Looking to give your furry friend a culinary upgrade from kibble-only? We hear you! Before you toss that kibble bag and replace it with gourmet pet food, let’s navigate this transition safely and deliciously.
Why a Gradual Shift is Key
A sudden switch to new food can be a shock to your pet’s digestive system. Imagine yourself switching from burgers to sushi overnight – your stomach wouldn’t be too thrilled!
A gradual transition is crucial to avoid digestive upset like diarrhoea or vomiting. Here’s how to make the switch a success:
The 7-Day Shuffle (Remember, This is a Guideline)
This simple method spreads the transition over a week, allowing your pet’s gut to adjust:
- Day 1-2: Mix 75% of their usual kibble with 25% of the new food. Start with a small amount of the new food to minimise digestive stress.
- Day 3-4: Gradually increase the new food to a 50/50 mix with the kibble.
- Day 5-6: Up the new food to 75% and decrease the kibble to 25%.
- Day 7: Your pet should be happily munching on 100% of the new, delicious food.
💡 Pro Tip: Monitor your pet closely throughout this process. While the 7-day shuffle is a common approach, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If they experience any digestive upset, slow down the transition and consult your veterinarian.
Kibble (But Choose Wisely)
Not all kibble is created equal! While convenient, some kibble can be loaded with fillers and byproducts.
The key is to choose high-quality kibble brands that prioritise real, whole-food ingredients that support your pet’s health. Here are some key features to look for:
- Real Meat as the First Ingredient: This ensures your pet is getting a good source of protein.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, oatmeal, and other whole grains provide complex carbohydrates and fibre for sustained energy.
- Healthy Fats: Look for ingredients like fish oil or flaxseed, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, crucial for skin and coat health.
- Limited Ingredients: Simpler formulas with fewer ingredients can be easier for pets with sensitive stomachs to digest.
- Probiotics: Some high-quality kibbles include probiotics, which can support a healthy gut microbiome and digestion.
Recommendation:
PRO PLAN® by PURINA Cat Dry Sensitive Skin and Stomach 1.5kg
By choosing to feed your cat PRO PLAN® you can be reassured that the tailored nutrition will have a positive impact on your cat’s long-term health and well-being.
Although you will be keen to see the difference PRO PLAN® can make in your cat, please allow 7 – 10 days to transition from their current food.
Buddy Bites Lamb is a single protein recipe, rich in Omegas 3 & 6, which helps maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
The single protein source helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions and chunky kibble provides protection for teeth and gums. A fantastic option for picky eaters with sensitive stomachs.
💡 Read also: Top 7 Dog-Friendly Cafes in Singapore with Pet Menu
Beyond Kibble: Exploring Other Options
While high-quality kibble can be a great foundation, other food options offer different benefits:
- Wet Food: Canned or pouched wet food provides a higher moisture content than kibble, which is beneficial for hydration. Look for options rich in real meat and vegetables.
Recommendation:
PRO PLAN® by PURINA Cat Wet Adult Chicken 85g
Hill’s – Canine Canned Food – Digestive Care Low Fat – Stew i/d
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat is a specially formulated food that supports digestive health in dogs that need a low fat diet. This food is great tasting and has highly digestible protein to help settle digestive upsets.
- Fresh Food: This option offers the most control over ingredients. You can prepare homemade meals or purchase pre-made fresh food subscriptions.
Recommendation:
THE GRATEFUL PET – Beef: Gently Cooked Dog Food (8 x 250g)
Grateful dogs know it’s what’s on the inside that counts: 100% fresh, all-natural ingredients. No prep, no nasties and no mystery meat – just super great food for super great dogs.
The Grateful Pet’s wholesome and balanced meals are made with only the good stuff: quality muscle meat, organs, fresh vegetables, botanicals and superfoods.
PETCUBES – Gently Cooked Frozen Cat Food – Kangaroo & Fish (4 x 320g)
No mess, no hassle, no cooking, no guesswork while your pet’s nutritional needs are fully met! Feeding pets should be this easy. Try PetCubes formulas today.
- Raw Food: Raw diets mimic what a pet might eat in the wild, typically consisting of raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. This option requires careful planning and research to ensure it’s safe and balanced.
Recommendation:
PETCUBES Dog Raw Food – Pork (80g/cube, 4 cubes/tray) (7x320g)
Pork has more essential amino acids present, which is critical for building muscle mass and repair. Lean pork is the highest digestible of the protein sources, and low in nitrates.
To build the best muscle mass, pork protein is an ideal choice, and the repair of damaged tissue is accomplished better.
💡 Read also: Treating Allergies: Do Single Protein Diets Work?
Important Things to Consider Before Changing Pet Diets
Choosing the right diet for your pet is an important decision. ZumVet understands that! We have a team of licensed veterinarians and certified pet nutritionists available online to answer all your questions about your pet’s diet and overall health.
No need for appointments or travel – simply talk with our certified pet nutritionists from the comfort of your home!
Probiotic Power: A Digestive and Immune Boost
Adding a probiotic powder to your pet’s new food regimen can be a great way to support your pet’s digestive and immune health during the transition and beyond!
Probiotics are live bacteria that can help replenish the good bacteria in your pet’s gut, promoting healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
Recommendation:
PRO PLAN® by PURINA Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora PRO Canine and Feline
Number 1 veterinarian-recommended pet probiotic brand to support digestive health (Kantar Veterinary Tracker, 2021), making it a great supplement for your dog and cat!
Synbiotic action of prebiotics and probiotics to manage diarrhoea and support a healthy intestinal microbiome.
With a little planning and this guide, you can transform your pet’s diet from kibble-only to a nutritional powerhouse, leaving them feeling happy, healthy, and perhaps a little more spoiled (in the best way possible!).
Remember to consult your veterinarian before implementing any new strategies, especially regarding diet changes.
💡 Have more questions about your pet’s health? Be a ZumVet Pro member to get unlimited teleconsults and save over $1,000 in vet bills. Learn more here.
