Have you been considering adding supplements to your pet’s diet but have questions about how to do it? Do you have a picky eater on your hands? Have you tried introducing supplements in the past but found it hard to get your pet on board?
We understand that the thought of adding supplements to your pet’s diet can be intimidating, so here are some tips to help you break down the process and increase your chances of success.
Take it Slow
What seems like a small change to you can feel like a much bigger change to your pet. Consider how much of their day-to-day life is routine. If you ate the same thing every day for your whole life, imagine how it would feel if your food were to taste different one day! If you’ve got multiple supplements in mind for your dog or cat, pick one to start with, and take your time introducing it. This will be beneficial for their palettes as they adjust to new flavors and also for their digestive systems, which can be sensitive to the introduction of too many ingredients at once.
Work up to the Right Amount for your Pet
InClover supplements include recommendations for the amount to give based on the weight of your pet. You can find feeding directions on each label, and our Specialized Solutions (Bio line) include a handy ½ tsp scooper in the bottle! If you’re just getting started, and especially if you have a picky eater on your hands, start with just a sprinkle of the supplement mixed into their kibble or wet food. As they become accustomed to the flavor, you can increase the amount you give until you reach the recommendation.
We often recieve questions from potential customers about how long our supplements last and how much they cost per serving. We’ve put together a chart for you to reference that showcases some of our most commonly purchased products for pet parents who are just starting out on their supplementation journey.
Keep an Eye Out for any Reactions
If you are aware of any sensitivities or allergies that your pet has, avoid giving supplements containing those ingredients to your pet. When you start giving a new supplement, be on the lookout for any changes in their behavior or in their stools. Know that since many pets are used to eating the same ingredients every day for every meal, their bodies may need a bit of time to adjust to something new. Hot tip: our Optagest supplement is designed to aid pets’ digestive systems through food transitions! Consult a veterinary professional if any troubling symptoms occur.
Make it a Part of the Routine
As we’ve mentioned, consistency is a very important factor in your pet’s comfort and quality of life. This applies to their supplementation as well! Once you’ve started giving your pet a supplement, it’s important to make doing so a part of your routine. This ensures continuity in the benefits that your pet receives and also prevents them from having to adjust to the new ingredient(s) over and over again. Consider storing your pet’s supplements with their food to make remembering to give them easier.
Think Outside the Box
If your pet rejects eating the supplement in their food, you still have options! One of our favorites is to make supsicles (supplement popsicles) for them to enjoy as treats. Check out this short reel we made for a tasty recipe that takes just minutes to prepare.