Diets

Recommended Foods

We do not recommend grain-free diets
A recent report from the FDA has suggested a direct link to grain free diets & an increased risk of heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy.

We do not recommend any raw-based diets
“The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any raw animal proteins because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs, as well as humans. Several studies in scientific journals have demonstrated that raw or undercooked animal-source protein may be contaminated with a variety of pathogenic organisms, including Salmonella spp.”

AFFCO – Understanding Pet Food

“The nutritional adequacy statement is perhaps the most important part of a label. It is the key to matching a pet’s nutritional needs with a product.” Only feed diets that are “Complete and Balanced” by AAFCO standards and are for your pets’ correct life stage. Recognized life stages are gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, and all life stages. AAFCO DOES NOT approve, certify or otherwise endorse pet foods.

FDA Grain Free Diet Investigation

AVMA Raw Diets

AAFCO has great explanations on food labels and by-products that every pet owner should consider when choosing a pet food!

AFFCO – FAQ

How much to feed your pet?
Every animal, like every human, is different!

We recommend using a Calorie Counter to get a good estimate!
Calories may be listed as kilocalories or Kcals and should be on the side of your pets food. If you have trouble finding it, the seller and manufacturer website should contain this information.
Check the Body Condition Score Charts below to see if your pet is overweight.

“Recommendations and Guidance
✫ Regular monitoring of body weight and body condition score is important for successful weight management.
✫ Based on progress, adjustments in daily food and activity recommendations may be required to reach ideal weight with a healthy rate of weight loss for dogs of 1-2%, and cats 0.5-1% of body weight per week.
✫ Treats should not exceed 10% of total daily Calories”
– Pet Nutrition Alliance

Dog and Cat Calorie Calculator

Switching Diets

It is best to switch diets slowly to avoid stomach upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea/loose stools. We typically recommend a 2 week switch, but a one week switch works well for dogs without previous GI problems.

Probiotics can also help potential stomach upset when transitioning food to ensure flora remains regulated in the gut.

Bland Diet

There are commercial prescription bland diets or you can cook for your pet at home.

Commercial diets we recommend are Hills and Royal Canin. Both brands have different options for sensitive stomachs. Please ask a vet about which option is best for your pet.

At Home Bland Diet Instructions

Please note that a home-cooked bland diet is usually for short-term management of gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, and is not suitable for long-term feeding.

Choose ONE protein and ONE carbohydrate from the below list.
Mix in a ratio of 1 part protein to 3 parts carbohydrate.

Proteins

(Choose One)

• Boiled, unseasoned, well-drained of fat, chicken breast
• Boiled, unseasoned, well-drained of fat, turkey breast
• Canned turkey or chicken (in water, NOT oil)
• Stage 1 Chicken or Turkey Baby food (meat based food only, no vegetables, no seasonings)

Carbohydrates