Nutrition
Harvest Fact
Herbal ingredients are included to enhance pet health and wellness.
What you see, is what they get
This not only refers to what you see in the bowl, but also what you see in your pet, thanks to our carefully crafted nutrition system that drives and feeds them.
Glucosamine and Omegas provide joint support.
Quality macronutrients provide energy.
Omegas and amino acids aid skin and coat health.
DHA provides cognitive support, helping them focus.
Whole Body HealthTM
Whole Body HealthTM is the optimal health of the entire body, derived from the proper support and maintenance of each system. Since body systems work synergistically, optimal function of one system cannot support the function of the entire body, while the dysfunction of one can disrupt the function of the entire body.
This is why ensuring our food promotes Whole Body HealthTM is so important, and just like how each part of the body serves a purpose and works in synergy with the rest of the body, so should the ingredients of your pet food. As our companions, we do not want to simply fulfill their basic needs for survival, but to help them thrive.
This is where added value ingredients come in. They not only supply essential nutrients, but provide additional support for joints, skin & coat, gut health and the immune system, increase palatability and aid with satiety (feeling full). Check out our “added value ingredients” section below for more information.
Transitioning their diet
Introducing your pet to new food can sometimes be challenging, which is why we want to make the switch to Nature’s Harvest as easy and stress-free as possible. Follow this helpful guide and consult our observation chart for a break down of the various responses you might experience during the process.
Choosing the Right Formula
The staff at your local Global Pet Foods store can help you choose the right formula for your pet based on their current diet, lifestyle and any special needs they may have. You can also consult the information provided on this site, or submit a question to our nutritional experts.
We recommend choosing a formula that is similar to your pet’s current diet (unless their special needs necessitate otherwise). Once they have adjusted, it is easier to rotate between formulas. To aid with the process, we ensure our formulas contain a variety of functional ingredients that result in a smooth transition, such as quality prebiotics, probiotics and botanicals which provide support for their digestive function and health.
How to Switch
When changing foods, the digestive system needs to adjust enzyme production, absorption processes, gut motility and intestinal microflora. Therefore, a gradual change of diet is recommended for most pets in order to allow the digestive system to adapt, although some dogs are able to switch without a transition period.
Here is an example of a 7-day transition schedule.
|
Day |
Old Food (proportion of regular feeding volume) |
New Food (proportion of regular feeding volume) |
|
Day 1 |
3/4 |
1/4 |
|
Day 2 |
3/4 |
1/4 |
|
Day 3 |
1/2 |
1/2 |
|
Day 4 |
1/2 |
1/2 |
|
Day 5 |
1/4 |
3/4 |
|
Day 6 |
1/4 |
3/4 |
|
Day 7 |
0 |
1 |
For example: if switching from 4 cups of diet A to 3 cups of diet B, the schedule would be as follows
|
Day
|
Diet A (cups per day) |
Diet B (cups per day) |
|
Day 1 |
3 |
3/4 |
|
Day 2 |
3 |
3/4 |
|
Day 3 |
2 |
1 ½ |
|
Day 4 |
2 |
1 ½ |
|
Day 5 |
1 |
2 ¼ |
|
Day 6 |
1 |
2 ¼ |
|
Day 7 |
0 |
3 |
What You Might Experience
Note: In many cases, none of these responses are observed and the transition goes perfectly smooth. This happens quite frequently with new Nature’s Harvest customers.
|
Observation |
Explanation |
|
Refusing food; picking out only the old food |
Pets are sometimes suspicious of new foods and might avoid them at first. This does not mean they will never like the food, they just need a few opportunities to try it or slowly work their way up to it. In these cases, start by sprinkling just a few kibbles of new food into the old food for a few days, or giving some by hand as treats until your pet gets used to the new flavour.
|
|
Loose stool; diarrhea |
Until your pet’s system adapts, some nutrients in the new food may pass through undigested, which can disrupt the microflora in the large intestine and cause loose stool. This does not mean your pet is sick. This is a normal occurrence. If this occurs, consider proceeding more slowly or adding a digestive support supplement until their body has fully adjusted.
