PET PARENT RESOURCE CENTER

Mealtime is a very important part of your pet's day! Just like humans, dogs can benefit from a change in diet every so often. If a dog consumes one product for a prolonged period of time, they may develop allergies/food aversion or become bored of their old favorite meal. 

Allergies

Surpisingly enough, dogs suffer through allergies just as often (if not more often) as their two-legged companions. However, since our dogs cannot tell us when their allergies are flaring up, we tend to watch their physical appearances for signs. Some of the most common allergies in our furry friends are environmental allergies (grass, pollen, dust) and food allergies (meat proteins, grains, soy). In pets with food allergies, their immune system overreacts and produces excess antibodies when exposed to specific brand, type, or form of food. When the food is consumed, the antibodies fight against the item - creating a negative reaction. While allergies manifest differently in every animal, some classic signs to a food allergy are itchy skin, itchy paws, digestive disruption, or red/inflamed skin. If a dog is exposed to a potential allergen for extended durations, they could eventually develop an allergy. If you suspect your pup might have an allergy to a specific protein or food - switch up their food for a few weeks and watch for differences.

Food Aversion

Have you ever gotten sick after eating a specifc food or meal and now you physically can't stomach to eat it again? Don't worry if you answered yes - it's normal! Food aversion occurs when negative emotions are associated with a certain food. It's a common psychological process that affects not only humans but our furry friends, too! When a food is presented at meal time long term, dogs can slowly become reluctant or repulsed. While this is not the case for every dog, if your pup all of the sudden starts turning their nose up at their bowl - this could be the reason. 

Boredom

Another motivation to switch up your pet's bowl is to prevent boredom. Imagine eating the same thing, every day, at the same time, for over 7 years. Eventually, you might become burnt out on that specific food. While dogs do not require as complex diets as we do, it is important to switch up their meals. Boredom with meals can eventually lead to disruption and disobedience around the house.

How Can I Switch Up Mealtime?

If you are interested in adding some excitement into your dog's bowl - we have the products for you! The options are limitless when it comes to our furry friends, but some choices include:

• Slow Feeders: Have you found the one food that your pup can have and don't want to switch any time soon? Don't worry - we get it! Especially with our finicky eaters, it can be difficult to find a food that works (and you definitely don't want to change it up once you find it). To prevent boredom, try introducing slow feeders. Slow feeders turn meal time into fun time by generating an opportunity for brain stimulation and entertainment. Some of our favorites include:
  • Snuffle Mats
  • Spinning Slow Feeders
  • Slow Feeder Bowls
• Toppers: Introducing toppers into your pet's diet is an exciting way to switch up mealtime without changing their kibble too frequently. Whether adding raw toppers, canned food, treats, or fresh food on top of your pet's kibble - mealtime will become even better! Some of our favorites include:
  • Raw Food
  • Canned Food
  • Fresh Food:
• Switching Their Kibble: For some dogs, the easiest solution to mix up meal time is to simply switch their kibble every so often. As a shopper at Treats Unleashed, join the Frequent Feeder program to receive your 13th bag of food (same brand & size) free - no matter the flavor! Always remember to slowly transition your pet to a new food if you decide to switch kibbles. 

When in doubt - stop into your local Treats Unleashed for a free food consultation and some recommendations on how to build a better bowl.