WHAT IS ROTATIONAL DIET?
Rotational diets are diets that are designed to switch protein sources in pets. More than one protein can be beneficial to your pet. It gives a picky pooch variety, and an easily bored dog some excitement. Many people who rotate, do it every other meal. There are several ways to rotate your diet, bi-monthly, monthly, weekly, daily, every other day, or every other meal. It is up to you as owner to to decide what and when he gets his varied diet.
WHAT KIND OF PROTEIN SOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO MY PET?
Just like me or you, your dog can get pretty bored eating the same old food everyday. Just think, eating that same old ham sandwich day in, day out. For days, weeks, months, and years! Another important reason to switch foods is that it helps prevent allergies from developing. Dogs that eat the same food for an extended period of time often develop allergies to one or more of the ingredients in their food. Varying their diet prevents the body from being overexposed to potential allergens. Pets also develop a stronger, tougher stomach and digestive system by being exposed to many different kinds of foods- a great way of eliminating stomach upsets. Finally, by varying the protein sources and brands that you feed, you are providing your pet with a wider spectrum of vital nutrients like trace minerals and vitamins that keep your pets their healthiest!
PROS:
Offers variety
Finds and prevents allergies
New flavors will excite your dog
And gives tougher stomachs!
CONS:
You have to buy different foods at different prices
Your dog may have allergies to the new protein source, limiting your options
THE FOODS:
There are four basic types of food that that you can offer your dog:
How do I switch my dog to rotational?
Switching your pet’s food can be an easy and positive experience. Puppies and kittens are the easiest to transition, as their digestive systems are more adaptable. To start your puppy or kitten off right, introduce lots of different kinds, flavors and textures of food at an early age. Older pets, especially those who have been on the same food for an extended period of time, may need a little more time to adjust to their new food. Make a gradual switch to a new food by starting with 10-20% new food and increasing the amount over the course of four to seven days. Digestive aids such as our own Good Digestion or probiotics like acidophilus can help aid in the digestion of new foods as well. After a few months of switching gradually, your pet’s digestive system will toughen up and you will be able to decrease or even eliminate the transition period altogether.
While dogs often transition easily from dry food to canned or raw foods, it can be trickier for cats to switch if they are used to a dry only diet.
THAT'S A WRAP!
Dogs usually take to raw food very quickly- just be sure to phase it in gradually since it is so much more nutrient dense than cooked foods.
By introducing your pet to the various kinds of foods available, you are helping to make sure that he or she is getting the most nutritious and well-rounded diet possible for a longer, happier life!
Remember to choose quality and premium foods for your rotational diet! Here are some recommended brands and their sites:
WELLNESS PET FOOD: http://www.wellnesspetfood.com
SOLID GOLD: http://www.solidgoldhealth.com
Taste of the Wild Foods: http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com
One of the most common protein sources is chicken. Chicken is a cheaper meat that more hardy beefs, fatty duck, or hard-to-obtain venison. But it isn't the only protein source available!
PROTEIN SOURCES:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Vension
- Bison
- Quail
- Pheasant
- Elk
- (In certain places) Caribou
Many dogs have allergies to chicken and beef, so many dog owners like to pick rare and delicious meats for their dogs. Bison and Venison are commonly mixed together in kibble to create a allergy-free kibble. They are basically a better substitution for beef.
Turkey, Quail, and Pheasant are substitutions for chicken. Some dogs develope chicken allergies, so these are better fowl alternatives. Some dogs even have turkey allergies, in which Quail and pheasant are used instead of.
*Elk and Caribou are very hard to obtain. Alot of time they are substitutes in food for bison and venison allergies.
Contrary to popularly held beliefs, keeping your pet on one food for his or her lifetime can cause more harm than good. A pet can develope allergies to the single protein source, causing you to go on the hunt for a food that has no presence of the allergen causing meat. Some dogs even get bored staying on one single food their whole lives, resulting in eating disorders and a picky pooch.
Turkey, Quail, and Pheasant are substitutions for chicken. Some dogs develope chicken allergies, so these are better fowl alternatives. Some dogs even have turkey allergies, in which Quail and pheasant are used instead of.
*Elk and Caribou are very hard to obtain. Alot of time they are substitutes in food for bison and venison allergies.
NOTE ON VARIETY:
Rotating the foods that your dogs eat is one of the best things that you can do to reduce the risk of developing allergies, giving variety, and giving your canine pal a happy, healthy life!
Contrary to popularly held beliefs, keeping your pet on one food for his or her lifetime can cause more harm than good. A pet can develope allergies to the single protein source, causing you to go on the hunt for a food that has no presence of the allergen causing meat. Some dogs even get bored staying on one single food their whole lives, resulting in eating disorders and a picky pooch.
PROS AND CONS TO THE SWITCH:
Just like me or you, your dog can get pretty bored eating the same old food everyday. Just think, eating that same old ham sandwich day in, day out. For days, weeks, months, and years! Another important reason to switch foods is that it helps prevent allergies from developing. Dogs that eat the same food for an extended period of time often develop allergies to one or more of the ingredients in their food. Varying their diet prevents the body from being overexposed to potential allergens. Pets also develop a stronger, tougher stomach and digestive system by being exposed to many different kinds of foods- a great way of eliminating stomach upsets. Finally, by varying the protein sources and brands that you feed, you are providing your pet with a wider spectrum of vital nutrients like trace minerals and vitamins that keep your pets their healthiest!
PROS:
Offers variety
Finds and prevents allergies
New flavors will excite your dog
And gives tougher stomachs!
CONS:
You have to buy different foods at different prices
Your dog may have allergies to the new protein source, limiting your options
THE FOODS:
There are four basic types of food that that you can offer your dog:
- KIBBLE: Cost effective, convenient to feed, easy to store
- Canned: Nutrient dense, palatable, high in moisture, helps overweight pets shed excess weight
- Frozen Raw: Closest to the ancestral diet, cleans teeth, offers natural enzymes
- Freeze-Dried: Lightweight and great for travel, works great as a treat, less mess than raw
How do I switch my dog to rotational?
Switching your pet’s food can be an easy and positive experience. Puppies and kittens are the easiest to transition, as their digestive systems are more adaptable. To start your puppy or kitten off right, introduce lots of different kinds, flavors and textures of food at an early age. Older pets, especially those who have been on the same food for an extended period of time, may need a little more time to adjust to their new food. Make a gradual switch to a new food by starting with 10-20% new food and increasing the amount over the course of four to seven days. Digestive aids such as our own Good Digestion or probiotics like acidophilus can help aid in the digestion of new foods as well. After a few months of switching gradually, your pet’s digestive system will toughen up and you will be able to decrease or even eliminate the transition period altogether.
While dogs often transition easily from dry food to canned or raw foods, it can be trickier for cats to switch if they are used to a dry only diet.
THAT'S A WRAP!
Dogs usually take to raw food very quickly- just be sure to phase it in gradually since it is so much more nutrient dense than cooked foods.
By introducing your pet to the various kinds of foods available, you are helping to make sure that he or she is getting the most nutritious and well-rounded diet possible for a longer, happier life!
Remember to choose quality and premium foods for your rotational diet! Here are some recommended brands and their sites:
WELLNESS PET FOOD: http://www.wellnesspetfood.com
SOLID GOLD: http://www.solidgoldhealth.com
Taste of the Wild Foods: http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com
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