TRANSITION A period of time during which one food is replaced with another. It is important to recommend a transition; occasionally a pet will have a GI upset when switched to a new diet.
PALATABILITY The degree of acceptability to an animal, as determined by the sensory response to specific chemical and physical characteristics — namely taste, smell and texture. The combination of smell and taste is referred to as “flavor.”
tips
Gradually introduce the new food over a 7-day period by mixing the new food with the old
If your pet is reluctant to try a new food, hand feed or mix the dry food with warm water
Don’t feed people food — this can decrease the effectiveness of the recommended food
Always provide plenty of clean, fresh water
Do not supplement or feed other pet foods, unless advised to do so by the veterinarian
There is more of a chance to have a GI upset with a hydrolyzed protein diet, high fatty acid, or a diet with high fiber, especially if the pet has not been on this type of diet before
Some pets will take longer to transition to the new diet
A closer look
Food Aversions
Cats may develop a learned aversion to certain foods when feeding is paired with a negative GI experience
The negative experience can be physical, emotional or physiologic
Typically aversions occur when cats are fed before an episode of nausea or vomiting
Aversions have been known to last up to 40 days in cats
Do not feed a cat the diet they will go home with in the hospital
Cats and Texture
Cats are very sensitive to the physical form, odor and taste of foods
Cats accustomed to a specific texture or type of food (moist, dry or semi-moist) may refuse foods with different texture
Food temperature also influences food acceptance by cats
Cats do not accept food served at temperature extremes
Foods offered near body temperature are most preferred
For a cat with texture issues a longer transition is recommended, this could last as long as 1-2 months
Be patient with the cat
Cats must eat, continue the transition until the cat is eating the new food
Feeding multiple pets tips
Puppies and kittens must eat a puppy or kitten food until 10 – 12 months of age
Adult pets should not eat a growth product
If a pet has no medical issues (especially urinary crystals or stones) the pet can eat adult or senior foods
If feeding a therapeutic food, make pet owners with multiple pets aware if there are issues that need to be addressed