Friskies Special Diet canned cat food no longer available...

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@BWR, i wondered the same thing; could the pressure of social media be brought to bear... I don't have a twitter account, but can we try leaving comments on their FB page as well? I have, and I've seen a number of others also, quite unhappy with their decision. Purina continuously responds with "It was a difficult decision but needed to be made. Private message us for other recommendations", which are no doubt more expensive, and less healthy. So frustrating...
 
I commented on their Facebook page (I don't have a twitter account either). Apparently, the diet they're pushing is the Purina UR (of course at double the price for half the can size - no wonder they don't want to make that recommendation publicly)!! While the carb and phosphorus levels in it are acceptable, it's listed as actively increasing urine output, which is the very last thing either a diabetic cat or one with kidney problems needs!
 
manxcat419 said:
I commented on their Facebook page (I don't have a twitter account either). Apparently, the diet they're pushing is the Purina UR (of course at double the price for half the can size - no wonder they don't want to make that recommendation publicly)!! While the carb and phosphorus levels in it are acceptable, it's listed as actively increasing urine output, which is the very last thing either a diabetic cat or one with kidney problems needs!
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SMH. I will say, they seem to have gotten a lot of feedback about the discontinuation, people are not happy. However, I doubt they'll reverse course now. Damn, We're squeezed so hard as it is with all the extra costs of caring for these special needs kitties. And now Mark's Marine in CA is out of stock of Lantus, for an undetermined length of time.
 
Thanks for the replies!

Twitter is the #1 social platform to "force change"...Facebook posts are good, too...but, Twitter is the monster on the side of the consumer.

So, if you really care about trying to change Purina's course on this, and you don't have a Twitter account, CREATE ONE...as that's no excuse...it only takes 2-3 minutes...unless you really don't care, and you're happy to pay 3-4 times for a similar product and quantity.

Viral twitter posts has forced many companies to do an "about-face" after a hoard of people have objected to their position on something.

One of the main reasons I'd like to see Purina reverse course is I've had 2 males over the last 25 years, and both "plugged up" after eating Friskies regular canned and dry foods...which both cost my over $1500 to have the Vet save...but, once on Special Diet, one lived for 12 more years (to 18) and the other, still with me, has lived healthfully for 2 more years, so far and he's going strong.

C'mon, let's all attacked this head-on on Twitter...it may turn the tide in our favor! #FriskiesSpecialDiet!!!
 
I have a twitter account that I access with email.... I'm trying to figure out how to post... what to post.....
I don't have a fancy phone and I really don't know what I'm doing.....:rolleyes:
 
You don't need a smart-phone to post on twitter, you just need internet access and a twitter account (which is free).

Here's what I posted on twitter and you can feel free to use it:

Hey #CatLovers of #FriskiesSpecialDiet... Lets all tell #Purina that we need them to bring back #SpecialDiet #cat food. #DontLetUsDownPurina

Be sure to always put a "#" (hashtag) before "FriskiesSpecialDiet", before "Purina" and before "Cat"...like in my tweet above. That will help it go viral.
 
A note - put an @ before one of those Purina mentions instead of a # - then it will ping Purina's feed. Otherwise, they'll likely see it because they should be monitoring for all mentions of Purina. But they will definitely see it (unless they're completely social media incompetent) if there's an @. As will anyone who goes to their feed and looks at all their mentions. The hashtag doesn't serve the same purpose.
 
Stacia, You're 100% correct...thanks. I overlooked using the @Purina.

So, hey All, the tweet should be like this:

Hey #CatLovers of #FriskiesSpecialDiet... Lets all tell @Purina that we need them to bring back #SpecialDiet#cat food. #DontLetUsDownPurina

Be sure to always put a "#" (hashtag) before "FriskiesSpecialDiet", and before "Cat"...and an @ symbol before Purina like in my tweet above.

I just tweeted it...now we need everyone else to do the same!

That will help it go viral.
 
I sent a couple of tweets earlier w/ my own wording. I'd suggest everyone use #FrisikiesSpecialDiet and @Purina but it may have more impact to write your own tweet. I used:

Disappointed @Purina is discontinuing #FriskiesSpecialDiet - it's important for my diabetic/kidney-diseased #cat. Please bring it back!

(and)

C'mon, @Purina - how can you say no to this face? She needs her #FriskiesSpecialDiet! pic.twitter.com/HAzlgvhXxa

I've had several retweets and favorites from friends since sending, as well as several replies that copy @Purina asking what's going on and hoping the food will come back. Because everyone who knows me knows my Tasha-beast so they're all pulling for her.
 
