What you feed your pet each day is the single most important decision you can make regarding his or her health and well-being. “It has been estimated that up to 90% of the ailments which plague our canine and feline companions are diet-related.” (mercyvet.com) With the proper nutritional building blocks, the body can make its own repairs when a health problem arises. Eating a high quality diet is the best health insurance our pets can have.

As carnivores, dogs and cats have higher protein and fat requirements than humans that are best fulfilled by flesh foods – meat, poultry, fish and eggs. They do not thrive on plant proteins from wheat, corn, or soy, which supply an incomplete spectrum of amino acids. Moreover, raw meats and fats are far more nutritious than cooked one, retaining all the enzymes, vitamins, fatty acids, and other essential nutrients that are lost when subjected to heat and processing.

Rotation and variety help prevent food sensitivities and allergies by not overexposing animals to the same proteins all of the time. A varied diet will result in a healthier animal who doesn’t suffer a stomach upset from changing foods. Variety also provides a more complete spectrum of amino acids, essential fats and trace nutrients. For more information read our helpful handout “Rotation and Variety”

Transitioning - Switching your pet’s food can be an easy and positive experience. Puppies and kittens are the easiest to transition, as their digestive systems are more adaptable. To start your puppy or kitten off right, introduce lots of different kinds, flavors, and textures of food at an early age. Older pets, especially those who have been on the same food for an extended period of time, may need a little more time to adjust to their new food. Make a gradual switch to a new food by starting with 10-20% new food and increasing the amount over the course of four to seven days. Digestive aids such as our own Good Digestion or probiotics like acidophilus can help aid in the digestion of new foods, as well. After a few months of switching gradually, your pet’s digestive system will toughen up and you will be able to decrease or even eliminate the transition period altogether.