Parenting-Furkids

Cats => Cat Food And Nutrition => Discussion Of Brands And Ingredients => Topic started by: Lola on July 03, 2011, 05:20:29 PM

Title: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on July 03, 2011, 05:20:29 PM
 cat1
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on July 18, 2011, 07:05:38 PM


Our "main" brand is Wellness.  Grain free chicken.  Grain free turkey.  12.5 oz cans
Anything with beef makes several kitties have diarrhea.
I stay away from fish as much as possible.

Our "side dish," of smaller cans, was (just finishing up two cases) Weruva Chicken.  Thinking of changing to another brand.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Shadow on July 18, 2011, 07:29:57 PM
Main diet is all the grain free Wellness cans
Holistic Select Chicken and Lamb
Merricks Before Grain
Evo cat and kitten
Evo 95% beef
Evo 95% Chicken and Turkey ( not alot as the cats wont really eat it much)
Innova Senior
Natural Balance Chicken and Liver
Natural Balance Turkey and giblets.
Weruva once in a blue moon (too expensive)
 I would like to feed a few more brands, but am limited to these where I live, and Almo and Natures Variety is just to expensive.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Kittymom4 on July 21, 2011, 10:22:14 PM
Orijen dry - Weruva wet.  Going to be switching to raw, I hope, when I can get all of those ducks in a row.  I was feeding Wellness but after the buyout they came off of it and I went to the Orijen - now that they have sold out I'm getting them off of that and just waiving the white flag!  I'm going to be making my own and not putting anymore of my money into big companies that will sell out a decent product or sell me crappy food.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on July 21, 2011, 11:17:11 PM
Those of you that rotate several brands...don't your kitties have reactions (diarrhea, hard stools, etc) to all the changes?

At one time, I was successful with rotating 3 brands.  When I threw in more brands into the rotation...all heck broke loose.  Changed out brands ...still didn't go well.  I finally had to go back to just two brands...until everyone was good. 

Just added in a third again this week, but I just hate having to pick a brand that I'm not 100% happy with feeding.  (Not that there is such a brand.) 
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Mo on July 22, 2011, 12:36:27 AM
Wellness Chicken
Wellness Beef & Chicken
Wellness Turkey
Before Grain Quail & Chicken
Before Grain Salmon
Merrick Surf & Turf

Why I feed those: It is something both he and I will agree on engarde1  It also gives him a good variety of protein sources - beef, chicken, turkey, quail, and salmon.  However, he only gets 2 of the 5.5 ounce cans of Before Grain Salmon a month, it isn't a huge part of his diet.

Used to also feed: Natural Balance, Holistic Select, EVO, and Innova.  Innova is out because of the P&G buyout and adding of Menadione; EVO is out because Nightmare won't eat it anymore and the P&G buyout.  Natural Balance is one Nightmare likes, but I don't want to feed anymore, because of the high carb levels.  Holistic Select is out for the same reason - though Nightmare wouldn't eat the one low carb flavor I fed him anyway.  Figuring out the carb amounts in canned food made my life way to complicated bangshead  Plus, Nightmare lives up to his name with his pickiness...

I would like to add at least one more brand in the rotation, once I can find something that both he & I agree on then I will. 
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: KatieAndMe on July 22, 2011, 12:56:28 AM
Katie was on a dry only diet for at least the 10 months she was at the pound and I'm sure it was cheap stuff. I've been trying different wets to see if I can find one she likes. It's not been easy. She takes a few bites and that's it. She was also used to grazing and since she has gingivitis I don't want to stop that right now. She may be in pain and that may be why she can't eat for long periods at a time.

I've tried Wellness, Chicken Soup, Royal Canin, Innova and California something(??) After reading this forum I feel I'm more educated and will read labels more carefully when I go to buy food tomorrow. Thank you all for putting it out their and caring enough.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on July 22, 2011, 11:22:22 AM
Katie was on a dry only diet for at least the 10 months she was at the pound and I'm sure it was cheap stuff. I've been trying different wets to see if I can find one she likes. It's not been easy. She takes a few bites and that's it. She was also used to grazing and since she has gingivitis I don't want to stop that right now. She may be in pain and that may be why she can't eat for long periods at a time.

I've tried Wellness, Chicken Soup, Royal Canin, Innova and California something(??) After reading this forum I feel I'm more educated and will read labels more carefully when I go to buy food tomorrow. Thank you all for putting it out their and caring enough.

Eating dry is probably adding to the pain, for your Katie.  Dry kibble doesn't clean a feline's teeth, like we have been taught for soooooo many years.  It actually sticks to their teeth and can cause dental issues.

Our bunch was on a "quality" dry for several years.  Transitioning them to an all wet diet took a bit of time and patience.  The final hurdle was breaking the grazing habit.  
I found this info to be VERY helpful with the transition:
http://catinfo.org/#Transitioning_Dry_Food_Addicts_to_Canned_Food_

To break the grazing habit, I used Fortiflora.  It took maybe two or three meals with Fortiflora on them...and habit was broken.  I was AMAZED how quickly the grazing habit was stopped.  The ickie stuff in Fortiflora is what prompts the desire to eat NOW.  I occasionally still use it (because I still have it on hand from when using it to break the grazing habit), if I have a food that no one is fond of...and I want to use it up.  They'll eat anything with Fortiflora on it. 

Other members, of this forum, have mentioned the use of MUCH better products...other than Fortiflora.  Do a search on Fortiflora and you will find the other suggestions.  I found the link for you, but am hoping other members will post Fortiflora alternatives.

http://parenting-furkids.com/index.php?topic=457.new#new
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Pookie on July 22, 2011, 01:01:38 PM
He used to get the Wellness grain-free chicken, turkey, beef & chicken, turkey & salmon along with the Nature's Variety, Weruva & raw listed below.  After the recall I can't find any Wellness that DON'T have "7W" on the bottom of the can and he won't eat those (though he'll make an exception, with encouragement, for the turkey & salmon.  I only feed that every couple weeks).