I've been hitting the FB page; and there are several people petitioning for the return there; posting stories of many rescued kitties, and kitties who won't eat anything else, the company is responding, but always w/ 'pm us for recommendations of other products' which is invariably the new UR line, smaller cans, twice as expensive. They are now also saying they are passing along the comments to 'their team'...I got this response myself. I have commented on other folks posts in various places on the page, to keep it and in their face.
 
Purina has responded to my tweet. This was their response there:

"We'll let our team know you'd like to see this back on the market."

It's not much (similar to the FB response), but if we keep telling them we want it back, it could help.
 
Thanks to those tweeting using #FriskiesSpecialDiet and @Purina.

So far, I only see that Stacia, Jackie, Kim and myself have tweeted about this.

C'mon people if you want to get Purina to rethink this poor decision, we're going to need a lot more people tweeting...a LOT more!!!

(BTW, I'd bet that "Special Diet" outsold "Senior Diet", but they continue to produce it.)
 
This timing could not be worse. It is all my 4 year old will eat. Also just brought a new kitten home. Even though she just hears him, in separate room for awhile, she is having hissy fits and relates her lack of her food with him. If anyone find a tasty substitute please post. Have tried the Purina pro plan, but she is hit and miss with that.
 
I noticed that our Walmart here hasn't had it in over a month. However this morning while at Walmart they had it restocked!
 
just went to grocery store....
they had 31 cans of SD beef and chicken entree pate at 30 cents a can clearance.

I also still have 15 cans of SD salmon pate.... that were 60 cents each....

tax is 8%.

I have figured to put them in a flat rate postage box.... so that helps with the shipping.
 
HEY ALL!... After only 3 tweets using, #FriskiesSpecialDiet and @Purina in my tweets, Purina replied to me directly with this...

"Jul 08 @Purina We didn't mean to inconvenience you. Send us a private message on our Facebook page to talk more at https://www.facebook.com/purina."

So, PLEASE everyone that cares about them discontinuing Friskies Special Diet, post a message on the Purina Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/purina

If you want change, then you have to take action...and not just complain about it, then sit on your thumbs. C'Mon!!!

PLEASE HELP ALL OF US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
added to facebook page....
Really Disappointed with Purina for taking the Special Diet line away.... They are recommending Purina UR (of course at double the price for half the can size ) it's listed as actively increasing urine output, which is the very last thing either a diabetic cat or one with kidney problems needs! Food companies need to start listening to THEIR CUSTOMERS and give them what they ask for.....!!!!! We NEED food choices that don't cause health problems and have ingredients that are not good for kitties.... for example... spinach is bad for cats.... why are there so many foods with spinach added now....
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come comment with me..... find Lora Rhiannon Bristol-Cossey
 
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Just jumped into the Twitter war! Thanks for the instructions on how to post. I had no idea how the hashtag thing actually worked! Here's hoping!
 
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I only found out today about Purina discontinuing the special diet can foods. I have noticed it being in short supply in the local stores which carried it but didn't give it much thought until today. I was able to find all of the flavors on-line by shopping on three different supplier sites, so I bought up what I could afford. Then I sent Purina a message on facebook and they replied back in a few minutes with another of their products which I guess will be the replacement. Anyway, here is the link they sent me.
https://www.proplan.com/cats/produc...tract-health-formula-chicken-entree-in-gravy/ I hate that they only have one flavor of this.
 
And I hate that their replacement has gluten and corn starch. How much carb does it have?
 
rhiannon and shadow said:
added to facebook page....

come comment with me..... find Lora Rhiannon Bristol-Cossey
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Ha, I wondered if that was someone from LL!! I have been over there too, on a few pages.. they keep responding to me that "my comments will be forwarded to the Purina team" rah rah. I don't know, maybe if they get enough noise about it they will bring it back, but so far they're holding to the 'it was a difficult but necessary decision' to discontinue it... At least they should get an earful for a while so they know we're pissed!
 
Cat Ma said:
And I hate that their replacement has gluten and corn starch. How much carb does it have?
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yup, I pointed that out to them too. So it goes from bad to worse...smaller amount, twice the price, crappier ingredients. Perfect.

my comment:
wheat gluten and soy are both in the Pro plan, also not good for kitties. Cats are obligate carnivores, and should get their protein from meat, not plants. The special diet foods, especially the Turkey and Giblets variety, was low in phosphorus, low carb, relatively high protein and most importantly, AFFORDABLE for kitties w/ special needs, like kidney disease, diabetes and UTI issues. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reconsider discontinuing this product.
 
