Dogs and cats are often fed the same food for a long period of time, which means a sudden food change makes it difficult for their digestive systems to adapt. That’s why it’s important to introduce new food gradually. Going slowly will give your dog or cat time to adjust to their new food and will also reduce the chances of digestive upset. Start by mixing 25 percent new food with 75 percent old food. Slowly increase the new food proportionately over the next 10-14 days until you are feeding 100 percent new food.

The first time you transition your dog or cat to ORIJEN, we recommend selecting a recipe with a meat type that matches the food you are currently feeding. This will help allow for the easiest transition and minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset. For example, if your dog is currently on a poultry-based diet, you may want to try the ORIJEN Original recipe.

For more specific dietary needs, please contact our Customer Care department.

After initially transitioning to ORIJEN, what many Pet Lovers do is a method of feeding known as Rotational Feeding. Rotating between ORIJEN formulas prevents your dog or cat from getting tired of eating the same thing day in and day out, while offering them a great variety of proteins and fats. A good place to start is rotating by the bag – when you have finished one formula, your next bag will be a different recipe. The first time you introduce a new food for rotation, mix the food 50/50 just to make sure your pet transitions well to the new ORIJEN food. However, if your dog or cat is more diet-sensitive, do a full transition when introducing a new ORIJEN food – after that you can change at will.

We recommend that for most pets, you feed twice daily. Simply divide the amount suggested on the feeding guide into two meals, spaced eight to 12 hours apart. For example, if the feeding guide calls for 120g per day, we recommend feeding 60g in the morning and 60g at night. You may need to adjust portions as you learn your pet’s ideal daily “maintenance” amount, based on their body condition. These amounts may change over time as your pet ages. Always keep in mind that a lean dog or cat is a healthy pet.

Many dogs and cats have large appetites and will eat everything you feed them. As ORIJEN foods are highly palatable, you need to be careful not to overfeed, as this can cause issues such as loose stool or unwanted weight gain.