Currently he's getting (all wet):

Nature's Variety Instinct rabbit, venison, (had to stop the lamb--he may be developing an allergy to it), chicken, duck
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet chicken & green pea (this is grain free)
Go! chicken/turkey/duck (grainfree)
Weruva grain-free chicken flavors only.  I don't like feeding fish too much, though the Natural Balance has some salmon oil in it.  He gets the Weruva as a snack before bedtime, just a forkful or so.  Otherwise he gets so worked up he may bring it up for another look.

Raw chicken hearts and gizzards, once a week or so to keep his teeth clean.

Why I feed the above?  Mainly because it’s grain-free and he’ll eat it.  I keep trying other brands (Evo, Merrick, Dave’s) and he’s just not interested.  I keep hoping to find something else to add to the rotation.  He will eat the other Natural Balance Ltd Ingredient Diets, but the other flavors are duck (he doesn’t get too excited) and venison, and I still remember a homeopathic vet telling me venison is “hot.”  So is lamb, and since he seemed to be having a problem with the lamb I thought it best to limit the exposure to venison.

Katie, I agree with Lola -- my first thought was the dry food may be hurting her teeth/gums.  If she’ll eat it, wet should be easier on her teeth, esp. if it’s pate.  Pookie was/is a grazer, too – he’ll eat half the wet, walk off and eat more later.  It’s okay to leave the wet down for a while.  I leave it out all day/night but he usually finishes it within an hour unless he’s not interested.  When I first took him off the dry, he’d walk by where the feeder was and look for it, but he stopped after a while.  Maybe because I kept telling him he was never getting that stuff again.  :)

I’ve never used the fortiflora, so can’t add anything there.  Sorry.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on September 04, 2011, 03:21:24 PM
Those of you that rotate several brands...don't your kitties have reactions (diarrhea, hard stools, etc) to all the changes?

At one time, I was successful with rotating 3 brands.  When I threw in more brands into the rotation...all heck broke loose.  Changed out brands ...still didn't go well.  I finally had to go back to just two brands...until everyone was good. 

Just added in a third again this week, but I just hate having to pick a brand that I'm not 100% happy with feeding.  (Not that there is such a brand.) 

Prior to going raw, my cats were eating over 21 different flavors of canned foods (primarily every grain-free variety that was available at the time plus a few low-grain) and my fosters have all been fed at least that many as well. At no time did any cat ever have any upsets.

I always recommend canned food owners feed as large a rotation of foods as they can (Dr. Hofve's article "Switching Foods (http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/switching-foods/)") and I can't recall - off the top of my head - that this has caused very many cats digestive upsets. I wonder, Lola, with the issues surrounding low-quality ingredients and premixes, as well as the lack of quality control in general, if your cats ended up with a bad batch of foods that required several days for recovery? Maybe too much of some vitamin or mineral, too many non-digestible ingredients, or something similar? That's rough! Hard on you and the kitties. <<hug>>

AC
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on September 04, 2011, 07:04:14 PM
Prior to going raw, my cats were eating over 21 different flavors of canned foods (primarily every grain-free variety that was available at the time plus a few low-grain) and my fosters have all been fed at least that many as well. At no time did any cat ever have any upsets.

I always recommend canned food owners feed as large a rotation of foods as they can (Dr. Hofve's article "Switching Foods (http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/switching-foods/)") and I can't recall - off the top of my head - that this has caused very many cats digestive upsets. I wonder, Lola, with the issues surrounding low-quality ingredients and premixes, as well as the lack of quality control in general, if your cats ended up with a bad batch of foods that required several days for recovery? Maybe too much of some vitamin or mineral, too many non-digestible ingredients, or something similar? That's rough! Hard on you and the kitties. <<hug>>

AC

I TOTALLY agree with rotating brands and flavors.  There is no food that I like enough that I would want to eat every day for every meal!  Not even B&J ice cream. 

21 flavors...and I assume many different mfg as well?  I'm stunned. 
There are two brands (so far) that none of the kitties show any signs of anything ickie.  No loose, runny, hard or extra smelly stools.  No crusty or runny eyes.  No hair matting.  No...that's all I can think of at the moment. 
Stool issues and barfing are my main concerns, but...  did you have more than one cat? 
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on September 04, 2011, 08:57:49 PM
I TOTALLY agree with rotating brands and flavors.  There is no food that I like enough that I would want to eat every day for every meal!  Not even B&J ice cream. 

21 flavors...and I assume many different mfg as well?  I'm stunned. 
There are two brands (so far) that none of the kitties show any signs of anything ickie.  No loose, runny, hard or extra smelly stools.  No crusty or runny eyes.  No hair matting.  No...that's all I can think of at the moment. 
Stool issues and barfing are my main concerns, but...  did you have more than one cat? 

Between my own cats and those I've fostered, I've fed over a dozen cats this way. I stopped fostering this past December (my cats can't handle the disruptions with equanimity any longer), but the following were all on the menu at that time:

Before Grain 96% Chicken ''1''; Before Grain 96% Turkey ''4''; Before Grain 96% Quail ''5''; Before Grain 96% Beef ''6''; By Nature Natural 95% Meat Beef and Liver; By Nature Natural 95% Meat Chicken and Chicken Liver; By Nature Natural 95% Meat Turkey and Turkey Liver; by Nature Organics Chicken & Chicken Liver; by Nature Organics Turkey & Chicken; by Nature Organics Turkey & Turkey Liver; Felidae Grain Free Cat and Kitten; Go! Natural Grain Free Chicken,Turkey & Duck; Innova Cat and Kitten; Innova EVO Cat & Kitten; Innova EVO 95% Beef; Innova EVO 95% Chicken & Turkey; Innova EVO 95% Duck; Innova EVO 95% Venison; Natural Balance Grain Free Limited Ingredient Chicken & Green Pea; Natural Balance Green Pea & Duck; Natural Balance Green Pea & Venison; Nature's Variety Instinct Beef; Nature's Variety Instinct Chicken; Nature's Variety Instinct Duck; Nature's Variety Instinct Lamb; Nature's Variety Instinct Rabbit; Nature's Variety Instinct Venison; Wellness Beef & Chicken; Wellness Chicken; Wellness Turkey; Wellness CORE Grain Free Chicken, Turkey and Chicken Liver; Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring; Solid Gold Chicken, Turkey, White Fish & Liver
 
These foods were all chosen based on the research I'd done back in 2006 / 2007. I subsequently switched my focus to raw feeding, began feeding my own cats a home-prepared frankenprey diet and did not, until very recently, go back to examining commercially-prepared foods in any real detail.

