Royal Canin Updated Information Summer 2021

Royal Canin Updated Information

Advisory regarding continued reformulation of Royal Canin prescription diets and general information about transitioning pets to new diets.

Dear Clients:

Royal Canin, one of several pet prescription food manufacturers, continues the reformulation of its prescription diets. (Please refer to our Client Resources, Alerts section at burkeanimal.com for previous notices.) 

Most recently, the changes involve their “Health Management” line, including prescription diets that support canine and feline dental health, weight management, healthy aging, and that address fearful behaviors.

For clients whose pets may be on these health management foods, the new prescription formulas will likely be available sometime in August 2021. You will recognize them when you order or when your order arrives due to obvious changes in the packaging.

The majority of the changes in the Health Management line are relatively benign, but pets, especially those with any type of sensitivities, may still benefit from a slow transition to the new formulas as noted below. Dental Small Dog dry food has a moderate formula change with a specific recommendation for this slow transition.

Our veterinarians recommend that any time you change a pet’s diet, whether it is a new food or a reformulation of the same brand, it should be done slowly over a 7 to 10-day period as follows: *

  1. Days l-3, feed your pet 75% of the old diet; 25% of the new or reformulated diet.
  2. Days 4-6, feed 50% of the old diet; 50% of the new or reformulated diet.
  3. Days 7-9, feed 25% of the old diet; 75% of the new or reformulated diet.

Thereafter, transition to 100% of the new diet if your pet is doing well. 

If your pet experiences gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, or any other abnormalities when changing to a new diet or reformulated food, please stop the new diet and call the clinic at 703-569-9600 for a doctor’s advice. Feel free to call with any questions about Royal Canin’s reformulations. 

Thank you,

Burke Animal Clinic Veterinarians

*An exception to the slow transition would be if the veterinarian has recommended the soft bland diet (plain chicken and rice), which should begin without any transition period unless directed otherwise.