Alternative Cat Foods

missblonde

I'm trying to find a good quality food for my 6 year old cat, Milo but I'm clueless about cat nutrition really!

He's quite fussy and has got quite a sensitive stomach. He also had an acute attack of Pancreatitis last October which involved a few days at the vets and medication for a few weeks. Since then he's been on the dry Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie which the vet sells. He can stay on it long term but my vet is happy for me to try him on other foods as long as they are fairly low in fat (Ideally under 15%) and I move him over gradually. Before October he was on Applaws and Acana.

He's tried Burns, Happy Cat Light, Bozita Diet & Stomach (the wet version too) and Simila Light but he either didn't like them or they were too rich for him and gave him a poorly tummy.

He won't eat raw at all so that's a no go. He also isn't a big fan of wet food and tends to just lick off the gravy/jelly and leave the rest but I'd be happy to give it a try.

Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations? I was looking at Arden Grange Light (they are sending a free sample) and Royal Canin Pure Feline No. 2 Slimness but have no idea which is better!

rising_from_the_ashes

I did try the AG Light one but neither of mine would eat it (they're fussy so & so's too!)

Have you looked at Royal Canin Light 40?

http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/products/products/cat-products/feline-care-nutrition/light-40

10% fat and is really gentle on their tummies - only thing I've found so far that doesn't upset wee cat!

It's quite expensive - but not as much as getting from the vet & cheaper than the Feline No 2 one you've mentioned - if you buy the smaller bags, but works out much more affordable if you get one of the larger bags (you can sometimes find on BOGOF or 1/2 price online etc)

Glad he's on the mend and fingers crossed you can find something he likes & is affordable.

missblonde

Thanks - I hadn't looked at that one so might try and get a small bag give it a try.

He's always been such a fussy so but this with the pancreatitis really limits the choices. He does at least eat the moderate calorie stuff so I can always go back to it, but I read that it wasn't that balanced. I don't mind spending a bit more if it's good quality and keeps him happy and well.

Fire_Fox

There are relatively few high quality lower fat dry foods - most are crammed with grains (carbs) which represent poor quality nutrition for an obligate carnivore. It is anthropomorphising that lower fat and lower protein foods are gentle on the digestion of the average cat and that higher ones are too rich. Felines evolved to eat these two macronutrients (energy sources) and have no nutritional requirement for carbs. However it is best to switch to a different macro ratio over several weeks so that the digestive enzymes and gut flora have chance to adjust. Vets failing to advise clients of this is often the reason people report digestive disturbances with a change of diet.

Generally the lower grain foods are higher in protein and fat because there are only three basic macronutrients. If you are willing to try wet, Bozita pate (cans or tetrapacks) are high meat, lower fat content yet very reasonably priced for the quality, plus no jelly or gravy to lick off! Since you cat has a health condition you might ask your vet to refer you to an independent pet nutritionist, this may even be covered by your pet insurance.

missblonde

Thanks Fire Fox - I've tried the Bozita tetrapacks and he ate a bit but then refused them - fussy isn't quite the word to describe him!

PazDeLaHuertaFan

Try Natures Menu.

http://www.naturesmenu.co.uk/