PORT COQUITLAM ANIMAL HOSPITAL
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Food Transitioning


To avoid stomach upset we recommend following the steps below to have a successful diet transition.

This information has been sourced by Veterinary Nutrition specialists at Hill's Pet Nutrition and meet  AAFCO standards
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.”
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​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
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A closer look
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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
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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 
Our Location:
2655 Lougheed Hwy,
Port Coquitlam,
BC V3B 1B5
Email: info@pocovet.com
​
Phone: 604-464-6666
Fax: 604-464-9316
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri
8:00 am-7:00 pm
Sat
8:00 am- 6:00 pm
Sun
8:00 am- 5:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE CLOSED EVERY DAY FROM 1PM-2PM
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Photo used under Creative Commons from funkblast
  • Home
  • New Clients
    • Financial Assistance
  • Our Services
    • Pet Health Library
    • Pet Education
    • Pet Loss Support
  • Online Store
  • Online Consultation
  • Our Staff
    • Veterinarians
    • Technicians
    • Veterinary Assistants
    • Office Management
    • Reception
    • More on our team
  • Careers
    • More on our team
  • Weight Management Program
  • Behind the scenes
    • Clinic updates and news
  • Our Partners In Care
  • Shop online