Transitioning and Feeding Formulas for Life™
The key to switching foods is to do it gradually, so your cat’s digestive system can adapt to our formula and nutrients.
How do I to Transition my Cat to Lucy Pet Formulas for Life™?
The key to switching foods is to do it gradually, so your pet’s digestive system can adapt to our formula and nutrients. Start by replacing 20-25% of the current food you are feeding with Lucy Pet Formulas for Life. Each day, gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of the former food until your pet is eating only the new diet.
If your pet tends to have a sensitive stomach, allow up to 10-14 days to fully transition to Lucy Pet Formulas for Life™.
In some instances, a pet can experience soft stools during the first week when you switch and transition to any new food. Lucy Pet Formulas for Life™ digest easily and most pets transition smoothly. However, if your pet’s stool becomes loose, it may be necessary to transition more gradually to the new diet.
Be sure to temporarily eliminate any treats or wet food for the first few days, and follow feeding guidelines on your bag closely. Lucy Pet diets may require different feeding quantities than the food you were previously feeding.
How much water do I need to give my cat?
Your cat should have full access to fresh water at all times. A healthy pet will usually drink the amount of water they need. Clean and sanitize your pet’s water bowls often to minimize the growth of bacteria.
In the first few weeks transitioning to our diets, you may observe your pet drinking more water. This is normal, as your pet’s digestive system adjusts to the unique fiber blend in our food. Fiber is an important part of good digestive health.
Always monitor how much water your pet consumes. Water is an essential nutrient, so it is beneficial for them to consume as much water as they want.
If your pet’s water consumption declines, be sure to notify your vet. Drastic changes in water consumption may be critical to observe as a potential indication of other health issues. Your veterinarian can answer specific health-related questions if necessary.
How often should I feed my catt?
Nutritionists recommend feeding your pet twice a day, following feeding guidelines as directed for your pet’s age and weight. Your veterinarian can help you determine the optimal feeding schedule and frequency, depending on the health of your cat or dog.
Is it ok to “free feed” my cat?
Lucy Pet recommends to follow the feeding guidelines, generally twice per day. The objective is to ensure your cat does not become obese, so if your pet tends to over eat, measured feeding times are the best option to keep your pet at optimal weight.
Will the fiber in this diet cause more stool than other diets?
Some pets will have a moderate increase in stool. Our formula adds quality fibers for specific dietary health benefits. The stool volume initially varies by a pet, due to the overall condition of the gut, including factors like stress, the current health of the animal, etc. When changing your pet’s diet, you may observe a slightly larger stool volume for the initial transition period. This is normal and your pet will adapt after a short period. If you see a significant change in stool volume during the transition period, it is best to take a slower approach to changing your pet’s food, to allow their digestive system more time to adjust to the new diet by slowing the transition amounts of old food to new food.
My cat is pregnant/lactating. How should I feed them?
Congratulations on expecting a new litter. For pregnant and lactating cats, it is important they consume enough food for their own needs and to nourish their future offspring. The typical increase in consumption can range from 25% to 50% more than their usual level. Because their caloric requirements increase dramatically, you should consult the feeding guidelines for a pregnant/lactating pet. We recommend consulting your veterinarian for specific feeding guidelines for your cat.
How did you come up with your feeding guidelines?
All Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ diets are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70lb of more as an adult). Nutrient analysis of our formulas determined the caloric content and KCALs per cup. The resulting feeding guidelines are based on the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. This data base is the culmination of scientific research and feeding trials for canines and felines and is what veterinarians use as well.