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I saw your comment over there! I wondered when I read it if that was someone from the board. :)
 
BWR said:
So, if you really care about trying to change Purina's course on this, and you don't have a Twitter account, CREATE ONE...as that's no excuse...it only takes 2-3 minutes...unless you really don't care, and you're happy to pay 3-4 times for a similar product and quantity.
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Will do so at the weekend. Just WAY too tired today...for various reasons, I got less than 3 hours sleep last night and just can't face doing anything this evening. I do know it's important and I will create an account just for this.
 
i think if we keep it going over a long period of time.... we'll have more luck.....
if we all jump on at once..... then it's a flash in the pan.....

you want to keep stoking this fire....
 
Any thoughts on Authority® Pate Adult Cat Food at Pet smart. It's on the List of food on 8% carbs but it has Brewer's Rice in the ingredients...is this safe guys?
 
@Gabriela Sousa
actually lots of the friskies have rice ....
if your cat is carb sensitive, you might want to avoid it.....
My cat was not carb sensitive.... she actually did better with a little carb....

pretty much, the goal is all the choices under 10% carbs....
so try it, see what influence it has.....
 
Thank you rhiannon and shadow....it is under 10% but i am hearing from a group on FB thats it is not recommended because of where Brewers Rice is listed in the ingredients...errrr
 
For those looking for a wet-food alternative to Special Diet here's what I found at Petco:

10-12¢ per ounce = Special Diet < Discontinued.

22-24¢ per ounce = Wellness "Complete Health" < This price in 12.5 oz can. 5 flavors. No grains.

32-35¢ per ounce = Purina Pro Plan. < 1-flavor only. Costs the most. Has Gluten & Corn Starch.

So, the "Wellness Complete Health" is double the price of Friskies, but its 1/3 less than Purina Pro Plan and it has 5 flavors.
 
Just a thought.... I too am totally taken back by the discontinuation of a great canned food. Since my cat is currently having dental issues at the moment, I've been feeding her the Purina One uti formula dry food that has been watered down. She's been on it for years to with no issues. Why couldn't I continue this indefinitely so she's still getting the uti formula in a moist setting.?
 
Purina is doing this so they can provide a more expensive alternative to the Special Diet product. I've been using this product for many years but refuse to buy their new alternative. If I'm going to pay more it will be with another company not one that wants to squeeze every last dime out of those who can least afford it... Boycott Purina/Friskies until they bring it back!!!
 
This is killing me.. My cats don't have diabetes but I still feed them low carb food. My Mom's cat DOES have diabetes and she has had him on the friskies special diet for a year now and now his levels have gone way down and they are taking him off the insulin, and she's afraid to switch foods but she has no choice! I have an email in to 9 lives...

Here's what I have found via chewy.com for prices.. next best thing from Fancy Feast is Best Feline Friend..
friskies - was 9 cents per oz
fancy feast is 16 cents per oz
Best Feline friend 2 carbs 18 cents per oz if bought in 10oz cans. or 22 cents in 5.5oz
purina pro plan focus adult urinary tract health is 2.5 carbs and 22 cents and oz (their formula that they claim is closest to the special diet is NOT low enough in carbs) this is their lowest carb formula.
Hounds and Gatos is 23 cents per oz
artemis .25 cents an oz
Wellnes 12.0z cans are .20cents per oz.
TIKI CAT in the 6 oz cans is .20 cents an oz
 
JohnZ said:
For now- switching to mostly 9 Lives Meaty Pate's and some Fancy Feast Classic ... for the low carbs... but they probably won't help with UTI.
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I used some 9 Lives & within a month my diabetic cat's levels went off the charts & now he's back to monthly testing. I have 9 cats (most elderly) & I've relied on Friskies Special Diet for years. I think we ALL need to contact Purina & voice our opposition!!
 
Hi All,
I'm new to this forum, but am having the same problems with getting Friskies special diet cat food...I called Purina today and asked them to send me all that they had in there warehouse...he agreed and to also send me coupons for thier new product. I am not on twitter or facebook but did call them 800-778-8864..you may have to wait 10-15 minutes to talk to someone, but if they get enough complaints via tweeter, facebook and calls, I'm hoping they will reconsider...the guy I spoke said they were getting many complaints...worth a try...amazon still has some white fish....ebay has nothing....
 
