I do not want to buy Iams or Purina and it seems like that is all they have at the grocery store. I need to now what brands are currently out there that are currently available in my area (Central NJ that is). I also have 4 cats now and would like to get the large bags. It also needs to taste good because, I have 4 finicky cats on my hand.

I saw something about dog food on this DIY forum and Purina was not even on the list.

Thank You

Jim

 

Hi Jim. I'm a veterinary technician, and I used to work in a pet store. Things have evolved in the pet food world a bit, but I think Iams is still a good food. I also like Innova/California Natural, Wysong, and I currently feed Pro-plan by Purina-it is a premium pet food that I get a discount on. I would suggest talking to your veterinarian, and also your local pet store retailer-here is a link to some yellow page listings http://www.magicyellow.com/category/...-State_NJ.html . You will not be able to buy premium foods at the grocery store (except Iams). Also be sure to mention at the pet store any health issues your cat may have to be sure you find the best food. The premium foods tend to have more concentrated nutrition/less filler, so it is more expensive per bag, but you get more feedings out of it. And the number 2's are generally less stinky! Also, try not to suddenly change foods-do it gradually so the kitties don't get a tummy ache and stop eating! It will also help (finickiness-wise) to convert slowly to a new food-feed 3/4 of old food and 1/4 new for a few days, then increase new by 1/4 for a few more days, etc. until they are eating the new food. Good luck and my 5 kitties are wishing you well too!
Steph

 

Hi Jim,

I agree with Steph about Innova/California Natural and Wysong. You can use the dog food list as guidance for your cats as the manufacturers are the same. You might find this helpful.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/fa...ood/index.html

I also have this list with links to the websites of the manufacturers.
http://angel.pwnd.org/dog/dogfoodwebsitelist.htm

Newt

 

Wellness

Won't be at the grocery store though, or bigbox pet stores
You'll usually find the best products, and best advice, at a local pet supply place

 

I personally prefer Nutro for both dogs and cats.

I no longer buy nor advocate Iams, due to their use(abuse) of the animals in their labs and testing facilities.

I also do like Purina's Pro foods, if you do not want to deal with finding the other more high end feeds.

Just my two bits...

 

In fact I did go to the local pet store and that's what they recommended and that's what I puchased.
3 different bags. One for the older cat with the hairballs that pukes all the time. One for Shadow the kitten and one for the rest of the clan.
Not realizing of couse trying to keep all of them separated while they eat is a real chore. (In fact I'de rather keep them all together while they eat).

And on top of all this I had to listen to SO whine about the fact that they "don't like it". I said don't "woory they'll get used to it"

Any way we did go to the grocey store and picked up a bag of purina one.

One question: What is exactly that they do to cat food to make it good for cats with hairballs?

Thanx
Jim

 

That's a really good question. Psyllium or rice bran is added for fiber. You could probably feed it to all your kitties if it's more convenient.

Newt

 

That is what I do when I buy the big bags at the G-store. But thr wellness comes in a smaller bag, so I figured I would give all three a try.

I thought naybe they added a liitle more oil or something.

Thanx for all your input.

Jim

 

Jim,

I use a hairball remedy that is easy and cheap...plain old petroleum jelly. Just smear a small amount on the kitties' faces (avoid the eyes and nose of course ). You can also buy the treat style hairball remedies as well. They work fine and most cats think of them as a treat. One sure way to keep the kitties from having so many hairballs, is to get a grooming glove and use that often to stroke (groom) them.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...51&pcatid=8251

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...33&pcatid=3333

Those are two of the type of gloves I am talking about. The cat doesn't even realize you are grooming them and they pull all the loose hair out. Less hair, less hairballs.

Keep us posted!