What is rotational feeding?

Would you enjoy eating pizza every single day for a month? Some people might, but for the vast majority, variety is definitely the spice of life when it comes to food. If we wouldn’t like being fed the same meal over and over again, why should it be any different for our pets?

Rotational feeding is a way of livening up mealtime by alternating the types of food we serve our furry friends. This can mean changing up proteins (chicken, duck, beef, lamb etc) or the form food takes (wet, dry, raw etc). By doing this you are giving them the opportunity to experience different tastes and textures, which can put an extra wag in their tail around mealtime.

If you are thinking about rotational feeding, begin by introducing small amounts of the new food into your dog’s diet over the course of a week. This way their tastebuds and their stomachs are given time to adjust. Always take your time, and if you’re concerned about how a change in diet may affect your dog, speak to a vet first.

 

Four key benefits to rotational feeding

1, A more complete and well-balanced diet

Applaws always recommends feeding your four-legged friends a complete and well-rounded diet, jam-packed full of essential nutrients. Rotating their food means their bodies are being treated to a wider variety of these nutrients – proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals; some of which they may not ordinarily receive.

Every individual ingredient has its own nutritional profile, meaning it has its own individual benefits. Take proteins, for example. Chicken and beef may come packaged as ‘proteins’ but that doesn’t mean they boast the same nutrients. Beef contains more fats compared to chicken, which is higher in protein. Beef is also richer in a number of minerals, and the vitamin B12, while chicken rules the roost with other vitamins. Served on their own they’re extremely good for our pups, together, they’re an all-encompassing nutritional powerhouse.

 

2. Livens up mealtimes

When we’re talking about nutrition and mealtimes, health is of course the primary concern. But enjoyment comes a close second. After all, if our pets aren’t enjoying what we’re putting in front of them, then there’s less chance of them wolfing down all that dietary goodness.

Mixing up mealtimes keeps things fresh, reducing the chance of boredom and even worse, a potential loss of appetite. Rotating diets means every time they head to their food bowl they know a new taste adventure possibly awaits. And it’s not just about introducing them to mouthwatering new flavors either. Contrasting textures – the crunch of kibble, soft, juicy wet foods – combined with all those fresh, tempting aromas will help keep things interesting as well. Incorporating more high moisture foods into a diet is also a good way of maintaining healthy hydration levels.

 

3. Lowers the risk of allergies

A food allergy is when a dog’s immune system overreacts to one or more of the ingredients in their diet. Our furry friends are not actually born with these allergies. They tend to come on in early years, although they can develop at any stage of a dog’s life. One of the main causes of food allergies in dogs is prolonged exposure to a particular food type, specifically proteins. Rotating their diet significantly reduces the chance of this happening as the same ingredients are never in the body long enough for an allergy to develop.
Introducing new ingredients to your dog’s diet can also promote a healthier, stronger digestive system, one that finds it easier to break down a wider range of nutrients. You may also find they are receiving more fiber this way, too.

 

4. Pet parent affordability

We all want what’s best for our pets. And that’s definitely the case when it comes to mealtimes. Feeding them high-quality recipes isn’t always possible though due to budget constraints. One of the best things about rotating a diet is that it can provide a cost-effective way of fitting in more premium foods into a feeding schedule.

This may be one meal a day, or it may be every meal for two weeks out of the month; whatever best suits your circumstances. Diet rotation also affords pet parents greater flexibility. Just knowing your four-legged friend is accustomed to more than one type of food can take the pressure off shopping, and makes traveling a whole lot easier.

 

Time to add an extra splash of flavor to your dog’s food?

Giving dogs the opportunity to experience different tastes, textures and smells is one of the main reasons we created Taste Toppers. We always recommend feeding your furry friend a mix of dry and wet food in order for them to receive the widest possible range of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber. What the complementary Taste Toppers range does is allow pet parents to sprinkle a bit of mealtime magic on these dishes by adding a dollop of flavor, and an extra serving of nutrients.

Our mission is to bring the perfect blend of taste and nutrition to as many food bowls as we can. And with recipes like our Chicken Bone Broth with Turmeric & Parsley Pouch, our Lamb with Zuccini, Carrot & Chickpeas in Gravy Pouch and our Beef Filet with Red Pepper, we’re confident of doing just that.

And with so many different flavors available, rotating a diet has never been easier. ‘Top it, Stir it or Mix it’ – however you choose to serve up Taste Toppers, your dog’s food will be transformed into a tail-wagging, taste triumph within seconds. You can even give it to them as a healthy snack.

Try one tin or pouch per day to begin with. You will want to make sure your four-legged friend is comfortable with the change in their diet, and the ingredients, before upping the amount.