The task of transitioning your pets’ food can sound stressful. Freedom Fur has good news for you, it’s a lot easier than you think and can be extremely beneficial for your pet. There are many reasons why you may need to change your pets’ food. Whether it be for medical or dietary reasons. Changing your pets’ food every so often can also create a more rounded diet and healthy happier pets. It’s important to consider, some pets do best staying on the same diet, and others have easier times transitioning depending on their digestional tract. This guide will explain how to transition from a kibble diet to another kibble diet. If interested in transitioning to a raw or cooked natural diet, more attention may be required.

First things first! Research the brand, research the ingredients. Not all foods on the market are sustainable or healthy diets for your pet. Once you have chosen the food, ensure your pet likes it. Sample portion sizes and offering as treats at first can establish if this diet is suitable for your pets liking. Try more than once. Sometimes your pet needs a moment to adjust to a new smell or taste. If your pet continues to refuse, do not force them to change to this diet as this could lead to further concerns.

Changing your pets diet can be extremely beneficial to their health. If you feed the same kibble, your pet may lack certain nutrients. Most brands will offer a base kibble with multiple different protein options. This allows for an easier transition but also ensures that your pet is receiving different constituents from different protein sources. Take note of where they source their ingredients and protein. Preservatives and additives may be added to reduce manufacturing costs. Do your research before changing your pets food. Changing the base kibble can be helpful as well as some filler ingredients may be used. Like humans, too much of anything isn’t good for you. Most often if only changing the protein with the same base kibble, a transition is not required. Obverse your pet closer during this process to notice any digestional abnormalities.

Food portions should be increased gradually from original food to new food. Remember, if your pet has an easily upset stomach, lengthening and spreading out the transition over a longer period of time will help. Most pets will smoothly transition in 7 days but can be expended to 14 days or longer if necessary. Watch your pets bowel movement closely to ensure the food is processing correctly in their body. Slow the process if bowel movement is too soft/ hard or discoloured. If this proceeds after 21 days of extended transition, consider that this food may not be agreeing with your pet and another option may be necessary.

Over a 7 day transition period, the pet will be fed the same amount of food as usual. Starting with the original food as the base, use 75% original food/ 25% new food for day 1-2. Every two days you will increase the new food by 25% and reduce the old food by 25%. Meaning on day 3-4, your pet should be eating half and half and day 5-6 25% original food/ 75% new food. By day 7, your pet will be ready to transition fully to their new diet.