Cat & dog eating new pet food recipe

Transitioning Your Pet’s Food

Jeanne Blandford | November 06, 2019

Transitioning Your Pet’s Food

Changing Your Pet’s Food Should Not Be Painful.

Just Thoughtful.

There are many reasons a pet parent may look to change the food that they are feeding their pet.

Perhaps Fido is getting older, showing signs of age and you want to switch from an adult formula to a mature recipe. As you find him napping more often on the couch than chasing a ball outdoors you may want his diet to include L-Carnitine to help turn fat into energy. Or a recipe that includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support as you see him struggling during your daily walks.

Perhaps Kittie decided she doesn’t like the flavor of the kibble you’ve presented to her in her one-of-a-kind handmade bowl and you want to try a new chicken recipe you researched that has a blend of 4 real poultry & fish proteins to tantalize her taste buds.

Maybe Fido and Kittie have both put on some weight over the years and your vet has recommended switching to a weight care diet with less calories and prebiotic fiber to help with healthy digestion.

Whatever the reason, you research the brands, their ingredient decks and their guaranteed analysis’ to find the recipe you believe will be the best fit for your bundle of joy.

Now How To Feed Them The New Formula?

In order to help prevent stomach upsets or other dietary issues, you should plan a slow transition from the old food to the new food over a week’s time. Whether you are serving up a totally new brand, a new protein/flavor recipe or a new life stage diet it is important you do it gradually to best avoid any gastrointestinal problems.

Of course, many dogs and cats are able to switch “cold turkey” without any issues. Best not to take a chance if you have the old and new food available as well as the seven days in which to introduce the new kibble.

 

7 day pet food transition chart

Recommended transition schedule for the average pet:

  • Day 1: 25% new recipe and 75% old recipe

  • Day 3: 50% new recipe and 50% old recipe

  • Day 5: 75% new recipe and 25% old recipe

  • Day 7: 100% new recipe

If you find your pet is not responding well to the new food, contact your vet for advice. Also, many brands offer you money-back if your pet doesn’t like the food so look to contact the manufacturer for their suggestion as well.

Here’s to a nutritious, lip-smacking meal you'll  both enjoy!