Comments on: Rotating the food that your pet eats?

By: wildgirl

wildgirl — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:17:59 +0000

I am all in favor of your thinking, and it shows true love for the pet you are talking about. It’s all a question of how much patience you have to do the rotating. Because you will long to just buy and deliver the same food over and over again. And not have to THINK all the time. The angels will bless you.
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By: Rattiefuzz

Rattiefuzz — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:39:59 +0000

There is no need to; an animal’s dietary needs only change with its weight and age. Most dogs and cats are perfectly happy eating their regular food, and excessive switching can cause problems–and just isn’t practical.

As for most other pets, it’s a definite no-no. Rabbits, for example, have extremely sensitive stomachs, and constantly swapping the food around would be very harmful. Other small pets such as hamsters can live on different food mixes, but they’re already so varied that there’s absolutely no point. And there are so few good brands of food out there for fancy rats that it’s better to stick with one that you know you’ll always be able to find.
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By: Jennifer H

Jennifer H — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:22:59 +0000

I don’t know where you found the information that says it is good to keep changing your pet’s food, and that they develop allergies if you don’t, but that is completely WRONG!!!
1. If you keep changing foods, your pet will become very finicky, and only want to eat certain types of food.
2. Changing their food frequently WILL cause stomach and digestive problems, because they are constantly trying to adjust to a new food, with new ingredients!
A good veterinarian will tell you to put your pet on ONE type of food, and stick to it, DON’T keep changing brands, flavors, etc. If your pet seems to not be eating enough, just be persistent. With a dog the trick is to only leave the bowl of food down for about 20 minutes at a time. Then take it away if they don’t eat it. It teaches them the concept of "scarcity", and they learn that they better eat it while they can, whether THEY like the flavor, style, etc. or not! As long as it is a good nutritious food. Cats can be much more finicky about their food, but if you just leave it down for them, don’t give them any other food or treats until they eat what is in their bowl, they will!! Neither a dog or cat will starve itself to death if it is healthy. They WILL eventually eat what YOU chose for them, when they get hungry enough.
Switching foods all the time just encourages bad habits of being finicky, and makes them even more stubborn thinking they will get their way if they hold out long enough! Plus it causes the upset stomach and digestive problems I mentioned earlier!
PICK ONE GOOD QUALITY DRY FOOD AND STICK WITH IT!!
GOOD LUCK!
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former vet tech, kennel manager, and pet dietary aide at veterinary hospital.
Own one large very spoiled dog, and 4 cats!!

By: CF_

CF_ — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:33:59 +0000

I have found and heard the opposite to be true..
changing their food can lead to upset stomachs and development of allergies..
so many bad foods out there - so few good ones..
with cats I stick with 1 kind of dry food.. and can switch canned within 2 -3 flavors (cats should only get about 1 teaspoon of canned a day - mixed with water to make soup to help urinary tract) - ONLY canned should be Chicken, Turkey or Duck - cats should NEVER have fish - high mercury in tuna and high calcuim in salmon (contributes to urinary problems)

with dogs they should have same food - and a variety of treats.

my cats have never become "bored" with their food - this is a marketing scam to trick you… its not true.

remember most foods out there are crap.. very few good ones.
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By: pixy_stix

pixy_stix — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:17:59 +0000

Depends on how often you switch. Most pets have sensitive tummies and can’t take switching food too often.
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By: ThreeLittleLadiesRabbitry

ThreeLittleLadiesRabbitry — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:54:59 +0000

Would it be harmful to your pet if left on the same food. I’d say no. Most pet foods are designed to give your pet a completely balanced diet.

But that would be so incredibly boring. I like to mix it up once in a while just to give the pets a little something different, even if its just a treat of some sort here and there.
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