Rotation Diet

I think it depends on the dog.  I rotate foods every couple months.  I guess some folks do it because they want different protein sources.  I do it because not only do I want to offer them different protein sources, but also variety.  My lab mix tends to lose interest quickly so I rotate to help with that.  I can switch cold turkey with my Great Pyr but my Lab mix needs a little slower switch.

Sometimes the company that makes the food switches ingredients around and your dog isn't really getting the same food anywayMy dogs are blessed with strong tummies so I do like to rotate.If I find something they do especially well on I will buy it more often.

Tena

I think it does depend on the individual dog.  I tried rotation of different brands and went back to the original because he did the best on it.  I use Solid Gold and rotate the types of kibble and canned.

dogs are scavengers and SHOULD have very robust digestive systems. Most "finicky" digestive systems are caused by feeding the same food day in day out. I never feed the same thing two meals in a row.

The idea is that variety is healthy.  I personally think it is - sort of covering all your bases.  I don't think you should rely on variety to ensure good nutrition, but I think putting all one's eggs in one's basket has greater risks than teh chance you will expose your dog to something that doesn't agree with him or her.

You can offer variety, however, by simply adding a range of fresh healthy ingredients to your dog's diet.  Steamed veggies, canned fish, eggs, dairy products if your dog tolerates them, and fresh meat, can all create healthy gut activity - used in small amounts they will not throw off the balance of your chosen food, and will only enhance it's ability to nourish your dog.

DogPark

I'm a curious about the idea of rotating foods in your dog's diet.  I have seen people here and in other pet communities say that they switch between several brands regularly, but I was always under the understanding that changing foods so often is tough on a dog's stomach and digestive system.  Who here rotates foods and why? Am I mistaken in thinking that switching foods too often can be tough on a dog's stomach?

Actually I'm of the opposite school of thought - there's no reason that variety (within reason) is bad for a dog or should upset the dog's stomach.  I took some time to find several foods that my dogs do well on and rotate between them.  I also give my dogs some table scraps, treats (not dog treats but I use cheese, cooked chicken, raw chicken, or Natural Balance food rolls cut into small pieces) and toppers on their kibble such as meat, yogurt, or cottage cheese.  I'm not a nutrition expert, I just don't see how feeding a dog one formula of commercial kibble its entire life can be a good thing.  I don't believe that any commercial kibble is a totally "complete" diet.  I "rotate" my diet 3 times a day and it rarely upsets my stomach.  Dogs in the wild or dogs on the streets hunt and scavenge and many thrive on these diets. 

 i started rotating sydney's food to give him some variety. the hard part is seeming to be determining which ones he does best on. plus like liesje said, i top his food off with other goodies too.... cheese, yogurt, green beans.... really most anything that isnt toxic to him. he really loves it, and it gives him more of a reason to look forward to feeding times.

with people all sorts of studies suggest the key to good health is eating a wide variety of FRESH foods; very odd that the dog food companies have managed to convince pet owners of the exact opposite which is not supported by anything.

Thanks for the responses, everyone!  Rotating the diet is not something I had ever really thought about but kept seeing it come up among other owners on here and it got me curious.  I fed Mosby the same food for years because that's what my parents always did...they both came from backgrounds where you give the dog what you believe is best and if he gets bored with it, he'll eat it anyway once he is hungry.  He's always done really well on just one food (still going strong at 14!) so I never thought there was a need to switch it up.  Since he does so well on one food, and because he is so old, I'm not inclined to try a new diet with him now but it's something to think about if I ever get another dog.  Do you keep multiple bags at home or just go to the store more often for food?  All kibble or some canned?