How to change your pet’s feed correctly

After a lengthy search, you thought you had finally found the right feed for your pet, but yet again, it was not good enough. Did your pet have diarrhoea or eat its feed somewhat reluctantly? Potentially, you simply introduced a new product into your pet’s diet too quickly. How should you do it correctly?

Frequent change of feeds = health issues

If you change your pet’s feed too quickly, too frequently or switch to the new feed without a transition period, your pet risks encountering health issues. Usually, such cases present themselves as digestive disorders, i.e. vomiting or diarrhoea. Pet owners subsequently think that an unsuitable product caused them, when the real issue here is incorrect or too frequent switching of their pets’ feeds.

Examine the composition of the new feed

Closely examine the composition of your chosen pet feed. It is important that it is complete and suits all of your pet’s needs.

If you decide to switch to a new feed, which strongly differs from the present one in its composition, i.e. your pet’s previous feed had grains but you would like to try a grain-free one, the transition period between the two should be extended accordingly. The more the new feed differs from the old one, the longer it should be mixed to avoid potential digestive disorders.

Feed has to be switched gradually

It is extremely important to switch your pet’s feed gradually. This means that it is necessary to mix the old feed with the new one. For instance:

The period of mixing both feeds together depends on your pet’s age and health condition. It should last for no less than 7 days for young puppies and kittens, and for at least 4 days for adult ones. If your pet has a sensitive digestive system, mix the feeds together for at least 7 days irrespective of its age. If your four-legged friend has been diagnosed with any illness, please consult with your vet about switching its feed.

If, for instance, you decide to switch from dry to canned feed, the optimal transition period should be extended even further – to 14 days.