Introducing new food to your pet isn’t as simple as it is for humans. Because our pets eat the same thing all the time, new foods can cause a disruption to their system. This happens especially if your pet has a very sensitive tummy and vulnerable appetite. But knowing how to introduce new pet food into your pet’s diet is something that most all pet owners should know in order to ensure the overall health of their precious pets.
Tips on Introducing New Pet Food
There are many things that need to be considered when introducing a new pet food into your pet’s diet. Things like breed, age, activity level, and other known health-related problems should be carefully considered when selecting pet food to ensure that you are properly feeding your pet.
Start off by mixing a very small portion of the new pet food with your pet’s current diet. If your pet has an extremely sensitive tummy, you can start with as little as two teaspoons. Generally speaking though, you can add about a quarter of the new food with three quarters of the current food.
For the first 8-10 days, feed your pet about 10-15% of the new pet food, mixed with about 85% of the current food. This is a very small amount that your pet can handle without worrying that it will affect your pet negatively.
Increase the new pet food for about 10% every week, especially if you see that your pet is not negatively affected at all or that the pet actually enjoys the new food. After about 8-10 weeks, you should see your pet eating a full bowl of the new pet food.
Benefits of Introducing New Pet Food
As your pet ages, you might need to introduce new food in order to sustain her overall health. Generally, healthy, older pets need a diet that is lower in protein and calories but should be higher in fiber. This is essential in preventing or reducing the risk of anal gland disease, a condition that is very common among pets, especially for dogs. In order to get fiber in your pet’s diet, feed her with whole grains such as barley or brown rice, and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard. You can use a food processor so your pet will not be able to pick out the meat from the vegetables.
Additionally, as your pet comes into age, you must be aware of her different nutritional needs and requirements that she might develop. As your pet moves into her senior years, her digestive system also changes and may require more vitamins than before, but much fewer calories this time.
Introducing new pet food is beneficial for pets with sensitive tummy and skin. It is always advisable though to consult your vet to make sure that your pet is not suffering from any type of pain, hypo thyroid problems or arthritis.
Knowing how to properly introduce new pet food will not only make your pet healthier and live longer but it will also give you more confidence and peace of mind knowing that your precious pet is getting the good quality food she deserves. Take a look at our variety of pet products and see the options of nutritional food we recommend for your pet!
