Switching Pet Food: Transitioning To A New Diet

Written by Dr. Josie Gollan

“Food should always be fun, food should always be fun”… is the mantra I repeatedly tell myself when I try to introduce new foods and flavours to my six-month-old son. Some days it’s a success, and I beam with undeserved pride. Other days, he clamps his mouth shut so tightly it takes all my self-control (and mantra chanting) not to force the spoon through his little pursed lips.

The simple fact is, it takes time, repetition, patience, and sometimes a touch of trickery for children to get used to new foods. And of course, this is no difference when switching your pet’s food or transitioning your cat to a new diet.

While I’m a proven novice in getting human babies to try new foods, I am well versed in some valuable tips to help you successfully switch your fur baby onto a new diet, allowing them to enjoy all the wonderful health benefits that come with it.

How to Transition Your Pet to a New Diet Without Upset

When changing your pet onto any new diet, a slow transition is essential. This is particularly important when transitioning from kibble or canned food to a raw food diet, as the gastrointestinal system needs time to adjust to the different macronutrient ratios and digestibility of the new food.

A good rule of thumb is to take 7–10 days to gradually switch your cat or dog’s food to help avoid any tummy upsets. Start with a small sprinkle of your new food on top of the old food, and slowly progress to a full bowl.

The best way to tell if your pet is tolerating the new diet is by keeping an eye on what is coming out the other end. It is not unusual for consistency, frequency, and colour to change during this transition period, but this should reach a new normal by day 7–10.

What to Do If Your Pet Won’t Eat New Food

But what if you’re dealing with a fussy eater who refuses the delicious new meal you are offering? This is not unusual when switching a pets food, as animals are creatures of habit and used to seeing the same thing in their bowl every day.

To help encourage your furry friend to try their new diet, start by checking the temperature. Food doesn’t smell or taste as appealing when it’s cold, so adding a little hot water and letting it sit can help release its aromatic goodness before serving. Think about how the delicious smells coming from a kitchen can instantly increase your appetite. It’s no different for our pets.

How Smell and Texture Can Help Encourage Eating

If warming the meal doesn’t do the trick, try increasing the aroma. Adding a sprinkle of green tripe can provide an extra “whiffy” punch that often gets appetite going. My dog Albus literally dances in circles when I open a packet, but fair warning, this is best prepared and served outside if you don’t want to ruin your own desire for food.

Texture is also a BIG factor for many of our finicky friends. This is especially important when moving from dry kibble or wet canned food to a new freeze-dried diet, as the textures can be quite different.

For cats or dogs that prefer canned food, soaking freeze-dried food for longer or mixing in some canned food may help make the transition easier.

How Your Feeding Routine Can Support a Food Transition

If your pet STILL isn’t interested, sometimes it helps to play a little hardball.

For our feline companions, avoid free grazing throughout the day. Instead, offer food during two set feeding windows of around 30 minutes, then remove the bowl. They will quickly learn to eat when food is offered and will be genuinely hungry by the next meal, making them far more likely to try new foods when you are transitioning their diet.

Making the Transition a Positive Experience

Following these tips and tricks will have your fur baby transitioned and loving their new diet in no time.

And whilst it might take a little time, remember food should always be fun!