What can I expect if I change my Pet's diet?

Changing your pet's diet will cause some changes. Some you'll notice straight away, some will take a little while. The following recommendations and observations assume that your pet is completely healthy!

If your pet is un-well or under Vet care, you should check with your vet before changing their diet!

The first couple of days

If your pet has been eating 'cheaper' foods for a while, you'll need to be aware of some things that may happen.

Stomach Upset

If your pet's diet is changed suddenly, the new and extra protein may cause them a little upset stomach - usually seen as diorreah. This won't happen to every animal, but it's worth taking some precautions to avoid your pet any discomfort.

The key to avoiding stomach upset is to slowly mix some of the new food in with the old. For the first 2 days, give your pet 1/3rd of the recommended amount of the new food and 2/3rds of the old. The third and 4th day, give 2/3rds new and 1/3rd old, then on the 5th day, change them over completely to the new food.

If your pet still gets diorreah, it shouldn't last long. Make sure there is plenty of water around and that they drink it. We have some products that will help avoid the transition discomfort so please ask us!

My pet won't eat the new food!

Your pet becomes very accustomed to a food's smell, taste and texture. Some will have no problems leaving the old junky food behind them whilst others may protest the change. The most difficult case seems to be small, older dogs who have been fed human food or home cooked meals by their doting parents. If your pet resists, there are a couple of tricks you can try. This guide assumes your pet is in good health! You should consult with your Vet before changing your pet's diet if it is un-well or under Vet care!

Integrate the food as described before. Your pet won't notice such a difference between the foods and eventually love the new way better!

• Try the "15 minute Rule". Put the food down for 15 minutes - if your pet eats the food, then all is good. If they refuse, take the food away after 15 minutes. Don't give them any treats or other food at all for the rest of the day. The next morning or evening, try again - 15 minutes down, then take the food away. Resist the sad looks! Keep going like this... eventually, your pet will eat the new food. As always, be sure there is plenty of fresh water around.
• If you're changing your pet from cooked to a raw meat diet, try cooking the food less and less until it is raw.
• If you're changing a cat's diet, try sprinkling over some 'Liver Sprinkles' (available from Pet Maniacs).

The first month

After the first week or so, you should notice a few changes.

• Calmer behaviour and more even energy levels

• Less 'doggy' smell

• The volume of poo will reduce

• The poo will become firmer and less smelly

• You'll probably notice less farting as well

• After around a month, you should notice your pet's coat start to shine and be fuller and more lusturous

• If your dog had dandruff, scaly skin or bald patches, you can expect to see a reduction in the problem and re-growth of fur

• If your pet was always itchy, you may notice them scratch less

• If your dog was suffering from arthritis, you may notice them moving more freely

The first 6 months

You'll now be noticing the other benefits a better diet brings:

• Cleaner teeth and healthy gums

• Better energy levels and general wellbeing