Since taking a closer look at commercial foods, I've come to realize that some (maybe many, I haven't done a product by product analysis yet) of the above foods are not as appropriate for cats as I had initially thought. The Natural Balance foods, for example, all contain over 26% carbohydrates, even though all three are marketed as grain-free. *Yuck.*

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lola, if you don't mind, what foods are your cats on and how long have they been eating them, which two did they have digestive trouble with and how long were they being eaten, and how long ago did you try those two foods? Have you tried pre- or probiotics? Sometimes a cat's system gets hit by so much (food-related) stress ('though usually from kibble) it can't recover on it's on; pre- and probiotics have an anecdotal history of easing that recovery (Are Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes Needed? (http://feline-nutrition.org/answers/answers-are-probiotics-and-digestive-enzymes-needed)).

My intention isn't to be nosy, but to - hopefully, maybe - see a pattern that might help you increase the number of foods your kitties can eat comfortably.

AC

P.S. Have you considered natural (raw) feeding?
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on September 05, 2011, 10:06:23 AM

Lola, if you don't mind, what foods are your cats on and how long have they been eating them, which two did they have digestive trouble with and how long were they being eaten, and how long ago did you try those two foods? Have you tried pre- or probiotics? Sometimes a cat's system gets hit by so much (food-related) stress ('though usually from kibble) it can't recover on it's on; pre- and probiotics have an anecdotal history of easing that recovery (Are Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes Needed? (http://feline-nutrition.org/answers/answers-are-probiotics-and-digestive-enzymes-needed)).

My intention isn't to be nosy, but to - hopefully, maybe - see a pattern that might help you increase the number of foods your kitties can eat comfortably.

AC

P.S. Have you considered natural (raw) feeding?

I don't think any of your questions are nosy!!

The only brand and flavor that is always a part of the rotation is Wellness Chicken...the big cans.  The cats LOVE it...never any issues.  Wellness is never fed for all 3 meals though.  Too risky. (IMHO)

I purchase food, by the case, once a month.  Get a discount for buying by the case.  Soooo, once a month is when I usually rotate in a new brand and/or flavor. Last month choices were very limited, due to availability of some larger cans.

In the cupboard right now: Evo 95% beef (cats HATE it, but eat it..took some coaxing using Fortiflora.), Wellness Chicken, Wellness Turkey (not a fan favorite), Wellness Core - Chicken,Evangers chicken, Friskies Mixed Grill.

Other brands that are often thrown into the mix...Weruva Chicken and Felidae Grain Free (changed labels...issues getting it in town).

Any brand that comes in a larger can, I have probably purchased at one time or another.      

For the most part, I buy brands that come in larger cans and pate style.  (Pate is the preferred texture.  Large cans are more affordable.) The smaller cans are fed so there is enough food for everyone...without having to refrigerate any extras.  I can usually get away with the smaller cans not being pate style.  

I have been thinking of adding ...(I'll have to post this and then go look at my bookmarks to post the info) http://www.platinumperformance.com/Platinum-Performance0174-Feline/productinfo/FPLAG1/ to see if changing brands and flavors all the time will work out better for the kitties. 

When transitioning the felines from dry free feeding (years ago), they were the most pizzed because they couldn't eat alllll day long.  That is the reason they are fed 3 small meals a day.  With 3 meals a day, they eat their meals in one sitting...no food gets left out, for any length of time, to "grow" anything.  Our fatty has lost weight (slowly) and the non-fatties are maintaining their weight.

My goal is to get everyone "stable" on (at least) 3 different acceptable brands of wet...and then introduce (some from or another) raw.  
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on September 05, 2011, 11:10:35 AM
...
In the cupboard right now: Evo 95% beef (cats HATE it, but eat it..took some coaxing using Fortiflora.), Wellness Chicken, Wellness Turkey (not a fan favorite), Wellness Core - Chicken,Evangers chicken, Friskies Mixed Grill.

Other brands that are often thrown into the mix...Weruva Chicken and Felidae Grain Free (changed labels...issues getting it in town).
...
I have been thinking of adding ...(I'll have to post this and then go look at my bookmarks to post the info) http://www.platinumperformance.com/Platinum-Performance0174-Feline/productinfo/FPLAG1/ to see if changing brands and flavors all the time will work out better for the kitties. 

When transitioning the felines from dry free feeding (years ago), they were the most pizzed because they couldn't eat alllll day long.  That is the reason they are fed 3 small meals a day.  With 3 meals a day, they eat their meals in one sitting...no food gets left out, for any length of time, to "grow" anything.  Our fatty has lost weight (slowly) and the non-fatties are maintaining their weight.

My goal is to get everyone "stable" on (at least) 3 different acceptable brands of wet...and then introduce (some from or another) raw.  

Writing in smaller text doesn't keep us from seeing what you've written you know. *chuckle*

Three times a day feedings are good, it's what I do and it's what I always recommend as a minimum (except for kittens, who should be fed at least four time per day).

With the rotation of foods you already have, I believe even more strongly that you probably got hit by some of those nasty quality control issues rampant in the PFI. :- (  Hmmm, are you aware of the issues Evangers is currently struggling with and those it's had in the past? For such an unregulated industry, to have them called out specifically by the FDA for labeling their products with meat ingredients that aren't actually present in the product is, I think, a pretty big deal. I put them with Nutro in my "never-ever buy" folder.

That supplement has several ingredients I wouldn't think you'd want to feed to your kitty (Flax Seed, Flax Oil, Rice Bran, Whey Protein, Sunflower Seed, Soy Flour, Cane Molasses)... have you looked at buying this one, "Fresh + Oasis Feline T (http://www.completenaturalnutrition.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=74)"? Whichever one you go with, remember that commercial products are already over-supplemented to "account" for the degradation inherent in the cooking process, so you probably want to half or even quarter the recommended dosage amount on the supplement.

Raw is good! :- )

AC
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on September 05, 2011, 12:37:08 PM
Writing in smaller text doesn't keep us from seeing what you've written you know. *chuckle*

I know.  You just happened to ask me what I'm feeding when I had some reallllly bad choices in the cupboard.  I considered not mentioning them, but... that wouldn't have been honest.

Quote

Three times a day feedings are good, it's what I do and it's what I always recommend as a minimum (except for kittens, who should be fed at least four time per day).

It seems most feed their felines twice a day.  Tending to be an over-feeder, I feel the "need" to always explain the 3x a day feeding schedule.  
Quote

With the rotation of foods you already have, I believe even more strongly that you probably got hit by some of those nasty quality control issues rampant in the PFI. :- (  Hmmm, are you aware of the issues Evangers is currently struggling with and those it's had in the past? For such an unregulated industry, to have them called out specifically by the FDA for labeling their products with meat ingredients that aren't actually present in the product is, I think, a pretty big deal. I put them with Nutro in my "never-ever buy" folder.
The two foods I wrote in tiny font...At the time, I had the choice of buying all one brand or tossing in a bit of scary brands, due to availability issues.  Sooooo, I went with the "better carpy wet, than dry" theory." (That sounds lame...even to me!)
Quote
That supplement has several ingredients I wouldn't think you'd want to feed to your kitty (Flax Seed, Flax Oil, Rice Bran, Whey Protein, Sunflower Seed, Soy Flour, Cane Molasses)... have you looked at buying this one, "Fresh + Oasis Feline T (http://www.completenaturalnutrition.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=74)"? Whichever one you go with, remember that commercial products are already over-supplemented to "account" for the degradation inherent in the cooking process, so you probably want to half or even quarter the recommended dosage amount on the supplement.

I was looking into the supplement, that I posted, because it was recommened by someone that I admire.  I'm kinda stressed out, with the kitties being on a food roller coaster ride lately.  Actually, I've been stressed out since I almost killed one of the felines feeding him a "quality" dry.  

Quote
Raw is good! :- )

AC

Raw is where I would like to end up...soon.  BUT I have to have some sort of back-up plan working first.  I think.  
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on September 05, 2011, 01:43:39 PM
...
...At the time, I had the choice of buying all one brand or tossing in a bit of scary brands, due to availability issues.  Sooooo, I went with the "better carpy wet, than dry" theory." (That sounds lame...even to me!)
I was looking into the supplement, that I posted, because it was recommened by someone that I admire.  I'm kinda stressed out, with the kitties being on a food roller coaster ride lately.  Actually, I've been stressed out since I almost killed one of the felines feeding him a "quality" dry.  

Raw is where I would like to end up...soon.  BUT I have to have some sort of back-up plan working first.  I think.  

It shouldn't be so doggone hard to find a decent quality pet food, especially one that isn't going to make our kitties ill! *shakes head in frustration* I'm very sorry you're going through so much right now, Lola. <<<hugs>>>  (For what it's worth, I'm in the "any wet is better than any dry" camp, too.)

AC
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on September 05, 2011, 02:43:13 PM
I TOTALLY agree with rotating brands and flavors.  There is no food that I like enough that I would want to eat every day for every meal!  Not even B&J ice cream. 
...

By the way, my all time favorite food, bar none, is Ben & Jerry's 'Cherry Garcia' ice cream. If there is no Cherry Garcia in heaven, I'm not going!  LOL!!

AC
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on September 06, 2011, 10:33:49 AM
By the way, my all time favorite food, bar none, is Ben & Jerry's 'Cherry Garcia' ice cream. If there is no Cherry Garcia in heaven, I'm not going!  LOL!!

AC

I'll get the pet food problem figured out one of these days...hopefully soon.
JUST to see what the cats would do with raw anything...I gave them a tiny bit of raw ground beef yesterday.  Half of them ate it...with gusto.  They just had lunch, so they weren't hungry.  That means they ate it, because they actually LIKED it. 

Back to B & J ice cream...Peanut Brittle is currently the flavor of the month in my area.  B&J puts out a new flavor every month...and then it is gone.  Anyway...bought it.  I told myself I would only eat a little...the pint IS 4 servings.   Bumpurr1  4 servings can be consumed in one sitting...with very little tummy upset.   :D
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on September 06, 2011, 01:28:02 PM
I'll get the pet food problem figured out one of these days...hopefully soon.
JUST to see what the cats would do with raw anything...I gave them a tiny bit of raw ground beef yesterday.  Half of them ate it...with gusto.  They just had lunch, so they weren't hungry.  That means they ate it, because they actually LIKED it. 

Back to B & J ice cream...Peanut Brittle is currently the flavor of the month in my area.  B&J puts out a new flavor every month...and then it is gone.  Anyway...bought it.  I told myself I would only eat a little...the pint IS 4 servings.   Bumpurr1  4 servings can be consumed in one sitting...with very little tummy upset.   :D

All the pints I buy are single serving. What's that you say? No, I don't need to look at the label, they are ALL SINGLE SERVING. /discussion.

