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Moisture is important. Mazy was getting a full 8 oz a day added to her canned wellness. The crystals still came back.
Yes RXs are designed for issues... but for UTI and crystals ( depending on typeOriginally Posted by otto
A lot of foods do contain corn. Corn is not the only thing in prescription foods that make them "special". the foods are super low in magnesium(.08%) and phosphorous (.85%), sodium (.2%) and calcium (.5 %), and specially formulated to promote more frequent urination.
While diet is very important for an FLUTD kitty, it is also crucial that weight is controlled, water consumption is high, and vigorous exercise is done daily.
I tried that already. Ton of research on OTC foods. Talked it over with vet. vet advised against. tried it anyway. result after two months: a 7.5 pH and a bladder full of crystals. The worst part is, now I have to take her back for yet another urinalysis after two months back on the prescription food. I feel bad I've put her through all these extra vet trips, she is one of those cats who really stresses at the vet.Originally Posted by sharky
Yes RXs are designed for issues... but for UTI and crystals ( depending on type) there are nearly = OTC foods that have the same % and testing... Of course after research comes discussion with your vet
Lol, that's how my whole ordeal started - me caring about what was in the cat food. They seemed to be doing fine on the Cat Chow they were eating before (except for the metal issue). But nooo, I had to research "healthier" foods and cause the kitties grief with all the diet changes. Ignorance is bliss!Originally Posted by darlili
But I don't care what's in the food, as long as it helps my cat and he'll eat it.
Chicken is the easiest to digest meat and rice is the easiest to digest grain... Hence why I usually like chicken and rice formulationsOriginally Posted by AddieBee
OK- read this thread with interest. Have all male fosters. Knock wood - no UTI problems so far. Feeding Authority - rescue that I WAS working with has Petsmart adoption center space which donates that food for those cats.
They get a mix of wet and dry - about 2-3 oz of wet per cat per day, and free fed dry. I switched to Authority's sensitive solutions - Turkey and oatmeal - which claims to have no corn, wheat or beef in it - b/c one cat was having diarrhea. (Seems to have cleared with extended metronidizole.) They also have a pet fountain.
So I am confused about which grains cause food intolerances b/c that was what I was concerned about and why I switched to the SS formulation. I thought corn was a big culprit? Should I go back to their Chicken and rice formula?
PS just raised the price on everything... it's now $13 for an 8 lb bag.
Maybe transition them to Kirkland brand for value and quality?
One slight correction, the prescription c/d is not Hills Science Diet. Science Diet is the grocery story brand. The prescription food is also made by Hills, but is called Hills Prescription Diet.Originally Posted by darlili
I just picked up my first supply of Science CD dry & wet last night and, yeah, have to admit looking at the ingredients I wouldn't be leaping to buy it if I were at Petsmart. But, since Dante has struvite crystals and vet recommended this diet change, at least for a month, I'm going with it. And, thankfully, both kitties snarfed it up at dinner and breakfast.
I was warned to not overfeed - apparently the CD is very calorie-packed. He's having another urine test in a month, which should give us some clues too. But, if SD helps with the crystals, I'm going to be a very happy camper and will not overly worry about the ingredients.
You're welcome! I'm a "she" thoughOriginally Posted by darlili
I just want to thank Otto for sharing his experience, and Sharky for her time and energy in answering food questions. My vet just recommended Science Diet CD for my boy due to crystal formation, and I'm going with the recent advice - I do trust my vet and don't feel she's suggesting prescription for any reason other than health for my cat. We're going to try and then see what happens at our one month check-up. But I don't care what's in the food, as long as it helps my cat and he'll eat it.