Trying new canned foods?

momof3b1g

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I think there are others in the journey of finding canned food their cats like. I have 7 cats. 8 month to 4 years. 9 pounds to 16 pounds. 

We are trying out new brands. We started with Sheba. They like it for the most part. They really liked it when i first gave it to them. Licked their plates clean.  So far we have tried merrick chicken pate was ok. 3 of them really liked it. 

BFF tuna and chicken wa a hit. They licked their plates clean But we can't feed that often. 

EVO 95% Chicken and turkey wasnt a big hit. Again 3 of them liked it. But the others not so much. 

Soloistic aromatic chicken not even my easy eaters didnt care much for it. But my cats seem to prefer pate

Today was Wellness(grain free) chciken..again not a big hit. 3 of them liked it, while the others didnt finish the ounce on their plate. 

I'm trying to figure out if they don't like it. Or they just arent very hungry. Some are small eaters. Or just don't care much for canned food. 

They get a 1/4 cup of dry at 7:15 am. I take their bowls up at 11am if there is anything left.  Then 3:30-4pm is when I give them canned food. 

I only give them each an ounce.(kitten gets 2) So Its not like I give them to much to finish. 

What foods have you found your cats lick their plate clean? 

Do you put it in the same bowl as they eat their dry food? I always put the canned on saucers. their bowls are for dry. Not sure it makes a difference. 
 

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Luck of the draw? 

My cat will eat everything from raw, to canned, to dry and anything resembling meat in between. 

You've hit the common brands of Evo and Wellness. How about the old tried and true Fancy Feast - Classics?  Perhaps Wild Calling if you can get it. It has some unique proteins that the other players don't seem to have.  Hound&Gatos - another favourite for many. 

How about some PetSmart options: 'Grreat Choice' - meat by-product ones such as Poultry Platter or Mixed Grill., 'Authority', 'Simply Nourish'   

I've fed many brands now, from lower $ ones to higher $$$ ones. Like I mentioned - it just doesn't matter to my cat.  With the exception of turkey which I'm sure he's allergic to. 

I doubt any comments here are going to change the mind of your cats, but may at least give you some more options to give a try.  I also drop in some probiotics in my cat's dinner, which may act as an appetite stimulant and contribute to his slurping it up in under 5 minutes.  
 
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momof3b1g

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Luck of the draw? 

My cat will eat everything from raw, to canned, to dry and anything resembling meat in between. 

You've hit the common brands of Evo and Wellness. How about the old tried and true Fancy Feast - Classics?  Perhaps Wild Calling if you can get it. It has some unique proteins that the other players don't seem to have.  Hound&Gatos - another favourite for many. 

How about some PetSmart options: 'Grreat Choice' - meat by-product ones such as Poultry Platter or Mixed Grill., 'Authority', 'Simply Nourish'   

I've fed many brands now, from lower $ ones to higher $$$ ones. Like I mentioned - it just doesn't matter to my cat.  With the exception of turkey which I'm sure he's allergic to. 

I doubt any comments here are going to change the mind of your cats, but may at least give you some more options to give a try.  I also drop in some probiotics in my cat's dinner, which may act as an appetite stimulant and contribute to his slurping it up in under 5 minutes.  
I was able to get to Petsmart/petco this weekend. I bought a few new ones to try. I also got some today i ordered.  I was able to get some online for about the same price as FF or sheba, and  I am trying to at least use for rotating.   I also need grain free. I have looked into FF but some have fish. I know the turkey/giblets doesnt have it. But its usually more expensive then Sheba here. So i stick with that. 

I have wonderd if I should give then probiotics. Can you tell me more. I never heard of it as a stimulant.
 
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I have tried many brands too, Evo 95%, Holistic Select, Merrick, Wellness, Addiction etc etc He likes only 2 flavours from Addiction, 1 flavour from Wellness, 1 flavour from Nutripe, 1 from Firstmate, 1 from Avoderm, non from Evo, Holistic Select, Merrick and many others. The only food he will lick clean is Fussie Cat Tuna, any flavour.
 

oneandahalfcats

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Originally Posted by Marc999  

How about some PetSmart options: 'Grreat Choice' - meat by-product ones such as Poultry Platter or Mixed Grill., 'Authority', 'Simply Nourish'   
Authority brand canned doesn't contain by-products in case anyone is thinking of trying this one. Some of the varieties do contain brewers rice and all seem to contain wheat gluten but that's about it for grains.

