7 month Maine Coon stinky

[Bodacious Brady]

I have a seven month Maine Coon. About a month after I got him I was feeding him Royal Canin Maine Kitten wet and dry food as the breeder was feeding him the same diet. About a month or so later he started vomiting so the vet switched food to Royal Canin gastrointestinal. He has stop vomiting, and the vet has not told me to re-introduce wet food and just to keep him on the dry food. Everything I read says they should have wet food. well now his breath stinks and his poops really stink so I’m thinking maybe there is something more that he needs in his diet. I’ve looked in the other forms, but not sure a Maine coon requires different nutrients. I don’t really have the schedule or time for raw food but if there are any suggestions on what I can feed him that won’t upset his stomach and help the stinks. I would appreciate any advice.

 

[Kieka]

Yes, wet food is better but at the end of the day the best food is the one that your cat will eat and they do well with. Even if that happens to be dry. Just remember to keep ready access to fresh water and watch liquid intake. You can also try adding water to the kibble when feeding just remember to clean up any leftovers quickly since wet kibble can spoil.

Did the vet give any indication on why they thought the first food was giving him trouble?

That line of food does have a wet version. If I was you, I would start feeding that lines wet version too and see if the problems reoccur. If they don't, then at least you have added back in wet. Unless you asked the vet already and they explicitly said not too, your original response said just that they didn't say to add it back but not that you'd asked about it.

As to switching off that food, it's hard to do without knowing why it works but the other doesn't. If your vet has guesses that would help determine the next step. If your vet doesn't have guesses, you could (very slowly and carefully) try out other foods until you can narrow down what is triggering and what isn't. I had to do the same a while back with my group, once you have your kitten stable on a diet (so after a month or two of seeing if the wet is good) try adding another food in once a week. If nothing happens up the frequency and watch for reaction. The biggest thing is slow and steady, one food at a time and pay attention to what causes issue and what doesn't. It's typically easier to use limited ingredient foods with single protein sources so you can more easily identify what's the problem. Of course, if your vet has guess that can help too.

 

[Bodacious Brady]

I appreciate your time and explanation. The vet said the "allergy" test for food isn't reliable or accurate so that wasn't explored. He has a clean bill of health so I know it's not that. I will look into the Gastrointestinal Royal Canin wet food. I wasn't sure if Maine Coon's should have a diet that has more protein than what that food has or if that food has what he needs to grow and be a healthy big boy.

 

[Kieka]

Since he's a Maine Coon you want a high protein moderate fat food until he stops growing, just like any other growing kitten. It's just his growing will keep going until 18 to 24 months.

If the vet thinks allergies, novel protein is probably the way to go. Something like rabbit or beef would be my first attempt. Just remember slow introduction as you figure it out.