By the end of January, many dog and cat owners faced the challenge of adapting to pet foods, including American and Italian brands, that could no longer be imported into Russia. A veterinary nutritionist with Vetcity Clinic, part of the Misty ecosystem, explained to socialbites.ca how families could transition their pets without compromising health.
According to the expert, Hill’s and Farmina are among the most sought-after feeds. Their popularity stems from a high-quality composition, placement in the super premium category, reasonable pricing, and the availability of therapeutically oriented varieties for animals with special needs. Presently, high-quality Russian analogues exist for these brands, along with options from Royal Canin, Purina, Happy Dog, Eukanuba, Monge, and Grandorf. There are also increasing varieties from Asia, such as Inaba, cited by the veterinarian.
When evaluating food quality, the veterinarian notes that the distinction between premium, super premium, and holistic categories is not absolute. The lines between these classes can be blurred, and differences are often less meaningful than perceptions suggest.
There is no sharp contrast between super premium and holistic feeds in their core purpose: both groups contain balanced formulas made from high-quality ingredients and subject to strict quality controls. However, holistic products typically use rarer meats and may omit grains. Manufacturers of holistic lines sometimes emphasize low particle content as a selling point. Yet gluten intolerance is not a universal concern for pets, and the trend toward grain-free options largely reflects owners’ preferences rather than clear health advantages. In contrast, super premium feeds usually include some grains and rely on common proteins such as chicken, turkey, and lamb.
In the current environment, it is wise to prioritize the predictability of product availability. The veterinarian recommends preferring foods produced domestically or those with a Russian production license. It is also important to consider whether a pet has specific needs, such as neutering status, urolithiasis, allergies, or the requirement for diet-focused formulations. Selecting a brand that addresses these conditions remains a priority, as noted by the doctor.
If a cat or dog’s diet relies exclusively on premium or super premium ready-made feeds, the expert advises against shifting to economy-class options. These cheaper feeds often derive from lower-quality inputs and may lack consistent formulation. A bag might state a guarantee of “meat and bone meal,” yet tomorrow could reveal a different composition without warning. A transition toward lower-quality food can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals over time, the veterinarian warned.
Consequences of feeding substandard products tend to emerge after months or years and commonly involve gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal problems, bladder disease, and heart conditions. A careful transition is essential: the animal’s gastrointestinal tract adapts slowly, and different brands do not share identical protein and carbohydrate profiles even within the same quality tier. A sudden switch can trigger vomiting or diarrhea, and larger disparities in composition increase the risk of complications, the expert emphasized.
To minimize risk, the process of switching to a new food should take at least four days. Begin with a 25% portion of the new food and 75% of the existing feed on day one. On day two, even out the ratio, and on day three, increase the new food to 75%. By day four, the pet can be on the full new diet. Throughout the transition, observe the animal closely for any signs of distress or illness. If the pet remains clinically healthy, the change is unlikely to cause problems.
There is a historical note that Russia previously offered Treat animal feed with gas, but the current discussion centers on healthier and reliable options for evolving in-country or licensed imports while meeting the animal’s dietary needs. The emphasis remains on gradual transition, robust quality, and mindful brand selection to support long-term well-being (attribution: veterinary nutritionist, Vetcity Clinic).