http://www.authoritypetnutrition.com/cat-products/adult/canned-food.shtml
 
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momof3b1g

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Today we tried Daves Turkey. Again wasnt a hit big hit with the other cats. A few ate pretty good. But the others maybe ate half an ounce and walked away. I hate that they don't get much food in their tummys. And canned is much less calories. Canned is about half the calories of a 1/8 cup of dry they eat. And thats if they eat the whole ounce. :( 

I went ahead and bought Fancy Feast turkey and giblets. We will see if they eat more or the same. I am torn between giving them dry to get enough calories or wet but alot less calories because they dont eat enough.  Anyone struggle with this? Did it take awhile for your cats to eat more wet food? I don't plan to get them on it  100%. But wanted at least one meal per day to be wet food. But it seems since giving it everyday(it used to be every other day) they dont eat as much.  Maybe the newer/better food are more filling? 
 

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Today we tried Daves Turkey. Again wasnt a hit big hit with the other cats. A few ate pretty good. But the others maybe ate half an ounce and walked away. I hate that they don't get much food in their tummys. And canned is much less calories. Canned is about half the calories of a 1/8 cup of dry they eat. And thats if they eat the whole ounce. :( 

I went ahead and bought Fancy Feast turkey and giblets. We will see if they eat more or the same. I am torn between giving them dry to get enough calories or wet but alot less calories because they dont eat enough.  Anyone struggle with this? Did it take awhile for your cats to eat more wet food? I don't plan to get them on it  100%. But wanted at least one meal per day to be wet food. But it seems since giving it everyday(it used to be every other day) they dont eat as much.  Maybe the newer/better food are more filling? 
I feel your frustratiion, momo!  I have 7 cats and have been trying to feed all wet since last fall.  I have yet to find one that they all like.  Sometimes 3 will love one brand/flavor but 2 days later they won't touch it.  I've been reading this forum for days and it seems like it's hit or miss with everyone.  I have been giving mine Origen dry in small amounts when I don't feel they have eaten enough.  It's very expensive for me to feed them.  Plus I have 7 others who I'm fostering but they all eat Friskees and love it.  So they get all wet. 

3 of mine won't eat anything but tuna or seafood flavored.  So it has come down to either dry Origen for them or Fancy Feast flaked Tuna every day.  I'm not sure which is the worst of the two.  My quest continues but I throw out half of what I buy for them to sample. 

I have actually entertained the idea of feeding a raw diet or preferably homemade cooked using a mix. 

Just wanted to give you a thumbs up for your effort.  It's not easy.  No matter what one group of cats love, the next won't touch it.  Trial and error $$$.  Good luck and keep us posted!
 
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momof3b1g

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I feel your frustratiion, momo!  I have 7 cats and have been trying to feed all wet since last fall.  I have yet to find one that they all like.  Sometimes 3 will love one brand/flavor but 2 days later they won't touch it.  I've been reading this forum for days and it seems like it's hit or miss with everyone.  I have been giving mine Origen dry in small amounts when I don't feel they have eaten enough.  It's very expensive for me to feed them.  Plus I have 7 others who I'm fostering but they all eat Friskees and love it.  So they get all wet. 

3 of mine won't eat anything but tuna or seafood flavored.  So it has come down to either dry Origen for them or Fancy Feast flaked Tuna every day.  I'm not sure which is the worst of the two.  My quest continues but I throw out half of what I buy for them to sample. 

I have actually entertained the idea of feeding a raw diet or preferably homemade cooked using a mix. 

Just wanted to give you a thumbs up for your effort.  It's not easy.  No matter what one group of cats love, the next won't touch it.  Trial and error $$$.  Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks, i dont know how others feed 100% wet. I guess they just have cats that like it.  Or maybe the cheaper brands are easier to like ;/
 

oneandahalfcats

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Thanks, i dont know how others feed 100% wet. I guess they just have cats that like it.  Or maybe the cheaper brands are easier to like ;/
Hi momof3b1g,

I have been working on transitioning my cats from dry food to all wet, and soon, hopefully onto a partial raw diet. I started back in October and my cats have gone from eating all dry to 1/4 cup dry per day, and the majority is wet canned food. While it can be challenging to transition kibble cats, its not impossible either. It just takes a bit of patience, commitment and time. One very good reason why cats tend to prefer dry food is that it is denser than wet food and offers more calories so cats feel more satiated when on it. The longer they have been on dry, the more committed they will be to it.

