How to Correctly Switch Pet Foods
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry companions, and a crucial aspect of their well-being is their pet food. Whether it’s due to health reasons, dietary preferences, or simply wanting to explore new options, switching your dog and cat's food requires care and attention to avoid any digestive upsets. Here are some steps to make the transition smooth and beneficial for your pet. Note this is a rough guideline and doesn’t have to be followed exactly. Pet parents that may not have the old pet food left can try to switch cold turkey and be fine.. it really depends on the individual pet. We recommend a slow transition in case you have a more sensitive dog or cat.
Gradual Transition: Abrupt changes in diet could lead to digestive issues for pets such as an upset stomach or diarrhea. To prevent this, introduce the new food gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food into the old food, increasing the proportion of new food while decreasing the old over a week or longer, depending on your pet’s sensitivity. We recommend a 10 day transition, start with 10% new food and 90% old food on day 1. Everyday increase new food 10% and decrease old food 10% (ex: by day 9 it will be 90% new and 10% old, then on day 10 it will be 100% new). The odd pet may get some soft stool, gas or might be going to the bathroom more regularly if they are going to a higher fiber diet with more digestive enzymes during the transition phase. Their stomach/intestine are adjusting to the new diet, but after the pet adjusts to the food they should be back on track (their system is just adjusting to the new food).
Understand Ingredient Differences: Take note of the ingredients in both the old and new food. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the switch and also identify potential allergens or components that may not agree with your pet’s digestive system.
Patience is Key: Every pet is different. Some might adapt to new food quickly, while others might take longer. Be patient throughout the transition process, and allow your pet the time to adjust to the new diet. We recommend to try to stick with the new food for at least 8 weeks unless your pet is experiencing consistent issues with the new food which sometimes can be related to over feeding when going trying a pet food with more meat.
Recommended Portions: See the feeding guidelines provided on the new food packaging. Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to health issues, so it's important to measure and regulate portions according to your pet’s needs. The guidelines are great starting points but you may have to adjust to your pet's needs. If a pet is gaining weight, simply decrease the amount of food as other calories add up such as treats, chews etc. If the dog or cat is losing weight you can increase the amount so they are receiving more calories.
By taking a gradual and mindful approach, you can ensure a smooth transition and provide your furry friend with a diet that suits their needs. If you have any any questions, feedback or concerns please come see us or contact us via phone or email. We are happy to help!