:-}

AC
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Amber on December 24, 2011, 01:38:49 AM
I feed raw but keep canned on hand mostly for emergency situations. Sometimes I go out of town for a weekend or so, and the person feeding her can't be bothered to thaw out her raw. Sometimes a batch of raw food runs out at an inopportune time, and she eats canned for a day or two until I have the time and ingredients to make her more food.

My top choice is currently the by Nature 95% meat line, and I buy all four flavors: Chicken, Turkey, Beef, and occasionally the Sardine and Mackerel, which she never gets more than twice in any given month. I have to order this online, via PetFlow or Petfooddirect. I used to feed all the EVO 95% meat varieties, which I also had to order online, but since the P&G takeover, I don't allow it in the house anymore. I used to purchase the Natural balance Venison & Green Pea and Duck & Green Pea varieties, but now they are having issues, so they have been removed as viable options. My second choice is now the Before Grain 96% line, and she has eaten all of their flavors as well. I can buy this at the local Petco when I am not able to order her food online. When I have to stick to foods I can buy at Wal-Mart or the Commissary, she gets Newman's Own Organics Chicken & Salmon, Chicken & Rice, Turkey, and/or Turkey & Vegetable or the non-seafood Natural Life flavors because, and I know I am going to get bashed for this, I would rather feed her food without byproducts and other questionable ingredients and with some grain that food with byproducts and without grains. Neither the Newman's Own or the Natural Life contains by-products, unspecified meats, BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin, or menadione, corn, wheat, soy, or _____ gluten. And like I said, this stuff doesn't exactly play a large part in her diet, but even if it did, my position on the byproducts/unnamed meat sources/carcinogens would be the same.

When she was a kitten, before I knew to avoid fish-based foods as a primary diet, she got the Pinnacle Chicken & Tuna and Chicken & Oceanfish varieties.


As for B&J ice cream, my favorite flavors are Coffee Heathbar Crunch, Peanut butter Cup, Everything But the..., Mud Pie, and Half-baked, in that order. I want to try Bonnard's Buzz.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: CarnivorousCritter on December 24, 2011, 03:19:56 AM
It shouldn't be so doggone hard to find a decent quality pet food, especially one that isn't going to make our kitties ill! *shakes head in frustration* I'm very sorry you're going through so much right now, Lola. <<<hugs>>>  (For what it's worth, I'm in the "any wet is better than any dry" camp, too.)

AC

The demand just isn't there  :(  For now, those who do know better are considered "food snobs" and an Internet cult.
I know of not ONE person "in real life" who doesn't think sci-die & Purina are the best they can buy and there's really no way to convice them. I know at least a dozen people whose vets tell them otherwise so they think I'm off my rocker. One lady has 7 dogs and her vet sells the food  :(   She would pay top dollar without hesitation (she is well off) for species-appropriate food if she only knew, but can't make her click a link when she trusts the one with the degree.  :(
If she & more people only knew that "pricey & fancy"  species-appropriate food would end up being CHEAPER than the over-priced poison in the bags anyway!!! :o :o
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: CarnivorousCritter on December 24, 2011, 03:24:34 AM
Another vote for Cherry Garcia  ;D  When there's regular ice cream in the house, I "spike" it with crushed Maracino cherries.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on December 29, 2011, 04:27:20 PM
Believe it or not, I've never tasted the Cherry Garcia flavor!  
Ben And Jerry came out with a new flavor "Schweddy Balls."  Soooooo many customer complaints, stores are taking it off their shelves.  lol

Quote
Vanilla Ice Cream with a Hint of Rum & Loaded with Fudge Covered Rum & Malt Balls
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Auntie Crazy on December 29, 2011, 09:58:37 PM
The demand just isn't there  :(  For now, those who do know better are considered "food snobs" and an Internet cult.
I know of not ONE person "in real life" who doesn't think sci-die & Purina are the best they can buy and there's really no way to convice them. I know at least a dozen people whose vets tell them otherwise so they think I'm off my rocker. One lady has 7 dogs and her vet sells the food  :(   She would pay top dollar without hesitation (she is well off) for species-appropriate food if she only knew, but can't make her click a link when she trusts the one with the degree.  :(
If she & more people only knew that "pricey & fancy"  species-appropriate food would end up being CHEAPER than the over-priced poison in the bags anyway!!! :o :o

Ah, but consumer demand for quality pet foods has been steadily increasing since 2007. And that demand has definitely gained the pet food industry's attention.

In one prime example, they started concocting "grain-free" foods. Of course, they just replaced one nasty carb with another, but they heard the public's moaning and groaning about not like grains in cat foods.

Currently, there is an acknowledged need for raw foods, and more are coming to market all the time. Here are a few articles from within the pet food industry:

New petfood products: What comes after humanization? (http://www.petfoodindustry.com/New_petfood_products__What_comes_after_humanization_.html): "Where do we see the concept of humanization in petfood going in the future? Look for a continued focus on natural formulations, on communicating specific, understandable ingredients and on products that balance the concept of “just like what we eat” with what is most important for pets to consume."

Extruded vs. raw vs. cooked beef-based diets for cats (http://www.petfoodindustry.com/Research_Notes/Extruded_vs__raw_vs__cooked_beef-based_diets_for_cats.html): A study that most assuredly wouldn't even have been contemplated if there wasn't a strong awareness of growing consumer desire for more species-appropriate foods.

Are consumers willing to pay for petfood proven safe? (http://www.petfoodindustry.com/Columns/Something_to_Chew_On/Are_consumers_willing_to_pay_for_petfood_proven_safe_.html): Last paragraph, "Because, judging by the overwhelming consumer response to the 2007 melamine-related petfood recalls—which in turn has led to a continuing explosion of websites, blogs and other Internet forums touting so-called experts and expertise on petfood and pet nutrition—pet owners would very likely welcome marketing messages and other information that includes such evidence of safer petfood. And hopefully, they would put their money where many of them say their hearts are: providing the best, safest, most wholesome nutrition for their pets."

