Losing my mind over canned food!

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Islandmomma

Islandmomma

Member Since 2016
Glen took himself off kibble over a month ago. Zeldan has always preferred canned Friskies. Thompson will have a bit of canned but likes kibble too. I used to meal feed but have been giving Glen smaller meals since his diabetes diagnosis,

Since Glen he was diagnosed with diabetes I have been trying super hard to get them all on the canned food diet, but I am struggling really bad right now! Zeldan has decided that he doesn't like the Friskies anymore, Glen will eat all of the low-carb choices I give him and Thompson wants only kibble :banghead:

I don't want to starve Zeldan and Thompson but there are literally 4 different kinds of wet food out right now! And they won't eat any if it! I've seriously had it! Glen seems to like almost everything I offer him but not twice in a row :confused:

Any ideas or advice appreciated!

I'm done buying $2 cans of food that the other cats won't eat!
 
There are a couple of diabetic-friendly kibbles on the market if you are in the US. I've had good experience with Young Again (available only online)-- no impact on my diabetic cat's numbers. It's pricey, but you can get a sample for free or just buy a small bag to use while trying to transition your stubborn kibble-addict and find a low-carb canned option that they all like. You don't want Thompson going on a food strike, that can cause all kinds of problems.

It's really hard with three cats with different tastes, but the other thing to think about is to try to cut down on the choices you are offering, stick to one brand at a time. I don't know why, but some cats seem to get upset stomachs if their foods are switched around a lot-- that, and not taste, may be why Zeldan has suddenly decided he doesn't like Friskies any more, he may be feeling yucky after eating something else.

Good luck! This is one of the most frustrating parts of the sugar dance, for sure. Makes you feel like an Italian grandmother sometimes-- "Eat, eat! Mangia!"
 
Isn't this fun? At one point, I seriously considered buying a little student fridge for all the cans of opened cat food but it was easier to put all the rejected cat food on the front porch for the neighbouring cats and ferals. They ate well.

To help transition Thompson, you might try a sprinkling of smashed up kibble or a bit of grated parmesan on top of his wet. Unfortunately, the only dry that is LC is Young Again and Evo (only in the US of A). If things continue as they are, you might try picking up a bag or two if you go across the border - I don't know if cat food can be brought across.

Fancy Feast pates are an option - a bit more expensive than Friskies but they come on sale often.
 
I have 3 cats (1 of whom is diabetic, the other who are just picky eaters) so I can honestly say, I've been there. Can't tell you how many different types of canned food we've tried and chucked. At one point, mealtime started to feel like a battle, absolutely exhausting! Then I found BFF (Best Feline Food) and everything changed. It is grain free and my cats all love it. You can get it in bulk from Chewy for much cheaper than at your local pet store. The cans are not too expensive. The pouches cost a little more but that's what my diabetic cat, Diesel, gets now, since he needs more hydration. The pouches are really high in moisture so I no longer have to add water to his food. I highly recommend BFF. It has made a huge difference to my kitty's health. Weruva has similar pouched food (BFF is made by Weruva), but slightly pricier. Good luck with your kitties!
Adriana

Islandmomma said:
Glen took himself off kibble over a month ago. Zeldan has always preferred canned Friskies. Thompson will have a bit of canned but likes kibble too. I used to meal feed but have been giving Glen smaller meals since his diabetes diagnosis,

Since Glen he was diagnosed with diabetes I have been trying super hard to get them all on the canned food diet, but I am struggling really bad right now! Zeldan has decided that he doesn't like the Friskies anymore, Glen will eat all of the low-carb choices I give him and Thompson wants only kibble :banghead:

I don't want to starve Zeldan and Thompson but there are literally 4 different kinds of wet food out right now! And they won't eat any if it! I've seriously had it! Glen seems to like almost everything I offer him but not twice in a row :confused:

Any ideas or advice appreciated!

I'm done buying $2 cans of food that the other cats won't eat!
Click to expand...
 
