The food a companion animal is eating today may not be the food he or she consumes in the near future.Â
Pet owners alter their pets’ diets for a variety of reasons. These can include food allergies or intolerances that develop, new formulations that boast health benefits or the cost of food.
Food transitions also occur when juvenile pets mature into adults and then require different foods to meet age-related dietary requirements.
Anytime pets owners introduce new foods to their pets, owners should follow a gradual introduction process to minimize the risk of potentially negative reactions, which can include loose stool or stomach upset, according to the pet retailer PetSmart.
In addition to taking things slowly, pet owners can employ a few other strategies so pets seamlessly transition to their new diets.
Choose a similar formulation
PetMD advises pet owners to find foods with similar formulations if existing foods need to be switched due to a recall or if a brand is no longer carried. That means if you were feeding chicken and rice, look for chicken and rice products when buying new foods. A similar nutritional analysis also can help make the transition go smoothly.
Opt for a gradual switch
Mixing the old food with the new food gradually can ease diarrhea or stomach upset. Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, the maker of Science Diet®, suggests a seven-day transition.
On days one and two, make it 75% current food with 25% new food.
On days three and four, serve a 50-50 mix.
On days five and six, the ratio should be 25% current food and 75% new food.
Starting on day seven, serve only new food. Pets with sensitive stomachs may require a transition period that lasts between 10 days and two weeks.
Consult with a veterinarian
If you are unsure about food choices or want advice about making a switch, talk to your veterinarian. He or she can suggest foods, including some that may be breed- and need-specific.
Watch for side effects
It can take as long as 12 weeks before you determine if a diet regimen is working. But most companion animals will resume normal digestive function within a few weeks of transitioning to new foods. Avoid new edible toys or food treats during the transition period to isolate potential food reactions to the new food. If vomiting or diarrhea is present and persists, it could be a result of sensitivity to the new food and a vet should be called.
Use the same technique for wet or dry food switches
When switching from a wet to dry food or vice-versa, adhere to the same gradual transition process.
When transitioning to a new pet diet, adhere to the feeding guidelines on product labels, as portion sizes may need to change depending on differences in nutritional values.
