Expert Advice: Dr. Susan Lauten
Expert Advice from Dr. Susan Lauten
ROTATION DIET QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Below are some Questions and Answers about introducing the Nature's Variety Rotation Diet to your pet...
When can my pet dog or cat start the Rotation Diet?
Ideally, pets should begin the Rotation Diet immediately after being weaned. Since this isn’t always possible, you can switch your pet to the Rotation Diet at any age, as long as you slowly introduce the new foods.
How can I prevent my pet from getting an upset stomach as they make the switch to the Rotation Diet incorporating new proteins and forms?
I recommend incorporating the Rotation Diet over a period of 7-10 days. Start by mixing in a small amount of the new food with their current food. For each meal, gradually increase the amount of new food and reduce the amount of the old food. If your dog or cat experiences stomach upset, stop increasing the amount and allow your pet to adjust to the new foods it is being introduced to. If stomach upset continues (more than 1 or 2 days) eliminate the new food completely until the pet returns to normal. Then begin a more gradual transition to the new food.
A gradual change to new forms of food is important. If a pet has been eating the same food for a long time, the pet’s digestive system will need time to adjust to new food forms and types. Once your pet is used to variety in the diet, they will be able tolerate the changes and look forward to variety in their meals.
How do I determine the best Rotation Diet for my pet?
The Rotation Diet is customizable for every pet. If your dog was eating primarily kibble, start with a majority of kibble in his new diet. You can change these ratios at any time once your pet is used to the new foods. Likewise, if your cat primarily ate canned food, allow her to still eat canned for the majority of her diet. Start by feeding proteins within the Rotation Diet that your pet is familiar with and enjoys, like chicken, and then try introducing a new protein such as duck or rabbit.
How much of each form should I feed my pet?
Begin by visiting the Nature's Variety Feeding Guide, a calculator to help you determine how much to feed your pet. Watch and assess your pet’s weight on a weekly basis to determine if he/she has lost or gained weight. If they have, adjust the amount accordingly so your dog or cat is well-fed but does not become overweight. Maintaining an appropriate weight and body condition is just as important as quality nutrition for a healthy, happy pet.