|
|
Dry stool; difficulty defecating |
Higher digestibility or a change in fibre content can result in drier stools or difficult bowel movements. If this occurs, encourage them to drink more water by adding flavour to water or making it more easily accessible, and/or add moisture to their food. Adding extra soluble fibre (like pumpkin puree) can also be helpful.
|
|
Irregular bowel movements; not on schedule |
Difference in digestibility between the old and new formulas will cause changes in the transit time of food through the digestive tract. This might result in your pet needing to go more or less frequently or at irregular times during the phase in which both formulas are fed together. Once they have fully adopted their new diet, bathroom trips will become more regular.
|
These responses are normal and should not cause alarm. Once the switch is complete, it should only take a couple weeks at most for the digestive system to completely adjust. If you decide to switch directly from your old formula to your Nature’s Harvest formula of choice, you may observe similar physiological responses, and once again, they are normal and should only occur for a couple of weeks.
All Nature’s Harvest formulas are 100% guaranteed and if you are not completely satisfied, the food can be returned for a full refund.
LEGAL: Statements made on this page may not apply to every animal. Every dog and cat is unique and some require special dietary consideration. If you need more information about Nature’s Harvest formulas, or if you are not satisfied with the products, contact our expert with your questions and/or concerns and we will assist you in finding the perfect product for your pet, within the Nature’s Harvest line or otherwise.
Harvest Fact
100% guaranteed; full refund if you are not satisfied for any reason.
Added value ingredients
Anise seed
can improve digestion and reduce nausea and gas
Apple
contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants; flavanoids fight inflammation; source of prebiotic fibre
Beet Pulp
prebiotic fibre feeds beneficial bacteria to support natural microbial populations and prevents growth of pathogenic bacteria
Blackberries
contains vitamin C; source of vitamin K which supports blood clotting and bone health
Blueberries
contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants
Cinnamon
anti-inflammatory activity; antibacterial effects; helps to regulate blood sugar
Chicory Root
prebiotic fibre feeds beneficial bacteria to support natural microbial populations and prevents growth of pathogenic bacteria
Cranberries
supports urinary health by helping to prevent infection and acidifying urine; contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants
Devil’s claw
strong anti-inflammatory activity, especially for joints
DL-Methionine
a source of the essential amino acid methionine; urine acidifier to help prevent development of struvite crystals
Flaxseed
source of omega-3 fatty acids; source of prebiotic fibre
Garlic
immune enhancing effects; antimicrobial activity; support liver function
Glucosamine
anti-inflammatory, pain relieving effect; enhances lubrication in joints
Juniper berry
supports urinary health by optimizing urine flow to prevent infection; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities
Milk thistle
supports liver cell regeneration and kidney function; powerful antioxidant properties
Oats
source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and B vitamins
Prebiotics
feed beneficial bacteria to support natural microbial populations and prevent growth of pathogenic bacteria (chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, sweet potato, beet pulp, tomato pomace, flaxseed)
Probiotics
various strains of beneficial bacteria to augment the natural gut microflora and enhance digestion, intestinal immunity and Whole Body HealthTM
Pomegranate
contains vitamin C, vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants; flavanoids fight inflammation
Pumpkin
contains vitamin A which supports vision, skin and bones; contains vitamin C and other antioxidants; source of prebiotic fibre
Rosemary
natural preservative with powerful anti-oxidant effects; contains anti-inflammatory compounds; supports digestive health
Seaweed/Kelp
contains a variety of antioxidants; contains iodine which may support thyroid function
Spinach
contains vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants; contains prebiotic fiber; contains vitamins A, B and K and iron
Sweet Potato
source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and vitamins
Thyme
contains vitamin C and other antioxidants; supports skin and intestinal health
Tomato pomace
source of fibre and amino acids; contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
Yeast extract
excellent source of B vitamins; palatable flavour
Yucca Schidigera Extract
supplies vitamins and minerals that enhance microbial fermentation; anti-inflammatory activity