Iams Veterinary Formula is ceasing production

     Corporate changes in the pet food industry are affecting the availability of some prescription pet foods.  We were recently informed that Mars, Inc. has decided to discontinue Iams Veterinary Formula Diets as of the end of this year and will produce only the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets.

     Iams Veterinary Formula Diets are being phased out and will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2016.  If your pet is on a prescription Iams diet, know that we are here to help guide you and help transition your pet to a quality prescription food that will continue to provide the therapeutic benefits that he or she needs.
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     We understand that this is an unexpected inconvenience to pet owners with dogs and cats on Iams Veterinary Formula, and we are reaching out now so that those affected will have time to find a suitable replacement diet and slowly transition their pet’s food before the Iams line is no longer available.
 
What new prescription diet is suitable for my pet’s health condition?
Our veterinarians stand behind the quality, consistency, and therapeutic benefits offered by Hill’s Prescription Diets.  With few exceptions, most of our patients with specific dietary needs are on Hill’s products, and we regularly keep these in stock.  Hill’s has offered to provide each client one small bag of prescription food at no charge to aid in the transition.  The following are recommendations based on the most frequently prescribed Iams Veterinary Formula products at our hospital:

• Iams Intestinal Plus (formerly Low-Residue) – Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d
• Iams Skin & Coat Plus Response KO (Kangaroo & Oats) – Hill’s Prescription diet d/d or z/d

If your pet is on an Iams Veterinary Formula other than those noted above, our doctors can give you specific recommendations for a Hill’s Prescription Diet that will meet your pet’s needs.
 
How do I best transition my pet’s diet?
Pets do best with slow diet transitions.  Typically, a slow transition over one week is effective, but if your pet is especially sensitive to diet changes, you may choose a longer transition over the course of 2 to 3 weeks.
Begin by feeding mostly the original diet, with only a very small amount of the new diet.  Slowly increase the amount of new while reducing the old until you have completely transitioned to the new, as seen in this example:
 
Day 0: 100% Old Diet
Days 1 & 2: 75% Old + 25% New
Days 3 & 4: 50% Old + 50% New
Days 5 & 6: 25% Old + 75% New
Day 7: 100% New
 
Please do not hesitate to call us if you have questions.  Your pet’s health is our priority, and we are dedicated to working with you as a team to select the ideal food for your companion’s condition while helping you make the transition as smooth as possible.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Becky Brill, Dr. Brandi Cox, and staff at Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital