While making the switch to whole food requires patience, transitioning felines to cooked food also takes time.
Is your kitten a new arrival? If so, we suggest keeping them on the food they’re used to during the first week, as they need time to acclimatise. Moving home can cause young kittens considerable stress, and some may develop picky eating habits.
Felines are notoriously picky, so, in some cases, the changeover may take longer than the nine days we plan for below.
Likewise, if your kitten or cat is used to a dry food diet, the shift to a cooked diet may require more time, as they’ll need to get used to eating softer food. If needed, start by mixing a smaller amount of Hug Pet Food with their usual meals, steadily increasing at a pace that suits your feline.
Please note: do not let your kitten or cat starve themselves during the transition. Those who refuse cooked food will not give in, even if they are hungry. This can cause feline hepatic lipidosis (liver failure). Transitioning at a rate your kitten or cat is comfortable with is vital, whether it takes weeks or, in some cases, months!
Microwave times and temperatures
If you’re cooking a Hug Pet Food meal in the microwave, remember to peel back the lid on its container before heating. Stir halfway through cooking. After you’ve finished heating your pet’s food, pour its extra delicious meat juices over it and stir. Allow to cool prior to feeding, then serve.
Recipe 1000w
Cat 85g 1 min 20 sec
Cat 240g 3 mins 30 sec
Dog 300g 2 mins 30 sec
Dog 600g 6 mins
These are the maximum times required to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked through.
Transitioning to a lightly cooked diet for cats & kittens
For kittens, once they’ve settled in, gradually introduce Hug Pet Food to your kitten’s current diet. For cats, gradually introduce Hug Pet Food to their current diet.
Day 1-2
1/4 Hug Pet Food 3/4 Current Diet
Day 3-5
1/2 Hug Pet Food 1/2 Current Diet
Day 6-8
3/4 Hug Pet Food 1/4 Current Diet
Day 9
100% Hug Pet Food
We’re proud to offer fresh whole food for cats & kittens
When choosing your recipes, we recommend feeding a variety of proteins where possible. Each kind of meat contains different amino acids and therefore presents a different nutritional profile.
We offer mixed proteins in both our kitten and senior ranges, ensuring our meals deliver a whole host of nutritional benefits while remaining suitable for specific life stage needs.
Hygiene & storage
All Hug Pet Food recipes are made using fresh whole food ingredients and cuts of meat that are suitable for human consumption. We do not use green tripe in Hug Pet Food, so it’s safe to handle in the kitchen and can be stored in your fridge or freezer
Depending on how soon you would like to feed it, you can defrost Hug Pet Food in your fridge or at room temperature, keeping it cool once defrosted. The food is safe to keep refrigerated for 2 days once defrosted or cooked.
Wash your hands with hot water and soap before and after handling your pet’s food.
Ideally, defrost whole food for cats in the fridge as this will limit bacterial growth.
Use a clear working area when preparing your whole pet food.
Once defrosted, store our whole food at the bottom of the fridge in closed containers. As with any uncooked meat, keep it away from cooked items as well as fresh fruit and veg
Our whole food for kittens and cats can be cooked in its packaging. Heat for up to two minutes using the microwave or the oven. Alternatively, empty into a pan and heat on the stove for up to two minutes.
Check its temperature before serving, then transfer to your pet’s bowl for feeding. If you prefer, it can be fed straight out of the tub it arrives and is cooked in
Wash and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with whole food and cooked meat.
After each use, wash your pet’s bowls, dishes, and utensils with soap and hot water, rinse properly, and dry before the next use. If you’re using a dishwasher, wash using a high temperature setting.