Bright future for refrigerated, frozen and raw petfood (http://www.petfoodindustry.com/AlternativePetfood.html)

We just need to keep the pressure on!!

AC
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on January 02, 2012, 06:31:13 PM
Cherry Garcia would be good if they didn't put the chocolate chunks in. I don't like hard things iin my ice cream

I am now feeding:

 one, non finicky cat, in rotation

Weruva nine livers (no more than once a week)

Soulistic good Karma chicken (^ditto)

Before Grain (beef, chicken, turkey) (most often)

California Natural chicken and rice (very infrequently)

Wellness (beef & chicken, turkey, chicken (^^ditto)

Petite Cuisine sesame chicken (^^ditto...until it is gone, it was my cat4 angel5 's food)

Merrick Grammy's pot pie (^^ditto.. and only until it is gone)

the other, finicky, cat on a canned diet

Before Grain beef (only once a week, she won't eat it more often than that)

Merrick cowboy cookout  (beef) (^ditto)

California Natural Venison and brown rice (^ditto)

Castor&Pollux chicken and vegetable casserole (^ditto, until it is gone, but with four cases in the house it will take a while)

Natural Balance Platefuls chicken and liver pouch (less than once a week, because, while she loves it, I don't)

Natural Life chicken (eats it every two or three days! bananamiddlechild )

Natural Life lamb (^^ditto bananamiddlechild)

She would like the Weruva and Soulistic too, but it makes her sick


Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on January 31, 2013, 07:39:11 AM
I see my list from a year ago needs updating!

Foods I feed:

By Nature Organic canned

Stella&Chewy's freeze dried raw (chicken, duck&goose)

Rad Cat frozen raw (chicken, turkey, lamb)

Prey Model Raw (homemade raw diet)
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on February 01, 2013, 03:26:08 PM
I see my list from a year ago needs updating!

Foods I feed:

By Nature Organic canned

Stella&Chewy's freeze dried raw (chicken, duck&goose)

Rad Cat frozen raw (chicken, turkey, lamb)

Prey Model Raw (homemade raw diet)

I didn't realize you had removed all canned wet... other than the By Nature organic.  Way to go!!! 
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on February 01, 2013, 09:27:26 PM
I didn't realize you had removed all canned wet... other than the By Nature organic.  Way to go!!! 

Aw, thanks Lola!  Well, I just can't find anything else I'm happy with.  The Tiki Cat chicken costs as much as Rad Cat, when figured on an oucne per ounce basis, and considering raw is more bio-available, it makes the Rad Cat come out as less expensive.  I would like to try it but it just goes against my grain to be gouged like that.

 It makes me a little nervous to be feeding only one canned brand.  What if something happens to the By Nature organic? Where will I turn for their canned portions?  And as far as that, SK is back to eating ONLY the turkey&chicken flavor.  She has no trouble with variety on raw, but the only canned food I have found that does not give her trouble is By Nature Organic Turkey&Chicken. She won't eat the turkey&liver, and the chicken&liver gives her digestive distress. I kind of dread when I move on to a new batch, LOL.  The formula hasn't changed but we all know batches can turn out different.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on March 02, 2013, 10:04:15 PM
For us, the foods currently in rotation are:
Canned:  By Nature Organic (Turkey and Turkey Liver, Turkey and Chicken), Natures Variety (variety of flavors), Wellness (Turkey and Chicken).  Always end up back with Wellness. for one reason or another.
Dehydrated:  Stella And Chewy's Chicken and Honest Kitchen's Prowl.  
Real raw chunks (chicken)... as snacks.  Not fed as often as it could be.

Rad Cat... HAVE to get some!!!!  
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on March 02, 2013, 10:56:59 PM
So you went back to the Stella&Chewy's!  bananamiddlechild And they are liking it now?  And the Honest Kitchen prowl?  Congratulations!

I've decided to keep some Nature's Variety canned in the rotation for TC,  the one cat who doesn't get any commercial raw. One fourth of her diet is Prey Model Raw, but with the elimination of carrageenan foods, that has narrowed her variety too much for comfort. She always did well with NV canned, so I am watching for a sale.

The other two get Stella&Chewy's and Rad cat along with the By Nature Organic and PMR, so I am mostly content with that for them. I do wish I could find just ONE MORE canned food.

By the way, the thing I was worried about,

Quote
And as far as that, SK is back to eating ONLY the turkey&chicken flavor.  She has no trouble with variety on raw, but the only canned food I have found that does not give her trouble is By Nature Organic Turkey&Chicken. She won't eat the turkey&liver, and the chicken&liver gives her digestive distress. I kind of dread when I move on to a new batch, LOL.  The formula hasn't changed but we all know batches can turn out different.

Has come to pass.  I started a new batch of the turkey&liver and it took two weeks for her system to adjust to it.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on March 02, 2013, 11:22:27 PM
So you went back to the Stella&Chewy's!  bananamiddlechild And they are liking it now?  And the Honest Kitchen prowl?  Congratulations!

I've decided to keep some Nature's Variety canned in the rotation for TC,  the one cat who doesn't get any commercial raw. One fourth of her diet is Prey Model Raw, but with the elimination of carrageenan foods, that has narrowed her variety too much for comfort. She always did well with NV canned, so I am watching for a sale.

The other two get Stella&Chewy's and Rad cat along with the By Nature Organic and PMR, so I am mostly content with that for them. I do wish I could find just ONE MORE canned food.

By the way, the thing I was worried about,

Has come to pass.  I started a new batch of the turkey&liver and it took two weeks for her system to adjust to it.

When I first introduced dehydrated, Leonard was still here... and other things were going on.  When it wasn't a fan favorite... I nixed it.  Later, I got to thinking (sometimes I am sooooo slow)... like any new food... gotta allow the felines a little adjustment time.  

Honestly, I can't remember why NV is back in.  I took it out once, for some reason.  It is one of those foods that gets fed a can here and there.  I don't buy it by the case.  I just pick up a few, at PetCo every so often.  They ate rabbit last week and loved it.  However, it soooooo grossed me out!  I kept visualizing..  Easter4

Maybe SK just changed her mind...concerning the turkey and liver.  Or she just likes to keep you on your toes!  
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on March 03, 2013, 06:47:34 AM
The NV rabbit comes from China :(

We just had a PetCo open here.  I wandered around in there the week after it opened.  I wasn't impressed with the inventory or the prices.  I still have some NV here, so she is getting it once a week.  I finally had to box up all the remaining carrageenan foods, to prevent myself from accidentally feeding them any more.  Every time I do now, TC starts scooting and her anal glands fill up.

SK is eating the new batch fine, it's her digestive system that had trouble with it at first.  Regurgitation. She just cannot take shifts in processed food. But she's back on track now.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on March 03, 2013, 06:56:34 PM
The NV rabbit comes from China :(

We just had a PetCo open here.  I wandered around in there the week after it opened.  I wasn't impressed with the inventory or the prices.  I still have some NV here, so she is getting it once a week.  I finally had to box up all the remaining carrageenan foods, to prevent myself from accidentally feeding them any more.  Every time I do now, TC starts scooting and her anal glands fill up.

SK is eating the new batch fine, it's her digestive system that had trouble with it at first.  Regurgitation. She just cannot take shifts in processed food. But she's back on track now.

Rabbit coming from China... dang it!     Doh1

PetCo is a bit more pricey, compared to PetSmart. BUT PetCo carries a MUCH better variety of pet food...Natures Variety, Soulistic, Weruva, Wellness, etc.  Also, they give a 10% discount if I buy it by the case.  It works for me, in a pinch. 

I understood SK is eating from the new batch.   thumbsup1
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on November 01, 2013, 05:13:44 AM
Our updated list:

By Nature Organic-  Turkey&Chicken (SK (Mazy), TC (Jennie) and LC (Queen Eva)) Turkey&Liver (Jennie and Queen Eva) Chicken & liver (Jennie and Queen Eva)

Wild Calling Chicken- one meal a day, all cats

Tiki Cat-the two chicken formulas (Jennie <aka TC> only)

Weurva nine livers -until it gets used up  (Jennie only)

Natural Balance platefuls pouches- two chicken flavors, once every two weeks until it gets used up (Queen Eva <aka LC> only)

Castor & Pollux - chicken casserole, once every two weeks until it gets used up (Jennie and Queen Eva)

Stella & Chewy Freeze dried raw, chicken, duck&goose (Jennie and Queen Eva)

Rad Cat frozen raw -chicken, turkey, lamb (Mazy <aka SK> and Queen Eva)

Prey Model Raw-sometimes with bone sometimes with egg shell calcium (Jennie and Queen Eva)

*I stopped feeding Mazy (SK) PMR because she started regurgitating it so often.  I have no idea why but I got tired of cleaning up raw puke.  No matter how tiny I minced it or how small I made the portions and spread them out.

PS The foods "until they get used up" on the list were of course part of trials, but as I learned more and more about pet foods they were discarded.  However since my financial circumstances have changed, and I had not yet given those particular foods away yet, they've been brought back into the rotation until they are gone.  I just can no longer afford to give away close to $300 worth of cat food.

Since I buy by the case, and buy large quantities on sale,  last year I ended up shipping off (using USPS flat rate shipping boxes) or dropping off at the shelter probably close to $1000 worth of canned foods -Before Grain,  Merrick, Wellness and By Nature 95%,  because of the carrageenan in them. I can't afford to do that any more. :)
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on November 01, 2013, 04:11:37 PM
PS the Natural Balance (now owned by Del Monte as of 5/13) pouches and the Castor & Pollux ( now owned by Merrick as of 4/12) 3 oz cans are both pre-company sell out batches. Both contain spinach and are high in carbs, those are the three strikes against them (sell out, spinach and carbs)

Both expire in the fall of 2014 so I have time to use them up at one each every 2 weeks. (one pouch of NB once week, one can of C&P the next and so on)
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on November 03, 2013, 01:45:26 AM
You are incredible.  All our felines are fed the same thing 99% of the time.  If one has an issue with something… no one gets fed whatever it is causing a problem. 
I've never had to give away food though.  Our dogs eat anything.  :) 

What is the issue with Del Monte? 
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on November 03, 2013, 01:51:33 AM
PS
I always have 3 different brands in rotation.  Different brand for every meal.  I don't trust ANY company to feed one brand 3x a day.  When Wellness had taurine issues…. if I wasn't feeding other brands, that company would have killed them all. 

I know other companies have had issues, but the Wellness one was a real eye opener for me. 
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on November 03, 2013, 06:23:39 AM
No particular issue with Del Monte.  Simply that they are a conglomerate, and when pet foods get bought out like that, they tend to deteriorate.

I don't know why you say I am incredible?

I haven't had all cats on the same diet in 30 years so it is pretty much a way of life anyway. :)

My cats, too are on three or more different commercial brands, even SK now thanks to the Wild Calling.

She doesn't seem to have suffered much from not getting the prey model any more, her coat is wonderful and her energy level is very high.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: joy on July 09, 2015, 10:55:26 PM
We feed our three cats the following canned foods---we have 2 Senior Balinese--a male and a female and 1 Ragdoll kitten, who is 8 months. We feed them canned food twice daily and leave dry food down for them for free feeding. They are all in perfect weight and there has been no vomiting in some time. Only two of the following contain Carageenan and none contain fish.  Because one of our Seniors was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease, I began researching.

