Can diets with the same indications of different brand be combined or mixed?

Diets with the same indication can be functioning in different ways. Never mix or combine different food, unless you have consulted your veterinarian beforehand.

Is it normal that the colour of the same product can differ in different orders?

It is possible that the colour of the food is different from previous orders of the same product. TROVET does not use food colourings, which means that the colour of the food is dependent on the raw materials. This may slightly vary per supply/supplier and affect the food’s colour of each separate batch.

I want to offer my pet multiple foods, can this do any harm?

There is no need for animals to switch between foods and protein sources (= flavours). Some animals can get bored with their food. In these, uncommon, cases it is needed to switch. Diets for dogs and cats are nutritionally complete. Cats and dogs use less senses to judge their food, contrary to humans. Humans judge food, next to scent and taste, also on colour and texture. For dogs, and especially for cats, mainly the scent is of importance and in lesser degree the structure. That is why colourful food is not important.

Changing of foods can upset your pet’s intestines, which causes stomach aches.

Especially for animals with food hypersensitivity it is not recommended to switch because of the hypersensitivity reactions caused by ingredients in the food and the risk of developing an allergy, again. That is why it is not recommended to switch foods. When you switch food, keep in mind that the animal needs to readjust to the new food. Switch gradually. For advice, see ‘How can I best switch to a different food?’

How can I best switch to a different food?

The best is to switch gradually to a new food by following the next example:

When you are currently feeding your pet dietary food, first consult your veterinarian to see if switching is possible.

Why is TROVET only available through the veterinarian?

A balanced food makes a healthy and vital pet. Unfortunately as a result of an illness or disease, pets may need special food, a so called dietary food.

To determine which TROVET (dietary) food is best suited for your pet, a good diagnosis is needed. Your veterinarian is, because of his knowledge and skills, the designated person to diagnose an illness. Based on the diagnosis your veterinarian can prescribe the suited dietary food. A good diagnosis is fundamental for the right choice of the most suitable TROVET product for your pet. That is why TROVET products are only available via the veterinarian.

Where can I get TROVET products?

It is possible to order TROVET products at any veterinary clinic in the Netherlands. First contact your local clinic to find out if your veterinarian has TROVET products and if your desired product is in stock.

TROVET veterinary diets are marketed in several countries.

What is the difference between fresh meat and pure meat?

TROVET does not sell fresh meat, but pure meat. TROVET is not a proponent of fresh meat because of the followings reasons:

• The chance of not supplying a complete food by feeding fresh meat is very likely. Taurine deficiency in cats is an example of a deficiency which can have harmful consequences, such as cardiomyopathy. Not only nutrient deficiencies are a risk; also nutrient surpluses cause health problems.
• The calcium/phosphorous levels in fresh meat are usually out of proportion and are not easy to determine. The risk of this can be that young dogs could develop problems with bone growth.
• Because fresh meat is not heated, it is possible for bacteria, like Salmonella and Campylobacter, to be present. These can cause diarrhoea and serious health problems. Your pet can also transfer bacteria to its owners, through excreta or biting incidents.
• The product Unique Protein does not contain fresh meat, but pure meat.
• If you choose to feed fresh meat to your cat or dog, make sure to use supplements in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies. An example of such a supplement is TROVET Balance.

Why should I purchase a hypoallergenic diet via the veterinarian and not at the pet store?

In some cases claims of ‘hypoallergenic’ foods on packages are misleading. The producers of the food claim the food to be hypoallergenic, but when you read the ingredients listed on the bag, this is not always the case. Sometimes multiple protein sources are mentioned, in contrary to just one. The definition of a hypoallergenic food is a diet that minimises the risk of a hypersensitivity reaction. The greater the number of protein sources, the greater the chance of an allergic reaction.

Can I give a treat to my pet with diabetes?

Insulin allows for the uptake of glucose into cells. High blood sugar can occur in patients with diabetes, because the pancreas does not release enough insulin. Giving treats to diabetes patients causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels and should be prevented. This is the reason why giving treats to patients with diabetes is discouraged. Though, not every animal is the same. Some patients remain stable when regularly given a treat. Always consult your veterinarian before giving treats to a diabetes patient.

What is the difference between hypoallergenic food and a health food?

A characteristic of hypoallergenic diets is that these consist out of one carbohydrate source and one protein source. Hypoallergenic diets are often formulated with more exclusive and unique ingredients. For example: Hypoallergenic (Rabbit) contains the protein source rabbit and carbohydrate source rice. A maintenance food such as Adult or Sterilised is not suited as hypoallergenic diet. Healthy pets can always be fed a hypoallergenic food, but a patient with food allergy cannot always safely be fed a ‘regular’ food.