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Should You Be Changing Your Pet’s Food Regularly?

Pet Diet & Nutrition 3 min read
A cat eating kibble outside.

The question of when to change a pet’s food is often met with many different opinions among pet owners and veterinarians. Many of us ask ourselves if regularly switching up our fur baby’s diets is necessary and healthy for them. In this blog, let’s explore the potential benefits and risks of changing our pet diet.

Benefits vs. Risks

Changing a pet’s food may bring several advantages, especially when it comes to nutrition. A diverse diet can bring different nutrients, ensuring that your pet is receiving a balanced array of mineral and vitamins. This is extremely important for dogs and cats that can sometimes be prone to certain deficiencies when they are fed the same food for long periods.

Changing a pet’s food may bring several advantages, especially when it comes to nutrition

However, there are also some risks associated with frequently changing your pet’s food. One of the most important concerns is an upset tummy. Our fur babies have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes in their food can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and/or vomiting. Thus, it is very important to transition their food slowly to minimize these issues.

When to Change a Pet’s Food

There are specific situations where we must change our furry friend diet. Here are some examples:

  • Age: As they grow, their nutritional needs also change. Puppies and kittens require a different diet compared to adult or senior dogs and cats. Therefore, transitioning to a food that is appropriate for their age is essential
  • Allergies: If you notice that your fur baby may have food allergies, itching, skin irritations, or gastrointestinal issues, it might be time to change your fur baby to a hypoallergenic diet
  • Health Conditions: Some pets with specific health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity, etc., often require specialized diets
  • Time of the year: Sometimes, we need to change our fur babies diet depending of seasons. For instance, some pets may require more hydration during summer

Supplemental Support

If you are thinking of transitioning your fur baby to a new food, incorporating supplements may be very beneficial. For examples, NHV Multi Essentials can provide a blend of vitamins and minerals, ensuring your pet receives essential nutrients that may be lacking in their diet. This supplement can support your furry friend’s overall health, therefore making it a great addition during a diet transition.

Also, NHV Pet Omega 3 can be an excellent choice as it can promote healthy skin, coat, and joint health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health, making it especially useful for pets with dietary sensitivities or those needing extra joint support.

For pets that are facing immune issues, NHV Natures Immuno is a blend of 5 mushrooms may support immune function and overall vitality. This supplement can support your little immune system defense, particularly during dietary changes when they need a little bit of extra support

Holistic Nutrition

At NHV, we believe in a holistic approach to pet health. NHV supplements can enrich your fur baby’s nutrition and support their gastrointestinal health. For one-on-one help, we offer a personalized nutritional plan that can be built based on your pet’s needs.

While there can be benefits to changing your little one’s diet, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Our advice is to always consult a veterinarian – preferably a vet with specialty in nutrition – to make informed decisions that best support their health.

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine in 2010 and graduate studies in veterinary pathology (MVSc. 2012 and PhD 2016) at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo. She completed her post-doctoral training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Saskatchewan in 2018. Dr. Nascimento will be hosting her own blog series and sharing her knowledge with our extended NHV family.

Published: October 2, 2024

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