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How to change dry food?

post #1 of 5
1/4/11 at 6:57am
Thread Starter 
Our two year old male throws up a lot. The vet says he is fine but he tends to eat way too fast and too much. We are thinking of changing the cat food to something without dye (we are currently using meow mix dry). Any suggestions on what to change to that they will eat and how to make the transition. Thanks.
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post #2 of 5
1/4/11 at 7:06am
You need to make the change gradually over a week or two. Start by mixing 1/4 new food with 3/4 old food for a few days. Then go to 1/2 and 1/2, etc. You may find that your cat wants to transition faster.

My first kitten came with a few days' supply of Meow Mix. I got something better for her and tried to do the slow transition. She very carefully picked out all the new kibbles and left the Meow mix in the bowl. Guess she knew what she liked, and never had any problems with the abrupt change.

for a smooth transition and no more vomiting.
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post #3 of 5
1/4/11 at 9:56am
Yup, I do the same 25%, 50%, then 75% to full over a period of about a week.

To slow your kitties roll on eating, you can also try a MultiVet SlimCat Food Distributor Ball. They are about $5 shipped on amazon.

You just scoop it into the bag to fill it up, set it down somewhere flat preferably not carpet, and twist the top which has varying size holes in it. They swat at the ball and food falls out that they nibble on, then swat, nibble some more.

Its specifically designed to slow eating, which tends to reduce overfeeding as well for those that like to plant their face in a bowl and just inhale before they can realize they are already full.
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post #4 of 5
1/6/11 at 4:49pm
If he is eating too fast I would suggest with what ever food you use to put it on the flatter surface like a plate instead of a bowl. Also feed smaller amounts more frequently. When it is in a bowl they can pick up more at a time, when it is on a plate it forces them to eat slower because they can't pick up as much at once. Larger kibble can help too but that can be hard to find depending on where you are at. I feed my Chester the Nutro Natural Choice Indoor formula which has slightly larger kibble, kind of oval/football shaped. Chester Cheetah can be a fast eater sometimes too.

I would recommend similar mixing ratio the others mentioned
25% new food, 75% old food for two days
50% new food, 50% old food for two days
75% new food, 25 % old food for two days
100% new food on day 7

Good luck!
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post #5 of 5
1/8/11 at 9:12am
All good advice above.

I have put a ball in the bowl (5" across bowl) to slow down my one cat, Lily, who bolts her food and vomits. A ball golf ball sized works. I have to wash the ball regularly though, just like the bowls. This cut down the vomiting a great deal.

I am experimenting this week with Durapet Slow Feed Stainless Steel Small Pet Bowls. They have a mound in the middle, so the effect is like the ball. I like the idea better because the plastic ball I used could harbor bacteria (even though I wash it in bleach). So far it seems to be doing the job. It also seems to be slowing down or even decreasing the eating of my big fat boy, Claudio, he very much needs to lose weight.

I found the best price for the Durapet bowls at Amazon.

Changing to a better food is also a very good idea.


Robin
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