Planning tool · Not veterinary advice or an individual feeding plan

PLANNING · PRINTABLE RESOURCE

Your pre-switch checklist

A structured way to prepare for a professional conversation and decide whether a proposed food and your household are a suitable match.

Published 25 August 2026 · Review due February 2027

1. Start with your animal

Record species, life stage, current weight, body condition, activity, health history, medication and current food. Puppies, kittens, pregnant animals and pets with health conditions need particular professional attention.

2. Clarify the product

Find the complete or complementary description on the actual label. Confirm the intended species and life stage, feeding instructions, formulation basis and what else - if anything - must be fed alongside it.

3. Check the supplier

Look for clear business contact details, traceability, batch information, appropriate registration, storage instructions and an explanation of sourcing, formulation and microbiological controls.

4. Assess the household

Plan freezer space, labelled sealed storage, dedicated utensils, safe defrosting and cleaning. Consider young children, older people and anyone with a weakened immune system.

5. Agree how to review

Discuss what to monitor, when to review weight and condition, and which signs should prompt veterinary advice. A change should not be treated as successful merely because a pet initially eats it enthusiastically.

Keep the completed sheet

Take it to your veterinary appointment and retain the supplier, product and batch details with your feeding records.

Please note: This checklist organises questions; it does not determine whether raw feeding is appropriate or formulate a nutritionally adequate diet.