How should I transition my cat on to their new diet?

We strongly recommend that you gradually transition your cat onto their new diet over 5-7 days. This is because sudden changes in the fat and fibre content of the diet can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset. Begin with 90-80% of the old diet and 10-20% of the new diet. If this is well-tolerated for a few days, increase to 30-40% new diet for another few days. Again, if well-tolerated, increase to 50-60% new diet for a few days, and so forth, until 100% new diet is being fed.

What is the best way to measure ingredients accurately?

We recommend purchasing a digital kitchen scale that can measure in grams to ensure accuracy with the ingredient portions. All teaspoon/tablespoon measurements given are Australian teaspoon/tablespoon sizes.

My cat won’t eat the diet. What should I do?

Here are some things you can try:

• A very slow transition to the new diet can improve acceptance and tolerance, especially when adding supplements. This is especially true in cats that have been fed a commercial kibble or canned diet for a significant amount of time.

• If your cat is picking out the meat and leaving the vegetables, try processing or blending the diet in a food processor or blender, until it is very well-mixed.

• Add a small amount of chicken or beef stock to the meal to flavour the vegetables and/or other carbohydrates. Make sure the stock does not contain onions or garlic.

• Top your cat’s meals with a small number of their favourite treats (whole or crushed) – for example, freezedried chicken breast or salmon is popular and can be crumbled and mixed into the food.

• Add a small amount of something strong-smelling or tasting that your cat loves. For example: Vegemite or Promite, miso paste, grated cheddar or parmesan cheese, sardines or mackerel canned in spring water, crushed liver treats, canned cat or dog food, cottage cheese or plain yoghurt, or peanut or almond butter (no added sugar or salt).

Can I substitute ingredients?

Ingredients should not be substituted under any circumstances.

My cat has developed some changes in stool consistency. What should I do?

It can be the case that some cats develop mild changes in stool consistency, even with a gradual transition to the new diet. Most commonly, stools may become slightly softer/pasty, however, mild constipation can also occur. Liquid or watery diarrhoea is rare and is a cause for concern. If your cat has softer stools, but is eating and drinking normally, and is otherwise bright and happy, it may be sensible to continue to feed the diet and monitor your cat’s stools for several more days. Changes in the fibre content of your cat’s diet can cause softer stools; this is usually mild and temporary, with stools normalising after 4-5 days. If stool consistency does not improve, or you become concerned because your cat is lethargic, not eating, not drinking, or has severe diarrhoea, please stop feeding the diet immediately and consult your family veterinarian.

My cat has started vomiting. What should I do?

Vomiting in response to gradual dietary change is not normal in healthy cats. Rapid or immediate changes in diet may cause vomiting or diarrhoea, and this is, therefore, why a gradual transition is recommended. Please stop feeding the diet immediately and consult your family veterinarian.

What is the purpose of a hypoallergenic diet?

Our hypoallergenic recipes are made specially for cats with possible adverse food reactions or those with food sensitivities. To properly diagnose an adverse food reaction, a food elimination-challenge diet trial needs to be performed. We recommend speaking with your family veterinarian to determine the best plan for your cat.

For more information about CompleteMe Hypo Feline and our recipes for adult cats, please contact us, or email us on info@vngpets.com.