are good, the transition is complete.

Products that can help with the transition

Deli Fresh Vital 5.5 lb. Complete Meals For Dogs: Deli Fresh Vital 5.5 lb. Complete Meals For Dogs includes chicken, chicken liver, beef, salmon, eggs, pea protein, cranberries, spinach, and pumpkin. The variety of proteins and pumpkin provide gentle fiber and flavor options that can ease picky eaters into the new diet during the transition.
Deli Fresh Vital 5.5 lb. Complete Meals For Dogs
Deli Fresh Vital Turkey Vegetable Rice Roll 6 lb: Deli Fresh Vital Turkey Vegetable Rice Roll 6 lb is a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner and contains natural prebiotics from green peas and pumpkin. The prebiotics support digestive health during the transition, and the roll format makes it easy to portion small amounts for mixing.
Deli Fresh Vital Turkey Vegetable Rice Roll 6 lb