[Fresh Food Classroom] 4 tips for switching from kibble to fresh food!

Many pet parents are becoming more open to feeding their furry kids fresh food, but often get discouraged when they notice loose stools. This is actually a normal part of transitioning to fresh food — since fresh food contains more moisture and fiber than kibble, it takes some time for the digestive system to adjust. Here are four tips to help your pet make the switch from kibble to fresh food smoothly!

1. Transition gradually to protect the digestive system

The difference in ingredients between fresh food and kibble is quite significant. Switching too quickly can easily cause digestive upset and a lot of trouble. The best approach is to gradually adjust the ratio of fresh food to kibble within each meal, giving the digestive system time to adapt without causing harm.

2. Avoid strong-flavored dry kibble

During the transition from kibble to fresh food, try to keep your pet away from heavily flavored or spiced foods. Fresh food tends to have a milder taste compared to kibble, so exposing them to strong flavors during this period can significantly reduce their acceptance of fresh food.

3. Build a regular mealtime routine

Compared to free-feeding (letting your pet eat whenever they want), scheduled feeding at set times each day is much better for a smooth fresh food transition. Once a consistent mealtime habit is established, picky eating tends to decrease significantly, and the chance of your pet refusing unfamiliar ingredients altogether is also greatly reduced.

4. Experiment with a variety of ingredients

Just like people, pets have foods they love and foods they dislike. In the early stages of transitioning, try using a wider variety of ingredients to observe your pet’s preferences. Once you identify what they enjoy, you can use those ingredients as a gateway to encourage them to try fresh food more willingly — speeding up the overall transition process.

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Finding the right transition pace takes a lot of observation and experience. Pet owners who are newer to this can seek help from a professional pet sitter — their expertise and hands-on experience can help shorten the adjustment period when switching from kibble to fresh food!

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