For Those Who Have to Change Foods

[NewfieGrl]

I wanted to post this for those who have to make a sudden change with the food they are feeding their pets.
When we change a food we try to add the new food gradually so that the digestive system is not affected by the change. Unforunately, with the recall this is not going to be possible for some people.
For those who are not familiar with a change, or have never had to do it, please be aware that your pet may experience upset stomach/diahreah, as some dogs do not tolerate sudden change well.
I'm sure this is going to be another problem with this recall, as people won't know whether their pets are having symptoms from the recalled food or change of food. If in doubt please contact your vet.

Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats.

[oscarfelix]

If I was attempting to make a switch, what I would do is start feeding them cooked rice, and then gradually introducing the new food. This should eliminate any bowel problems.

Maybe a day of just rice
Two days of 1/4 new food 3/4 rice
Two days of 1/2 new food 1/2 rice
two days 3/4 new food 1/4 rice
Start feeding all new food

I know that nothing is immune from these kinds of problems, but the easiest way to avoid problems like this seem to be not feeding your dog "mass marketed" foods, such as the ones you find at Petco, and ESPECIALLY not the ones you find at walmart.

You can often find better quality foods for 1/2 the price at local feed stores.

[NewfieGrl]

That's actually a pretty good idea adding the rice. Maybe it will help with the transition.
I completely agree with you with regard to the foods. The food that I rep cannot be found in any stores at all. Our formulator doesn't want it sitting on a shelf at a store or in the back of a truck somewhere where alot of places store their foods.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats.

[rstowe]

Great post Michele! Great info about using the rice instead of the old food oscar!

[tiffers]

I wanted to add that the bad food is causing Renal/Kidney failure. Diarrhea is not a sign of that. If your pet has eaten any of the recalled foods GET TO THE VET AND RUN BLOODWORK!

I cannot stress this enough, all day yesterday people were coming in because their pets had eaten the food. A few were okay with no kidney damage, but most were not! Get to the vet! This is serious guys, I'm not trying to scare anyone...I just want you all to know how bad this really is.

[NewfieGrl]

I wanted to add that the bad food is causing Renal/Kidney failure. Diarrhea is not a sign of that. If your pet has eaten any of the recalled foods GET TO THE VET AND RUN BLOODWORK!

I cannot stress this enough, all day yesterday people were coming in because their pets had eaten the food. A few were okay with no kidney damage, but most were not! Get to the vet! This is serious guys, I'm not trying to scare anyone...I just want you all to know how bad this really is.

I completely agree. And although it will scare alot of people it's just so important. I was on the phone with people who ordered from me yesterday because they had thrown their bags of food away that were purchased at grocery stores, etc., even if the foods weren't on the list. There is alot of mistrust now. By the end of last night I was so upset and disgusted, as I'm sure some people noticed by some of my posts.
I cannot even imagine what it must have been like for you working at a vets and having to see all this going on.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats.

[tiffers]

I wouldn't say it was madness, but it was definately a busy day! Everyone that came in, we asked what kind of food they were on, and surprisingly, so many had not even heard about the recalls!