opinions on purina pro plan?

[franklinsmother]

Hi! I have strictly fed my cat an no grain diet since I adopted him 2 months ago. He recently had a decreased appetite and the vet said he looks fine and thinks franklin does not like the food i’m giving him? i’m hesitant switching his diet because i’ve heard grain free is better. the vet recommended purina pro plan. do your cats like this food?

 

[FeebysOwner]

Are you talking wet or dry food? I use a couple of the Purina Pro Plan pates with Feeby and they are grain free. The ones I use are pretty devoid of a bunch of 'stuff', similar to Fancy Feast classic pates.

 

[franklinsmother]

Are you talking wet or dry food? I use a couple of the Purina Pro Plan pates with Feeby and they are grain free. The ones I use are pretty devoid of a bunch of 'stuff', similar to Fancy Feast classic pates.

he recommended both? i’m not sure he also said he doesn’t agree with grain free diets though which i was shocked by because i currently feed him grain free.

 

[FeebysOwner]

he recommended both? i’m not sure he also said he doesn’t agree with grain free diets though which i was shocked by because i currently feed him grain free.

Recently, I've seen more comments made by cat owners whereby their vets aren't supportive of grain free. However, I have yet to hear any of them satisfactorily explain why. Is it because the food company salespersons are telling them that? I say that because most vets are not specialists in nutrition.

At a minimum, ask your vet to explain in detail why they feel that way.

 

[franklinsmother]

Recently, I've seen more comments made by cat owners whereby their vets aren't supportive of grain free. However, I have yet to hear any of them satisfactorily explain why. Is it because the food company salespersons are telling them that? I say that because most vets are not specialists in nutrition.

At a minimum, ask your vet to explain in detail why they feel that way.

He said there is not enough research about it to know that it’s better for our cats. He was really getting into the conversation and felt strongly about it

 

[FeebysOwner]

He said there is not enough research about it to know that it’s better for our cats. He was really getting into the conversation and felt strongly about it

Well, follow your vet if you believe in them and trust them. But, to me his explanation sounds pretty weak. You could always consider doing your own due diligence and take some time to research data on the internet. I am not saying it will prove anything one way or the other, but do yourself a favor, if you do research it, don't rely on the food company's research. Food containing grains are generally always cheaper to manufacture - doesn't mean you will pay less though.

 

[franklinsmother]

Well, follow your vet if you believe in them and trust them. But, to me his explanation sounds pretty weak. You could always consider doing your own due diligence and take some time to research data on the internet. I am not saying it will prove anything one way or the other, but do yourself a favor, if you do research it, don't rely on the food company's research. Food containing grains are generally always cheaper to manufacture - doesn't mean you will pay less though.

this is the first time i went to this vet but i agree his explanation sounded very weak

 

[Biomehanika]

From what I’ve noticed, vets who have issues with “grain free” for cats usually do so for one of two reasons.

1) They automatically assume every grain free foods contains legumes (peas, lentils) and because of the studies linking those (which are commonly in grain free foods) to cardiomyopathy in dogs, they say grain free as a whole is bad, when in reality, grain free is probably just fine— it’s the legumes that are bad.

Or…
2) They just want to push their prescription diets that they sell, not necessarily in a money hungry nefarious way, but because those diets are what almost all of their nutrition knowledge is based on (which often isn’t a lot to begin with), and therefore they think it’s “the best”.

I switched vets recently but so far think this new one is really good. She seemed pleased when I said I don’t feed anything with legumes but had nothing to say regarding grains/grain free/specific brands (I didn’t really ask). Mainly she just cautioned against feeding more than 1/8 of a cup of dry food per day and believes, as I do, that the majority of their diet should be wet food.

 

[iPappy]

Until more science is available, FDA will end public updates on potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy

Personally, my feeling is happily fed is best. Whether it's grain free or not, whatever your cat eats, likes, does well on (shiny coat, good stools, bright eyes, good energy etc.) is what they should be fed. Wet food is best for cats for their urinary tract and kidneys. I always recommend offering your cat a little bit of different types of wet food and a few different types of dry food to discourage picky eating.

 

[Alldara]

I 100% agree with iPappy . Fed is best. Your cat should be enjoying food, energetic, soft shiny coat, bright eyes and poos should be formed but soft after transition is complete.

