4 Benefits of Rotational Feeding For Your Dog
Dogs commonly eat the same food for the majority of their lives, and until recently this was not questioned. Many pet parents now feed their dogs in a way that more closely resembles their own eating habits, offering a variety of proteins and formats at mealtime in a plan known as rotational feeding or a rotational diet. This can include switching proteins within a type of food or swapping the type of food for a variety. There are several benefits to this feeding method:
Benefit 1
Keeps things interesting
Just as we don’t want to eat the same thing for every meal day after day, dogs also appreciate variety. Picky eaters are encouraged by a changing palate of flavors. The rotational diet keeps us pet parents more involved in our pet’s routines with planning and interest into their health. Instead of being stuck in a rut of the same old thing, we can stay open to new and exciting options.
Benefit 2
Builds healthy digestive & immune systems
Food allergies and intolerances are alarmingly common in dogs, and eating one protein or one food day in and day out could be a contributing factor. By switching protein sources and formulas, it reduces the chance of allergy development, ensures that they're receiving a wide array of essential nutrients, and increases their tolerance to dietary changes.
Benefit 3
Helps with flexibility and affordability
One of the best things about a rotational diet is that it enables pet parents to feed high quality foods, like Gently Cooked, on an occasional basis rather than exclusively. This makes everything from shopping to traveling easier when your dog is accustomed to more than one kind of food.
Benefit 4
Optimizes diet options
With rotational feeding, the door is always open for improvement. You may want to introduce a novel protein, try out a different format, or build your pup a custom bowl. Open Farm offers the perfect opportunity to try rotational feeding with many thoughtfully formulated recipes. Check out the variety here!
How to get started
If you are interested in rotational feeding, it’s best to start slow. A good rule of thumb is to introduce the new food over a week or more, starting in 25% increments of the new food with 75% of the current food. This will allow you to evaluate any negative changes in your pet, before moving on with a 50/50 split, followed by a 75/25 split, until the transition is complete.
For an easier transition and reduced risk of digestive issues, it’s often best to rotate between recipes within the same product line. Once you finish the 7-10 day transition process, you can swap between a variety of Open Farm recipes like Grass-fed Beef, Wild-Caught Salmon, and Harvest Chicken Goodbowl kibble. Rotating meal toppers daily also offers many benefits such as increased hydration with wet toppers or added nutrients from the variety of sources. Try an array of toppers such as Gently Cooked, Fish Toppers, or Freeze-Dried Raw to create mealtime excitement for your pup.
Although some dogs love rotational feeding, not every dog can tolerate diet changes, so it is always best to consult your veterinarian before making any drastic modifications. To learn more about transitioning, here's a guide on how to transition your pet's food.
Build the perfect bowl for your pet.
Still unsure? We’ll help customize just the right combination of foods for your dog’s breed, preferences, allergies and goals.
