You, or someone in your circle, have recently acquired a pet, and the pressing question of what to feed it has emerged. It’s fine if it’s daytime and you can quickly go to the pet store to pick up various treats. But what if it’s evening or night? What should I do? Okay, for the first occasion, homemade food and a bowl of water will suffice. However, this should be limited to a single instance and only in situations where there is no viable substitute. Homemade food is rich in salts, fats, and seasonings. In general, if you don’t live in the late Paleolithic and eat raw meat, I think you shouldn’t give your pet your food from the table.
Now let’s figure out what to buy, how to dose such a diverse diet in the pet shop, and, most importantly, how to properly transition to the new complementary food. It’s beneficial if you have someone with you who understands this, or if you’ve read about the ingredients and fed yourself. If not, perhaps a friendly consultant can assist you (who knows, she might know much more about it). Never hesitate to ask for help—this affects you and your pet’s health. At first, many of us, due to our naivety and lack of desire to delve deeper, choose food that appeals to us both visually and based on the headlines. At this moment, there is a significant risk of making a mistake, given the size and growth of the pet food industry, and the fact that marketers are not merely following their own interests. Occasionally, the depiction of delicious, juicy pieces of meat and fresh vegetables in pet food does not include them in the ingredients. Yes, the composition should indeed be your guide in the world of pet food. The product you choose should have a good composition, and you should at least strive for its naturalness. It’s difficult, but your pet’s life and health are at stake. We will discuss homemade pet food in the next article and cover it in as much detail. And now we will discuss the quick and uncomplicated process of choosing store-bought food at a pet shop and transitioning your pet to a new diet.
Yes, yes, a new one; he was eating something before you. You selected a tasty and nutritionally balanced food, filled a whole bowl, and waited. Mmm, what a delicious treat, but why isn’t the pet eating? The simple reason is that your pet is unfamiliar with the new food; it tastes foreign and unappetizing to them. It’s similar to broccoli, which is supposedly healthy and can be quite tasty, but it’s rare for someone to start eating and loving it right away. That’s how it is with your pet too; the new food smells completely different, and its taste can be drastically different from the food they’re used to. It’s beneficial if you are familiar with your pet’s previous diet, or if you have a rough understanding of their preferences and can make an accurate guess. But what if you don’t? At this very moment, a step-by-step strategy for transitioning your pet to a new diet comes to your aid.
This strategy includes several rules and tips that make the process easier and faster. When buying new food, don’t try to pour it directly into the bowl; take a little out, let them sniff it, taste it, and don’t expect the pet to immediately pounce on the unfamiliar product. Be patient. Start small; after introducing the new food, begin adding it gradually to your pet’s regular diet. Start with 5–10% and gradually increase the percentage of the new food. To encourage and reward your pet, consider giving them small amounts of treats. Carefully observe your pet’s reaction to the new food, as often when changing their diet, animals may experience gastrointestinal issues (such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation), and there may also be an allergic reaction to one of the components in the new food. Gradually transition your pet to a new food; do not remove the old one immediately after they have become familiar and accustomed to the new one. Leave the old food for a few days (a week or two), as this will not cause stress and a complete refusal to eat since animals, when accustomed to something, are reluctant to change. Therefore, show understanding and love. Don’t forget, whether it’s dry or wet food, to follow the dosage. You can find the dosage for your pet from both the veterinarian and the manufacturer’s package. By following the instructions, you will easily understand and adjust the required daily norm.
Also, don’t forget that your pet should always have access to clean, fresh water, and they should not experience any discomfort when transitioning to the new food. In some cases, it may be necessary to introduce probiotics into the diet with the new food to improve the gastrointestinal tract and facilitate easier nutrient absorption.
The same rules apply to elderly animals and those with related health issues. Such pets require much more attention and patience, and most importantly, love. It is possible that the animal’s case is so severe that it has to be completely switched to liquid food, fed by the hour with a spoon. Perform the manipulations carefully; try not to do it forcefully. Choose the correct dosage of food, or consult with a veterinarian. Just like with a young and completely healthy pet, the strategy here is a gradual and careful transition to new food.
Older animals are prone to stronger allergies to new ingredients, and when combined with medications, prolonged diarrhea or nausea may occur. If such moments occur, remove the new food, consult a doctor, and find a suitable alternative.
My advice is to consult a veterinarian before switching your pet to a new food due to advertising or a visually appealing picture. Read the ingredients and examine not only the deciphered components but also the various E supplementary elements. Look at the manufacturer and their responsibilities toward pet owners. Approach your choice wisely, selecting with care. And once you’ve made your choice, don’t rush, trying to quickly transition your pet to the proper, healthy diet. Allow your pet ample time to acclimate and develop a fondness for the new food, as this will prevent gastrointestinal issues and alleviate your stress. Show love and patience, follow the correct dosage, and follow the strategy for a proper transition to the new food. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but try to learn more. Get professional consultations and advice on our website.