The following link is to an article at Lisa Pierson's (DVM) website, which is a page that discusses transitioning cats from dry food to canned. Its a really good read that offers some good information and tips for getting hardcore kibble cats off of dry food : http://www.catinfo.org/docs/TipsForTransitioning1-14-11.pdf. Hopefully this can to give you some ideas, and inspiration.
 
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momof3b1g

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Hi momof3b1g,

I have been working on transitioning my cats from dry food to all wet, and soon, hopefully onto a partial raw diet. I started back in October and my cats have gone from eating all dry to 1/4 cup dry per day, and the majority is wet canned food. While it can be challenging to transition kibble cats, its not impossible either. It just takes a bit of patience, commitment and time. One very good reason why cats tend to prefer dry food is that it is denser than wet food and offers more calories so cats feel more satiated when on it. The longer they have been on dry, the more committed they will be to it.

The following link is to an article at Lisa Pierson's (DVM) website, which is a page that discusses transitioning cats from dry food to canned. Its a really good read that offers some good information and tips for getting hardcore kibble cats off of dry food : http://www.catinfo.org/docs/TipsForTransitioning1-14-11.pdf. Hopefully this can to give you some ideas, and inspiration.
Thanks, thats what i have been trying to figure out. How it can be done. Especially without starving your cats. I've had more cats throw up since trying to get the cats on a schedule and feed more canned food. Then the whole 2 years on dry.  As i have said before. i am struggling with multiple isuues. Overweight cat, multiple cats, cat with grain intolerenc, trying to put on a schedule etc. Thanks for the link. I will check it out. 

I wanted to add. I started back in January. So hopefully they will catch on soon. :(
 
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oneandahalfcats

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Thanks, thats what i have been trying to figure out. How it can be done. Especially without starving your cats. I've had more cats throw up since trying to get the cats on a schedule and feed more canned food. Then the whole 2 years on dry.  As i have said before. i am struggling with multiple isuues. Overweight cat, multiple cats, cat with grain intolerenc, trying to put on a schedule etc. Thanks for the link. I will check it out. 
Yes, I know what this is like .. My male cat has been dealing with constipation on an off for the last 2 years, and as the result everyone was on the same food for the constipation, but not everyone needed it. I also have a female who can be very picky about food. Through trial and error and some changes last year and this new year, we are finally turning the corner. Part of the puzzle is knowing what each individual cat needs in their diet but without tearing your hair out or succumbing to the idea that your cats all need to eat something different, because most likely they don't. Once you discover this, you are off to the races. The trick is not to give in or give up. Keep the faith - You WILL get there!
 
 
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I am sure they will. Habits learned usually don't change overnight, as much as we would like/need them to. 
 
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momof3b1g

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I am sure they will. Habits learned usually don't change overnight, as much as we would like/need them to. 
Thanks, I can get them to eat canned. just not very much. I even decreased the amount of dry. HMM. trying to stay positive. :)
 
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momof3b1g

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Well today was Hound & Gatos chicken. Not a favorite for any cat.  Even the cats that arent as picky. didnt seem to like it very much. They ate more then the picky cats. But not as much as they usually do.

Yesteday i have gave them Sheba whitefish and tuna. They all liked it.  I had to buy online and wishing i hadnt bought so much. But I couldnt pass up a great deal. Hoping i can return it, or maybe sell it online.  But will probably cost me more.   Anyone have luck mixing it in with something they like?  I don't know how mixing flavors would go over. 
 

oneandahalfcats

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Well today was Hound & Gatos chicken. Not a favorite for any cat.  Even the cats that arent as picky. didnt seem to like it very much. They ate more then the picky cats. But not as much as they usually do.

Yesteday i have gave them Sheba whitefish and tuna. They all liked it.  I had to buy online and wishing i hadnt bought so much. But I couldnt pass up a great deal. Hoping i can return it, or maybe sell it online.  But will probably cost me more.   Anyone have luck mixing it in with something they like?  I don't know how mixing flavors would go over. 
Hi there,

I have not tried Hound & Gatos. It's supposed to be a pretty decent food.

