If you want to feed your pet a new food, it is best to introduce it slowly. If you feed too much too quickly, your pet could refuse the food or worse, have stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, excess gas, or constipation. Instead, gradually mix an increasing amount of the new product with the old over a period of time until the animal is receiving only the new product. We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. This allows your pet’s digestive system to smoothly adapt to the new food. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively.
DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | |
OLD DIET | 75% | 75% | 50% | 50% | 25% | 25% | 0% |
NEW DIET | 25% | 25% | 50% | 50% | 75% | 75% | 100% |
If your pet develops any digestive upsets, slow the rate at which you are switching to the new diet. In the rare event that your pet develops more serious signs of distress, withhold all food and call us at 925-443-6000. Many times this problem will be solved by withholding all food for 12 hours, then making a slower transition starting with the pet’s old food again. Because vomiting could be caused by another factor, you should always call and consult with us. If your pet refuses to eat, do not go for more than 24 hours without consulting one of the doctors here.