Diet Question

[erika1228]

I have two non-diabetic cats who need to lose weight. I came here because several years ago I had a FD and everyone was so helpful so please bear with me for asking a question unrelated to diabetes. We have gotten rid of all the dry food and the cats are getting 6 ounces of wet food each as I thought that was a good starting point (approved varieties low of carb is what they are getting). But they are walking around like they are starving! We are talking meowing for food - BEGGING. They are used to being grazers with dry food available all day and 1.5 ounces of wet in the am. Are they in fact that hungry or are they simply going through kibble withdrawal? Should I give them more wet food? But wont that defeat the purpose of putting them on healthier diet to combat the weight? Any help or sharing of similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Erika

 

[Blue]

It depends what wet food you are feeding them and how many calories are in that 6oz of food.
Look up the food on Dr. Lisa's new food list and see if you are feeding enough calories for your cats.

How are you feeding the food.... in two meals or are you splitting up the food through the day. If you spread the food through the day they may be OK. You can also add water to the food to give them the feeling of being full.

 

[BJM]

Cat Info has some calorie calculations you can use to estimate what you should feed.

Go slowly enough that fat breakdown doesn't overwhelm the liver and result in hepatic lipidosis!

How much does each cat weigh?

How much does each cat need to lose?

Small spaced meals, or freezing part of a meal to thaw helps keep the cat from getting too hungry.

Food quality makes a difference - By-products seem to break down faster and leave the cat hungry sooner (ex Friskies Turkey & Giblet vs Wellness Turkey & Giblet).

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

You might also consider getting them some freeze dried treats ...or boil a chicken thigh for them...
many of us give a snack in between meals and that can help bridge the gaps between meals....
just stay away from the common cat treats, they are even worse than dry cat food.

my 16 lb cat is eating 2 - 2 1/2 small (3 oz ) cans /day and not gaining or losing weight.

 

[erika1228]

One of them needs to lose 3 pounds (13 lb cat) and the other needs to lose 4-5 pounds (16 lb cat). All they are getting is the approved Fancy Feast Varieties.

 

[KPassa]

If you're not already doing it, I might suggest mixing in water with the wet food. This stretches the food out longer and fills the cat's belly up with water instead of extra calories. Since cats get most of their water from their food, keeping them well-hydrated makes them not as "hungry" when in reality they're actually just thirsty.

You can also free-feed them wet food if you think numerous, smaller meals throughout the day might help. Adding water also helps with this as it prevents it from drying out too fast and going bad. Some people even freeze the food to help it last if they're going to be gone a long time. There are also timed compartmental feeders that you can use.