Transitioning Your Pet's Diet
Pets often change the lives of the families they end up with, so they typically appear in family photos during the holidays. They are also often celebrated on their birthdays. People that give their pets the best of the best are often happier as a whole because of how much joy and love these animals bring to homes.
There is a lot of fun in training your pet. Whether it is a dog or a cat, or even just watching a reptile laze around its enclosure, there is plenty of joy knowing that there is another living being in your home. Your local pet supply store will have everything you need to provide a warm and fuzzy environment for your new family member. Some new pet owners are unaware of how some animals have a sensitive digestive system, which requires a slow switch in diets if a transition is needed.
Switching Your Pet’s Food
Dogs and cats are the main clients of pet supplies and careful handling, but they will definitely need a diet shift at some point in their lives. As these animals grow, they have to shift from puppy or kitten feed to full-sized breed products to match their digestive needs. To allow pets to mature better, you’ll need to consider the age range of the food being offered to them and make sure you’re supplying the right nutrients. Afterward, you’ll be blessed with a healthy adult dog or cat that is strong and active.
Changing Your Pet's Diet
Animals usually need a rotation of at least three different food sources to obtain their ideal health conditions over their lifespan. This change will improve gut health and make dogs less sensitive to other kinds of food and treats. It also prevents them from getting tired of animal food flavors, which can be difficult to solve once they develop those tendencies.
There are a variety of different options available to you at your local pet supplies store when it comes to dog food: dry food (kibble), raw food, and wet food are a few of the more common options.
Rotate Slowly
If you are leaning towards a dietary transition, you’ll need to do it slowly so that your pet’s digestive system does not get shocked by new pet food. The first step is to transition slowly, around five to seven days before introducing the newer food explicitly. Since they’ll likely enjoy new flavors of their food, they might eat too quickly or too much and this can cause diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, or excessive gas.
Secondly, mix the new food slowly with the old product. This way, they’ll eat both without leaving the old or new one at the bottom of their food bowl. As the feeding progresses over a five to seven-day period, increase the amount of food from the new bag while gradually decreasing the old feed. Seven days is a suggested period that works for most pets, but your dog or cat might have different needs and based on what you're observing you should slow it down if necessary.
Lastly, use digestive aids to help pets have a calmer stomach while transitioning to a new diet. Digestive enzymes will help dogs and cats tolerate and process a new food product. These aids are available in pet supply stores near you, and you can also add probiotics to boost their gut health and keep good bacteria while adjusting to the new protein source.
When it comes to dog and cat digestive aids, we recommend Grandma Lucy's Pumpkin Pouch, and Super Snouts products. Grandma Lucy's has no additives and is primarily pumpkin-based, which acts as a natural GI booster. Super Snouts is a reliable company that we support and the G.I. Balance Digestive Support supplements have had great reviews from customers with pets that have sensitive stomachs.
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Monitor and Observe
Additionally, always keep an eye on how your pet reacts to the new food and diet. If anything looks out of the ordinary, or if they have abnormal habits or pains, stop your shift and consult your pet nutritionist. Here at EarthWise Pet Marysville, everybody on our staff is required to have at least 300 hours of pet nutritional training and we would be glad to help you out! Remember not to switch foods too often, as this can cause shocks and spikes in a dog or cat’s digestive tract.
If your dog reacts extremely negatively (excessive whining and pain, vomiting uncontrollably, etc), please visit your nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Dogs and cats are often sensitive when it comes to the food they put in their bodies. When shifting their diets to other products, whether natural adjustment periods, your pet's preferences, and your timelines have to be considered. Slowly ease your pet into its new diet by following the steps listed above to prevent shocking their system with fresh food.
Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Marysville is a premium pet supply store in Marysville, Washington. We carry the best natural pet foods that also come in raw variants, along with good treats, toys, kitty litter, leashes and collars, and other premium products for your pet. Treat your furry family member to a great experience by visiting our shop today!