A big thanks to MIddle Child whose list of carrageenan and fish-free products was a huge help in our journey to better nutrition. This is a field of study where the learning is neverending. Here is a list of what we feed all 3 on a rotation basis:

Nature’s Variety Chicken Pate
Nature’s Variety Lamb Pate
Merrick Chicken Pate---does contain carageenan
Hound & Gatos Chicken ate
Halo Chicken Stew--smooth texture
GO Daily Defence Turkey Pate
GO Daily Defence Chicken Stew-pate
GO Fit & Free Chicken/Turkey/Duck Pate
GO Sensitivity & Shine Duck Pate
Innova Chicken Pate---does contain carageenan
Nature’s Logic Chicken Pate
Lotus Chicken&Veg. Pate
Wild Calling Chicken Pate
Wild Calling Rabbit Pate
Ziwi Peak Venison
Nutrience Turkey,Chicken &Chicken Liver Pate--on order
Halo Impulse Rabbit & Garden greens--on order

Hope this is helpful.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on July 10, 2015, 04:54:39 AM
Thanks Joy!  I can't take full credit for that list, haha! Everyone helped and probably did more work than I did.

Looks like a good list! The research is never ending isn't it? :)  But I don't understand why you leave dry food down?  Especially as you have a cat with CKD, it's not really something she should be eating. I would recommend removing the dry food all together.

Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Lola on July 10, 2015, 08:55:32 AM
Thanks for sharing the info and your experience, joy.

Sorry to hear this:
Because one of our Seniors was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease, I began researching.

So your story doesn't get lost in this thread, I started a new one here:
http://parenting-furkids.com/index.php?topic=3703.new#new
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: lwon615 on December 17, 2017, 07:27:18 PM
I feed a brand called Rawz. Rawz is a small company that has only had their cat canned food out for just over a year (not sure how long they've had dog food). I feed it because it is all meat and they don't use any commercial gums or carrageenan. One of my kitties had diarrhea from commercial gums and I had to find a food without it. Rawz uses fenugreek seeds, and they're canned food is about the same price as other premium foods. Unfortunately, they don't have very much selection when it comes to flavors because they are such a small company. They steam cook their food, and it is less processed than most other foods. Even their dry food is better than most out there. It's kind of expensive though. I know we don't like dry food, but I have one cat who likes to have a dry food snack before bed. He has been on a kibble diet his whole life (previous owners made him a dry food addict). I am all for feeding an all canned or raw diet if you can, but I feed my cat 75% wet/25% dry and I am ok with that. When I first tried Rawz, my cats ate it so fast. Now I think they're a little bored with it, I'm guessing due to lack of flavor variety, although I try to rotate flavors as much as possible, because they are not eating it as well, but they still eat it better than anything else gum- and carrageenan-free.
www.rawznaturalpetfood.com

Another brand I feed sometimes is Koha stews. They also use fenugreek seeds, but they also put some vegetables in their stews, and my cats don't like it quite as much.

I tried Nature's Logic, which also has no gums or carrageenan, but it constipated my cat. It is a good brand if your cat can tolerate it, but be aware that it can cause constipation.

I also feed Tiki Cat Gourmet Carnivore on occasion. It is an expensive food to feed all the time, and all the foods are either chicken-based or fish-based. It appears they got rid of the Gourmet Carnivore line and replaced it with After Dark. Be aware that the SARDINE flavors contain XANTHAN GUM. However, all the other flavors are gum and carrageenan-free (I'm pretty sure), although a lot of their foods are fish-based. The After Dark line has mostly non-fish based foods.
Title: Re: What Wet Brands Do You Feed ...And Why?
Post by: Middle Child on December 18, 2017, 04:43:13 PM
I feed a brand called Rawz. Rawz is a small company that has only had their cat canned food out for just over a year (not sure how long they've had dog food). I feed it because it is all meat and they don't use any commercial gums or carrageenan. One of my kitties had diarrhea from commercial gums and I had to find a food without it. Rawz uses fenugreek seeds, and they're canned food is about the same price as other premium foods. Unfortunately, they don't have very much selection when it comes to flavors because they are such a small company. They steam cook their food, and it is less processed than most other foods. Even their dry food is better than most out there. It's kind of expensive though. I know we don't like dry food, but I have one cat who likes to have a dry food snack before bed. He has been on a kibble diet his whole life (previous owners made him a dry food addict). I am all for feeding an all canned or raw diet if you can, but I feed my cat 75% wet/25% dry and I am ok with that. When I first tried Rawz, my cats ate it so fast. Now I think they're a little bored with it, I'm guessing due to lack of flavor variety, although I try to rotate flavors as much as possible, because they are not eating it as well, but they still eat it better than anything else gum- and carrageenan-free.
www.rawznaturalpetfood.com

Another brand I feed sometimes is Koha stews. They also use fenugreek seeds, but they also put some vegetables in their stews, and my cats don't like it quite as much.

I tried Nature's Logic, which also has no gums or carrageenan, but it constipated my cat. It is a good brand if your cat can tolerate it, but be aware that it can cause constipation.

I also feed Tiki Cat Gourmet Carnivore on occasion. It is an expensive food to feed all the time, and all the foods are either chicken-based or fish-based. It appears they got rid of the Gourmet Carnivore line and replaced it with After Dark. Be aware that the SARDINE flavors contain XANTHAN GUM. However, all the other flavors are gum and carrageenan-free (I'm pretty sure), although a lot of their foods are fish-based. The After Dark line has mostly non-fish based foods.

Hi! Welcome! That's great that you've found some good wet brands to feed your cats, that they like and that aren't too full of nasty things.

I do like the look of the Rawz canned, except for the fenugreek seeds, I am not thrilled with that, or the vegetable broth or the "natural flavor" (which usually means MSG).

But as we've all discovered, there is no perfect commercial processed food, so feeding a variety as you are doing is the best way to avoid the cats having too much of any one icky thing. Sounds like you've found a good balance.

 But what I don't understand is why are you feeding any dry at all?  Cats don't need it, and it is just plain bad for them. 25% of their diet as dry food is actually a pretty high percentage.  Why not just eliminate the dry junk food all together?