Islandmomma said:
Glen took himself off kibble over a month ago. Zeldan has always preferred canned Friskies. Thompson will have a bit of canned but likes kibble too. I used to meal feed but have been giving Glen smaller meals since his diabetes diagnosis,

Since Glen he was diagnosed with diabetes I have been trying super hard to get them all on the canned food diet, but I am struggling really bad right now! Zeldan has decided that he doesn't like the Friskies anymore, Glen will eat all of the low-carb choices I give him and Thompson wants only kibble :banghead:

I don't want to starve Zeldan and Thompson but there are literally 4 different kinds of wet food out right now! And they won't eat any if it! I've seriously had it! Glen seems to like almost everything I offer him but not twice in a row :confused:

Any ideas or advice appreciated!

I'm done buying $2 cans of food that the other cats won't eat!
Click to expand...
I found a very inexpensive grain free food..not sure where your located but you may be able to buy online.

Its a Kroger, chain grocery store, owned brand. Its called Abound. I pay 69cents for the large 5.5oz can.
This is great food for a diabetic cat.
 
You know they're doing that just to make you crazy, right? Here they wait until I've cleaned 5 litter boxes, swept the floor, told each one how much I love them and THEN they head straight for the basement kicking litter everywhere. I love it when I creep down the stairs in the dark for my morning coffee and step in a hairball. I think they're consulting each other, "Here? No, a little to the left, that's just the spot". And people think cats aren't smart!
 
Nan & Amber said:
There are a couple of diabetic-friendly kibbles on the market if you are in the US. I've had good experience with Young Again (available only online)-- no impact on my diabetic cat's numbers. It's pricey, but you can get a sample for free or just buy a small bag to use while trying to transition your stubborn kibble-addict and find a low-carb canned option that they all like. You don't want Thompson going on a food strike, that can cause all kinds of problems.

It's really hard with three cats with different tastes, but the other thing to think about is to try to cut down on the choices you are offering, stick to one brand at a time. I don't know why, but some cats seem to get upset stomachs if their foods are switched around a lot-- that, and not taste, may be why Zeldan has suddenly decided he doesn't like Friskies any more, he may be feeling yucky after eating something else.

Good luck! This is one of the most frustrating parts of the sugar dance, for sure. Makes you feel like an Italian grandmother sometimes-- "Eat, eat! Mangia!"
Click to expand...
I second this. I credit Young Again Zero carb food for getting my cat into remission.
 
Tammy is in Canada - no low carb dry food options available here.

Have you tried freeze dried or raw food? I found I had to rotate flavours/proteins around each day so they didn't get bored. Well, Neko would eat anything, but the civie needs variety. You can also make your own food at home, which made things fairly economical.
 
I must be losing it. No disrespect, who or what is Tammy? Hey Wendy, I live in an igloo as well but at the other end.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Tammy is in Canada - no low carb dry food options available here.

Have you tried freeze dried or raw food? I found I had to rotate flavours/proteins around each day so they didn't get bored. Well, Neko would eat anything, but the civie needs variety. You can also make your own food at home, which made things fairly economical.
Click to expand...

Darn it-- forgot the Canada location, that does make things difficult. Sorry about the bum suggestion on the kibble.

The freeze dried option is a good one-- I know you can find treats in that form, and there may also be full meal formulations. I use one that is supposed to be rehydrated, but keep it dried, as an occasional treat/texture break from the wet food (it's too hideously expensive to use as a main food anyway!). The brand is Stella+Chewy's, I'm pretty sure it's available in Canada.
 
Islandmomma said:
I'm Tammy!!
Click to expand...
Oh sure Tammy! Can't trust those Canadians with their beavers and canoes. They think they're so smart. Wait! I just came back from Timmys and I didn't have to look at the menu so that must mean.... I'm a Canadian too, eh! Well, it's just aboot time to go, better not forget my toque. Oh Canada, we stand on cars and freeze. My wife grew up in Cranbrook but now we're stuck here in Ontario (I feel the shame) not far from a "mountain".
 
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