Why We’re No Longer Offering Complimentary House Food—And Why It’s Better for Your Pet
At Riverview Kennels, our top priority is the health and well-being of every dog and cat in our care. Over the years, we’ve observed a common issue among many of our guests—tummy troubles caused by switching from their regular food to our complimentary house food. After much consideration, we’ve decided to discontinue the practice of providing free house food for boarding pets.
While we understand this change may require some adjustments for our pet parents, we firmly believe it’s in the best interest of your furry friends. In this blog, we’ll explain why maintaining a consistent diet is so important, how this change benefits your pet, and what options are available if you forget to pack their food.
Why Diet Consistency Matters for Pets
Dogs and cats have sensitive digestive systems, and even a simple change in their diet can lead to stomach upset. Whether it’s a difference in ingredients, protein sources, or fat content, switching to a new food—even temporarily—can disrupt your pet’s digestion.
Some of the most common symptoms we see in pets who experience a sudden food change include:
Loose stools or diarrhea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Excessive gas
General discomfort or lethargy
Even high-quality food can cause digestive distress if a pet isn't used to it. That’s why veterinarians recommend gradually transitioning to a new diet over the course of several days or even weeks. Since pets boarding with us won’t have time for a slow transition, we believe keeping them on their regular diet is the best way to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Pet on Their Regular Food
Eliminating complimentary house food helps ensure that every pet remains on the diet they’re accustomed to, which offers several key benefits:
1. Better Digestive Health
Sticking to their normal food significantly reduces the likelihood of stomach upset, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. This means a happier, healthier stay for your pet.
2. Reduced Stress
Boarding can already be a big change in routine for pets. By keeping their diet consistent, we’re helping provide a sense of familiarity and comfort in an unfamiliar environment.
3. Easier Transition Back Home
Pets who remain on their usual diet while boarding tend to settle back into their home routine much faster. There’s no need to worry about lingering stomach issues or another dietary adjustment when they return home.
What If I Forget My Pet’s Food?
We understand that life gets busy, and sometimes, food might get left behind in the rush of dropping off your pet. That’s why we will still have our house food available for emergencies or for convenience. If your dog already eats Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice, we can provide it at a rate of $5 per day.
To help avoid any last-minute stress, here are some tips for preparing your pet’s food for boarding:
Pre-measure meals into individual bags or containers to make feeding easy and consistent.
Pack extra food in case of an unexpected extended stay.
Include any supplements or toppers your pet normally eats.
Let us know about any dietary restrictions or sensitivities so we can ensure your pet’s health needs are met.
A Change for the Better
While we know this policy change may take some getting used to, we’re confident that it will make your pet’s stay more enjoyable, comfortable, and stress-free. Our goal is to provide the best possible care, and keeping pets on their regular diet is a key part of that commitment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this change. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
Thank you for trusting Riverview Kennels with the care of your beloved pets. We look forward to making their stay a happy and healthy one!
