Tips for Minimizing Digestive Problems when Switching Pet Foods
Boca Raton, FL - Even if your brand of pet food has not been affected by the recent wave of pet food recalls you may be thinking about switching from a mass produced brand to an alternative. If this is the case then be aware that an abrupt and complete change in your pet's food can cause digestive problems according to Jamie Wolf of http://www.healthydogsusa.com/.
"When switching pet foods you'll want to make the transition gradually to help avoid digestive problems which can result from an abrupt change in diet," says Wolf. "Gradually add more of the new pet food over a 7 to 10 day period. I usually recommend sticking to a 10 day transition and adding the new pet food in increments of one-tenth. That means that the first day will have a 9 to 1 ratio of old pet food versus new pet food, the second day an 8 to 2 ratio and so on."
Wolf warns that this is especially important when switching to an organic or holistic pet food such as Life's Abundance Pet Food which is dense in nutrients. This will prove to be a dramatic change for your animal considering the ingredients found in many pet foods.
"Most of the mass produced pet foods include some sort of preservative as they take 12 to 24 months to reach retail shelves from the time they are manufactured. They also will often contain by-products which are labeled as such because the FDA mandates that items not fit for human consumption be labeled as ‘by-products'. Other ingredients found in many pet foods that make a transition to a new pet food difficult include indigestible beef fat, artificial color and flavor, corn syrup and allergens such as corn, wheat and soy," says Wolf.
Dr. Jane Bicks, holistic veterinarian and pet food formulator, reiterates Wolf's thoughts on the gradual change.
"Changing dog or cat foods should always be done slowly, no matter what type of food it is, healthy, holistic, organic. It is about the new ingredients in the intestine not the name of the food," says Dr. Bicks. "Generally speaking natural foods and organic foods use better grade ingredients, less cereals, so that the stool is not as big and it is easier to digest."
Both Jamie Wolf and Dr. Bicks have expressed concern over the recent Natural Balance pet food recall. They seek to offer assistance to the many pet owners who are actively looking for a safe place to get information on safe pet food alternatives.
On Wolf's website, http://www.healthydogsusa.com/, pet owners can get product comparisons between major brands and even sign up to join a national, weekly conference call that is 100% free. The conference call is hosted by Dr. Bicks and offers participants tips and education on holistic solutions to pet nutrition.
Also, on Wolf's site you will find a Suggested Feeding Chart that shows dog and cat owners the proper amount of food to serve the pet based on its weight. Wolf warns that overeating is just as bad for pets as it is for humans. She urges pet owners to adhere to a regular serving size and schedule when feeding their pets.
About Healthy Pet Food website, http://www.healthydogsusa.com/: Your one stop source for the best in natural pet care and holistic pet food. Our holistic cat food and natural dog food have been specially formulated for the optimum nutrition in your pet's diet. Life's Abundance premium dog and cat food and natural dog treats are free of artificial colorings, preservatives and hormones. HealthyDogsUSA can help you provide your pet with the very best in natural pet food and pet health products by Life's Abundance.
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