Here's the scoop on pet food as per current completed studies on healthy cats (aka no underlying conditions known). What's in My Cat's Food?: Designer Diets, Grain Free Diets | VCA | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals


Personally, I love Purina Pro Plan wet foods and my cats would still be on the dry diet if they hadn't added beef fat to the ingredients (Magnus has a bad beef allergy). I had nothing but troubles on grain-free cat diets. I fell for everyone on the internet saying it was better without proof that it's true.

But! Some cats do really well on those diets and some cats can only eat those diets because of allergies or whatnot.

Those diets all have peas and legumes though which are currently my only hard "no". I have two cats with congenital heart conditions and I don't want to take the risk on their at-risk hearts until scient can draw some conclusions. For all we know, peas and legumes might only cause heart issues in those with pre-existing conditions...of which 30% of cats might have. So that could be what causes the correlation. (Just theorizing and looking forward to what the studies show later.)

 

[tyleete]

I feel Biomehanika's #2 explanation covers most vets. I've talked to many, and for the most part, they did not receive a proper amount of training when it comes to nutritional needs in pets. Most of what they learn is grim the actual rx food companies coming first to their schools and then their offices, pushing their product. Just like drug reps at the doctors.
Personally I think Purina is not a good company. There's even sites dedicated to... How Purina liked my pets. And look at recalls for any company you're looking at using. That alone can help form a valid opinion about a company.
For me, if it canbe found on a shelf at any Wal-Mart? No thanks! I feed my lot Essence Ranch & Meadow. Now the reason is because I have 4 food-related IBD cats in my home and they're all allergic to poultry & fish. Finding foods without has been a challenge, especially since 2 of those are also allergic to gums used in pet food. Good times. I also have a diabetic who's been in remission for last 2yrs on a good called Young Again Zero. Something that company talks about I love, is how it's important to feed your cat as they're meant to be fed. Do you ever see healthy cats walk through a field outside munching on grains? No. Only eat grass when they feel sick and need to throw up.
Cats are the only animals I know that have a crappy system that had refused to develop or adapt. They cannot process grains, fruits or veggies from my understanding. So putting them in their food is completely wasted. They need certain vitamins. But They digestion can't break down a berry to get the useful antioxidants. If I didn't have so many I'd probably be feeding raw foods with EZ Complete added.
So grains? No. Just look at them in the wild. They know what they need to stay healthy and grains have never been a part of that. And look at recalls. I've bought almost every type of rx food originally for cats with different problems. Till I did my own g research and found looking at the ingredients alone, rx foods in general are junk foods. Might as well be serving up Meow Mix or Friskies.
Best of luck!

 

[Kflowers]

Nestle owns Purina, so the underlying and emotional part of your decision should be based on how you feel about Nestle, not how your parents felt about Purina. Nestle will be the lead in making decisions for the company, not Purina.

 

[Caspers Human]

Gran-free foods are fine. I have no problem with them. They're just more expensive.

If your cat can eat regular cat food without any problems, there's no reason why you shouldn't feed it, especially if your cat likes it. However, if your cat can't eat grain or if you like it better, grain-free is always an option.

We used to feed Casper Pro Plan but he seems to like the regular Cat Chow better. He does well on it so we don't worry.

Casper is like an old stick in the mud when it comes to food. He likes his Cat Chow and doesn't want anything else. If that's what he wants to eat, we're happy to give it to him.

 

[VAMama]

Reminds me of the cartoon when the doctor tells the man, if you completely avoid sugar, chocolate, coffee, wine, steak, cheese, and carbs, you can live a long happy life!

It's exhausting to wade through the debate, then look for the perfect food, then hope your cat eats it. I took my best guess on a quality product that my girl seems to like. That's all any of us can do.

 

[franklinsmother]

I feel Biomehanika's #2 explanation covers most vets. I've talked to many, and for the most part, they did not receive a proper amount of training when it comes to nutritional needs in pets. Most of what they learn is grim the actual rx food companies coming first to their schools and then their offices, pushing their product. Just like drug reps at the doctors.
Personally I think Purina is not a good company. There's even sites dedicated to... How Purina liked my pets. And look at recalls for any company you're looking at using. That alone can help form a valid opinion about a company.
For me, if it canbe found on a shelf at any Wal-Mart? No thanks! I feed my lot Essence Ranch & Meadow. Now the reason is because I have 4 food-related IBD cats in my home and they're all allergic to poultry & fish. Finding foods without has been a challenge, especially since 2 of those are also allergic to gums used in pet food. Good times. I also have a diabetic who's been in remission for last 2yrs on a good called Young Again Zero. Something that company talks about I love, is how it's important to feed your cat as they're meant to be fed. Do you ever see healthy cats walk through a field outside munching on grains? No. Only eat grass when they feel sick and need to throw up.
Cats are the only animals I know that have a crappy system that had refused to develop or adapt. They cannot process grains, fruits or veggies from my understanding. So putting them in their food is completely wasted. They need certain vitamins. But They digestion can't break down a berry to get the useful antioxidants. If I didn't have so many I'd probably be feeding raw foods with EZ Complete added.
So grains? No. Just look at them in the wild. They know what they need to stay healthy and grains have never been a part of that. And look at recalls. I've bought almost every type of rx food originally for cats with different problems. Till I did my own g research and found looking at the ingredients alone, rx foods in general are junk foods. Might as well be serving up Meow Mix or Friskies.
Best of luck!

