When to Transition from Bland Diet to Regular Food (A Complete Guide)

As a pet parent, you may have been advised by your vet to put your furbaby on a bland diet for a while. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as an upset tummy, pancreatitis, or post-surgery dietary requirements. A bland diet is easy on your pet's digestive system, allowing it to heal and recover. But the question remains, when is the right time to transition from a bland diet back to regular pet food? Here's a complete guide to help you out, featuring the premium KOHA pet food line from The Hungry Puppy. Understanding the Bland Diet A bland diet primarily comprises easily digestible foods that are gentle on the stomach. It's typically low in fat and high in carbohydrates. For dogs, the KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet series, including the Beef & Brown Rice and Chicken & White Rice options, are excellent choices. They are made with limited ingredients and are free from grains and artificial additives. However, a bland diet isn't meant to be a pet's long-term feeding plan. It lacks certain nutrients necessary for your pet's overall health and wellbeing, and is only used temporarily until your pet is ready to transition back to a regular diet. Signs Your Pet Is Ready for Transition One of the most important signs that your pet is ready to transition back to regular food is the improvement in their gastrointestinal symptoms. If your pet was suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, a decrease or total cessation of these symptoms indicates their digestive system is healing. It's also crucial to observe their behavior. Increased energy levels, a return to regular eating habits, and a keen interest in their normal food are positive signs. Transitioning with KOHA Pet Food KOHA pet food offers a range of grain-free, limited ingredient diet (LID) and minimal ingredient (M.I.) foods for both cats and dogs that are ideal for this transition phase. These foods are made with a high meat content (90% in LID entrees) and no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. For dogs, the KOHA LID 90% Meat Entrees like the Grain-Free 90% Pork Entree Wet Dog Food or the Grain-Free 90% Duck Entree Wet Dog Food are excellent choices. Cats can transition with the KOHA LID Grain-Free Duck Pate Wet Cat Food or the KOHA M.I. Grain-Free Duck Stew Wet Cat Food. These products have limited ingredients, reducing the risk of food sensitivities as your pet transitions back to regular food. Also, the high protein content promotes healing and recovery. Transitioning Your Pet Gradually The transition from a bland diet back to regular pet food should be done gradually to prevent a recurrence of gastrointestinal issues. Start by mixing a small amount of the regular food with the bland diet, gradually increasing the proportion of the regular food over several days. If at any point during the transition your pet shows signs of discomfort or their symptoms reappear, it's advisable to return to the bland diet and consult your vet before attempting the transition again. The Hungry Puppy: Your Partner in Pet Nutrition At The Hungry Puppy, we're committed to offering the best pet nutrition products like KOHA pet food. We've been serving since 1987 and pride ourselves on our expert staff, the lowest prices guaranteed, and our special order capabilities. We offer FREE local delivery and nationwide delivery, ensuring your pet's nutritional needs are met conveniently and economically. Visit our website at thehungrypuppy.com or call us at 732-938-4470 or toll-free at 844-275-9800 for more information. You can also email us at info@thehungrypuppy.com for any specific questions or concerns about transitioning your pet back to regular food. Remember, your pet's health is our top priority, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Trust The Hungry Puppy and KOHA pet food to provide the nutritional support your pet needs during this crucial transition period.