Psuemster said:
Any news? Did they just give you the usual run around... "It was a difficult decision blah blah blah...try this new expensive crap blah blah..."
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I got a reply from Purina.... "will forward your concerns to our team... " but I'm not expecting much success. Hopefully enough people will contact them. I'd hoped they would discontinue their Tasty Treasures and replace it with more flavors of Special Diet since none of my cats will eat TT (in fact the strays I feed won't even eat it!). Purina said there weren't enough sales of SD... the only reason that might make sense it because the shelves are usually empty so how can they profit when their customers can't buy it?
 
Richstanley said:
Purina is doing this so they can provide a more expensive alternative to the Special Diet product. I've been using this product for many years but refuse to buy their new alternative. If I'm going to pay more it will be with another company not one that wants to squeeze every last dime out of those who can least afford it... Boycott Purina/Friskies until they bring it back!!!
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I've posted on purina.com & their Facebook page that I've been feeding my 9 cats Special Diet for years & spend $100.00+ a month on it but rather than purchase their "alternative" I will buy another brand. Most of my cats are elderly with health issues, including one diabetic, so I'd much rather stay with the Special Diet since it's been working for them.
 
I do believe it's important to not only tell Purina that we want Special Diet back, but that we will refuse to buy any Purina products in the future. I don't believe for one second the "poor sales" nonsense. My local grocery store was sold out of it on a regular basis, and based on all of the posts I've been reading, it sounds like that was happening all over the country. If Purina gets a large number of threats to go to another company, that may make them reconsider.
 
I saw the shelves emptying here in Phoenix about six months ago of the Special Diet. The store managers had no idea why they were not getting their orders filled so I think even the stores were perplexed. I knew something was up. Anyway, I did contact Friskies recently as well and shared with them how much I am going to miss SD T&D and that I will not be purchasing their replacement. He has done so well on Special Diet T&G these last couple of years. However, since I had to switch to another product, Merlin is doing well. It seems that since I switched to Wellness Turkey Grain Free, his numbers have improved.
 
I also buy Purina chow for urinary tract...I hope they don't discontinue that also...I will look at wellness...my problem is for my 12 year old male who has uti in the past,,,special diet was a god sent he has done so well...I don't know what else to feed him.... any other suggestions are welcome.....
 
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KJO said:
I do believe it's important to not only tell Purina that we want Special Diet back, but that we will refuse to buy any Purina products in the future. I don't believe for one second the "poor sales" nonsense. My local grocery store was sold out of it on a regular basis, and based on all of the posts I've been reading, it sounds like that was happening all over the country. If Purina gets a large number of threats to go to another company, that may make them reconsider.
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I've posted to purina.com, purina's Facebook page and called them yesterday. I said I was extremely disappointed with this decision. I mentioned Special Diet was always out of stock so if they'd provided enough product they would've made their profit. My stores had to make room for Tasty Treasures which makes my cats sick and the strays won't even eat it. I suggested they add to the Special Diet selection and get rid of Tasty Treasures. They made suggestions to more expensive food but I said I've been spending over $100.00 a month on Special Diet and other Purina products but will not purchase anything from them in the future unless they change this decision.
 
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KJO said:
I do believe it's important to not only tell Purina that we want Special Diet back, but that we will refuse to buy any Purina products in the future. I don't believe for one second the "poor sales" nonsense. My local grocery store was sold out of it on a regular basis, and based on all of the posts I've been reading, it sounds like that was happening all over the country. If Purina gets a large number of threats to go to another company, that may make them reconsider.
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I agree wholeheartedly.

I'm no social media expert but I have some idea of the principles.

As well as asking for support from Purina customers who buy the Special Diet Flavours, why not ask for support from ALL Purina customers by running a #BoycottPurina type campaign. You could maybe create a short post on Facebook and maybe set up a simple website petition telling all Purina customers why the food matters so much to cats with diabetic/CKD/urinary problems and how it will affect kitties' health if they discontinue it. Then you could ask all Purina customers to support the campaign by boycotting the whole general range of Purina foods until they agree to reconsider their decision. The Twitter campaign could then include a link to the web page or Facebook post to tell people where to find out why the food is so important to kitties' health and wellbeing (and ladle on thick just how nigh on impossible it is to find foods that help them).

Just my two penn'orth.
 
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