I was feeding him no grains for so long and one day he just stopped eating them. i took him to two separate vets to see why and both said franklin is healthy so i feel so lost at what to do. i gave him the wet food purina pro plan today and he ate it. i really don’t want to come off grain free but i’m just so confused why he won’t eat his normal food

 

[franklinsmother]

I 100% agree with iPappy . Fed is best. Your cat should be enjoying food, energetic, soft shiny coat, bright eyes and poos should be formed but soft after transition is complete.

Here's the scoop on pet food as per current completed studies on healthy cats (aka no underlying conditions known). What's in My Cat's Food?: Designer Diets, Grain Free Diets | VCA | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals


Personally, I love Purina Pro Plan wet foods and my cats would still be on the dry diet if they hadn't added beef fat to the ingredients (Magnus has a bad beef allergy). I had nothing but troubles on grain-free cat diets. I fell for everyone on the internet saying it was better without proof that it's true.

But! Some cats do really well on those diets and some cats can only eat those diets because of allergies or whatnot.

Those diets all have peas and legumes though which are currently my only hard "no". I have two cats with congenital heart conditions and I don't want to take the risk on their at-risk hearts until scient can draw some conclusions. For all we know, peas and legumes might only cause heart issues in those with pre-existing conditions...of which 30% of cats might have. So that could be what causes the correlation. (Just theorizing and looking forward to what the studies show later.)

the grain free diets have peas and legumes right? making sure i understood right! or most of them at least ik some dont

 

[FeebysOwner]

the grain free diets have peas and legumes right? making sure i understood right! or most of them at least ik some dont

This is no hard rule on that. Foods with and without grains can have legumes and peas, just like foods with and without grains may not.

How old is Franklin, and what kind of vet checkup did he have? Is his only issue a decreased appetite? What was he eating when you adopted him, and as far as you know did he like it? If so, is that what he is eating now, or did you change his food?

 

[franklinsmother]

This is no hard rule on that. Foods with and without grains can have legumes and peas, just like foods with and without grains may not.

How old is Franklin, and what kind of vet checkup did he have? Is his only issue a decreased appetite? What was he eating when you adopted him, and as far as you know did he like it? If so, is that what he is eating now, or did you change his food?

He’s 4, may be a tad younger according to the vet. He just had an exam because at the end of January he had his bloodwork done and it’s normal. He also gained weight since then so they aren’t concerned. He is sneezing as well. He’s on medication for it but still waiting to see if it helps. Not sure the two symptoms are connected. No clue what he was eating when I adopted him. He was from an over capacity shelter and he was only there for a few days. The previous owners surrendered him but provided no information for that stuff unfortunately. He was eating tiki cat, weruva, and fancy feast. Slowly stopped eating the tiki cat and weruva and i just fed fancy feast until he stopped eating that. Just started purina pro plan wet food today and he ate the whole portion, which is a first in a while. he is taking an appetite stimulant but i’m not going to give it tonight and see if he eats the new food again. if he does i’m assuming he just didn’t like diet? i’ve only had him 2 1/2 months and he was found outside before surrendered so he could have been food insecure? he also was like 8 pounds when I adopted him and around 10.3 now. I’ve had a family cat in the past that ended up having diabetes towards the end of his life. So my biggest thing with feeding franklin is to make sure he’s healthy

 

[FeebysOwner]

His background could be anything then. Sneezing can be allergy related, but it can also be connected to viral conditions like herpesvirus - which when a cat is in a flare up it can impact appetite.

See what he does with the Purina, but I wouldn't rule out the others. He might need a rotation of foods to keep his interest.

 

[tiggerwillow]

My two sometimes like Purina Pro Plan, depends what mood they are in