I often see canned fish mixed with chicken and so you could do these two together, or fish and turkey?

Lately my little female doesn't want to eat wet food as she out of my three cats, seems to be the most attached to dry food. What I do is take the dish away and try her again a little later. Warming the food helps so that the aroma is strong. She usually ends up finishing the meal.

Did you have a chance to do a little reading of Dr. Pierson's article?
 
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momof3b1g

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Hi there,

I have not tried Hound & Gatos. It's supposed to be a pretty decent food.

I often see canned fish mixed with chicken and so you could do these two together, or fish and turkey?

Lately my little female doesn't want to eat wet food as she out of my three cats, seems to be the most attached to dry food. What I do is take the dish away and try her again a little later. Warming the food helps so that the aroma is strong. She usually ends up finishing the meal.

Did you have a chance to do a little reading of Dr. Pierson's article?
Well the problem is how much fish is safe. I avoid fish as much as I can. i give them fish flavored canned. So i hate to mix fish with the others. I read the article, but didnt find much info that applied to my situation. 

I hate when I feed them something they won't eat. They are going to be hungry until they get their dry meal at 9 pm. Its like feeding your kid liver and he won't eat until breakfast. :(

Its been almost 2 months. I was hoping it would be easier by now. I'm trying to stay positive and not ditch the canned and go back to all dry.
 

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Well the problem is how much fish is safe. I avoid fish as much as I can. i give them fish flavored canned. So i hate to mix fish with the others. I read the article, but didnt find much info that applied to my situation. 

I hate when I feed them something they won't eat. They are going to be hungry until they get their dry meal at 9 pm. Its like feeding your kid liver and he won't eat until breakfast. :(

Its been almost 2 months. I was hoping it would be easier by now. I'm trying to stay positive and not ditch the canned and go back to all dry.
Yes, that is a good point about the fish. Is it the fish that you purchased a lot of or the Hound & Gatos? I just assumed you were rotating with other proteins. You don't want to feed too much fish for the reason that it can cause UTIs and trigger allergies in some cats.

Something you could try is this .. Next feed of the dry food, place some of the dry in some wet food. If the cats are hungry enough and insist on eating the dry, they will have to consume some of the wet to get to the dry.

Try this and let me know how it goes.
 
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momof3b1g

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Yes, that is a good point about the fish. Is it the fish that you purchased a lot of or the Hound & Gatos? I just assumed you were rotating with other proteins. You don't want to feed too much fish for the reason that it can cause UTIs and trigger allergies in some cats.

Something you could try is this .. Next feed of the dry food, place some of the dry in some wet food. If the cats are hungry enough and insist on eating the dry, they will have to consume some of the wet to get to the dry.

Try this and let me know how it goes.
Can you explain the best way to do this? i know in the past with other cats. mixing canned with the dry. if they don't like the canned. It still won' get eaten. 
 

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Can you explain the best way to do this? i know in the past with other cats. mixing canned with the dry. if they don't like the canned. It still won' get eaten. 
Yes, I would start with a 75/25 split of 75% dry to 25% Wet. Take your dry and wet and mix together in a bowl. Depending on how much you are feeding at night, this could be 1/2 cup split as 3/8 cup of dry to 1/8 cup wet. If this goes well, next time make the split 1/4 cup dry to 1/4 cup wet, or start with half and half and see how well this goes. The idea is to give some dry to start but with wet food, to trick the cats into eating wet along with the dry but increasing the wet so that they end up with more or all of this. Does this make sense?
 
 
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momof3b1g

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Yes, I would start with a 75/25 split of 75% dry to 25% Wet. Take your dry and wet and mix together in a bowl. Depending on how much you are feeding at night, this could be 1/2 cup split as 3/8 cup of dry to 1/8 cup wet. If this goes well, next time make the split 1/4 cup dry to 1/4 cup wet, or start with half and half and see how well this goes. The idea is to give some dry to start but with wet food, to trick the cats into eating wet along with the dry but increasing the wet so that they end up with more or all of this. Does this make sense?
 
I give them 1/8 cup at 9. then another 1/8 cup at 11. do you actually mix the canned with the dry? im think putting wet on the bottom and dry on top.  Im just afraid of mixing the two and having alot of wasted food. 
 
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