Making Pet Food at Home | Tips for when you run out of kibble

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) -

The growing challenges of supply chain issues are effecting even the furry members of our family. Leaving some pet owners to turn to different brands or having to change their pets diet because they simply cannot get their hands on what they normally feed.

We spoke to Korinn Saker, a professor of nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine who is also a boarded clinical nutritionist and the director of nutrition for the Veterinary Medicine program. She gave us some insightful tips on how to not only transition your pets food if necessary, but also ideas for if you simply can’t find pet food in your area.

Here are 5 tips for handling the pet food shortage, and the problems that come along with it.

1. If you have to change your pets diet. Try to think ahead, and plan. As we well know sometimes this just isn’t possible, but it’s best to transition your pets food over a period of time rather than in a single day. This will help with GI intolerance, and might even save you a trip to the Vet’s office.

2. Check the fat content in your pets food. Read the label. If you have to feed your pet something else in a pinch. It’s best to feed them something with a similar fat content to what they are currently eating.

3. You shouldn’t feed your pet human food for a long period of time, not even more than a week if necessary. This is because pets don’t absorb their required vitamins and nutrients from it, and would need a supplement.

4. If you have a picky eater try to find a new food or a alternative food that is the same shape, and consistency. This might help get your pet to eat. It’s possible for your pet to have a preference on shape of kibble alone!

5. If you have to, you can cook for your pet for up to a long week. Never feed your pet deli meats because the sodium contents and the nitrates aren’t good for them. Lean animal proteins are best but need to be paired with a carbohydrate. For dogs you’ll need a ratio of one part animal protein to two parts carbohydrate. For cats you want one part carbohydrate and two parts animal protein.

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