Safest way to switch cat food for skin health: mix or complete change?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. One day (or honestly any number of days) of a new food is very unlikely to worsen injuries. If you’re worried, simply stop and go back to the other food. But more likely it is just a natural part of the healing process such as the natural inflammation associated with a wound or the scab coming off. If it gets worse or worrisome to you, see your vet sooner. Otherwise, keep your appointment for 4 days from now. Best wishes to you and Skye!

You can switch their food but you want to slowly transition them to the new food. This means you want to start with mixing only a small amount of the new food in with the old food for a few days then over a 10 day period, increase the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food until you are just feeding the new food around day 10. By slowly transitioning them to a new food, it decreases the risk of causes an upset stomach. I hope this helps!

Hello, any new diet that will be offered should be transitioned gradually. Sudden diet changes may cause a decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. So transition the diet slowly. Make sure that the new food is also for kittens as she needs the additional calories and protein for her growth. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Yes, it is always good to gradually change over to a new diet rather than doing it abruptly. I usually recommend a period of about 5-7 days to switch food. Start with 25% new food, 75% old food for 2-3 days, then increase the ration to 50:50 for a few days, then further increase it to 75% new, 25% old for a few days, then 100% new food. I hope the diet change does the trick for Z. Best of luck. Let us know if you have any additional questions!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry to hear about Finn. It does seem a but suspicious that he may be allergic to something in the new food. Personally I would recommend going back to his original food until his skin is back to normal then choose a different food to try and help manage his weight. Sometimes we have to choose the lesser of 2 evils! Good luck!

That is good that you are looking into food allergy. It is important to rule out all causes of allergies. You should not expect to see any changes in his behavior for AT LEAST 4 weeks minimum. A food trial is a full 16 week event and you will not know the full effects until then. Make sure you are conducting a proper food trial and keep your veterinarian updated. Don't stop the diet without talking with your vet. If Jorge seems uncomfortable, your vet can provide medications to make him feel better. I hope this helps.

Great question! Yes, the transition you described for Kitty is just fine. If you do notice any GI upset, go back to her old food and take five days between each transition to the new food. Best of luck!