It depends on your cat. While some kitties happily devour anything you put in their bowl, others are more delicate, and a sudden switch could lead to digestive upset or food refusal.
You can alternate between wet and dry versions of the same formula if the aim is to add a little more variety to your cat’s bowl.
But to transition your cat to a new brand, whether for nutrition, budget, or availability reasons, you must understand how to switch your cat’s diet correctly.
Should You Feed Your Cat Different Brands of Foods?
In my experience as a cat parent, my cat, Toby, genuinely appreciates a bit of variety with wet food. She’d happily eat a certain flavor for a while, but after a few repeat meals, she’d suddenly turn her nose up at it and walk away without a second glance.
But her interest returned immediately when I introduced a new flavor from another brand. It wasn’t about being picky; it was her way of telling me she wanted something new. Now, I stick between the two different brands and also introduce variety packs from time to time.
That said, variety isn’t always the answer for every cat. Cats often form strong preferences for certain flavors and textures of a specific brand. A sudden dietary change, even to something more nutritious, can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Cats can also form negative associations with food if they’re stressed, startled, or uncomfortable. For example, if you introduce a new food during a chaotic moment, like during a noisy gathering, they may associate that food with discomfort and avoid it in the future.
Ultimately, what works perfectly for one cat might not suit another. Always observe your cat’s behavior, consult with your vet if needed, and make changes with care.
What are the Signs that it’s Time to Change Your Cat’s Food?
Here are four indicators that it might be time to reassess what’s in your cat’s bowl:
Frequent Digestive Issues
Recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation can indicate your cat’s food doesn’t agree with their stomach. These symptoms could also point to food sensitivities or allergies. Switch to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet to help identify potential triggers and reduce food sensitivities.
Dull Coat or Skin Problems
Dull or flaky-looking cat fur, excessive shedding, or itching can indicate a deficiency in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. A diet change often significantly improves coat and skin shine within a few weeks.
Increased Lethargy and Lack of Energy
Food that lacks essential vitamins, minerals, or sufficient energy can leave your cat feeling sluggish and less playful, signaling the need for a potential diet change.
Life Stage
Your kitten is now an adult, your adult is entering their senior years, and you need to switch to support your cat’s current life stage. Kitten food supports growth and development, while adult and senior formulas focus on maintaining health, supporting joints, and managing weight.
What are the Benefits of Feeding Your Cat Different Cat Food Brands
Let’s be clear: we do not recommend feeding your cat different cat food brands at every meal. However, strategically rotating between different food brands can offer three main benefits including:
Reduces Picky Eating Habits
Cats exposed to different flavors and textures are less likely to become overly attached to one specific food. This flexibility is handy if your cat’s preferred brand is ever out of stock or discontinued.
Promotes a More Rounded Diet
Even though high-quality cat foods are nutritionally complete, each can vary slightly in its nutrient profile. One formula might have more omega-3s, while another is richer in specific vitamins or fiber. By incorporating variety, your cat benefits from a more well-rounded intake of nutrients. However, feeding a variety of brands isn’t necessary for meeting your cat’s basic nutritional needs.
Flavor Variety
Most reputable cat food brands offer variety packs with different flavors. This makes adding excitement to your cat’s bowl easy without changing their diet to an entirely new food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about feeding your cat different cat food brands? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.
Is it Okay to Change Cat Food Brands?
Yes, it’s okay to change your cat’s food brand as long as you do it gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days. Abrupt switches can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Can I Feed my Cat Different Brands of Wet Food?
It is fine to feed your cat different brands of wet food as long as it consistently contains the same foods. You can rotate between two familiar brands, especially if your cat is already used to it.
Can You Feed Your Cat Different Brands of Dry Food?
Yes, you can feed your cat different brands of dry cat food. However, gradually mix a small amount of the new food with the old, slowly increasing the new food until the transition is complete.
Can I Feed My Cat Different Flavors From the Same Brand?
Feeding your cat different flavors within the same brand is safe and often easier on their digestive system than switching brands altogether. This is because flavors within a brand usually have similar base recipes.
Conclusion
Feeding your cat different food brands is a great way to prevent picky eating, add variety, and promote a more balanced diet, but only if done correctly.
While some cats thrive on a rotational diet, others are not open to trying new foods and react poorly to changes in their food.
So how often should you mix things up? Switch between brands every few months, but ensure a gradual transition to prevent stomach upset.
If your cat isn’t keen on trying new foods, you can still introduce variety by offering different flavors through treats or food toppers.
This gentle exposure can help your cat become more accepting of new tastes over time. That way, the transition will be easier for your cat to accept if you ever need to change their regular food due to unavailability.