Dry Food Addict transitioning to Wet Food

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StefO

Member Since 2017
We are almost one week into Garth's insulin treatment. Trying to transition this little dry food addict to a controlled wet food diet.

He used to be 15lbs and was being fed 3x daily, Merrick Senior Dry Food. After losing some weight, he is about 11 lbs (which I had attributed to the dog and not disease :(), we began free-feeding him his dry food. After doing research and thinking he probably had diabetes, we introduced him to wet food majority diet. I have been giving him a can of Soulistic (Polynesian Picnic or Upstream Dream) before his insulin shots. Throughout the day, he is crying non-stop for food, running into the two areas where he knows he will get fed. Earlier in the week, I was giving him handfuls of his dry food during the day. However, I am trying to quit but get nervous about his hunger. Although, I can honestly say he was a beggar before his weight loss and diagnosis, so this all seems pretty "normal" for him.

A few mornings ago, I found clear vomit around 6:30am. So I gave him a handful of kibble. Last night, I ran out of the Soulistic food and bought FF Classic. I again, felt bad for him and gave him half of a can around midnight, which he immediately vomited. It was also beef, something he almost never eats. I froze the other portion and gave it to him around noon today, which he went crazy for. I took it away about half way because I was concerned about his little tongue on that frozen cat food, but no vomit. We are having no problems with him eating the wet food. I just get concerned when he is crying that he is not getting enough calories.

He is due back for his first glucose curve on 6/12. Until then, not entirely sure how to manage his diet (also, vet recommeded RC Glyco dry only...which I am opposed to) I am considering getting a meter asap, so I can hopefully learn how to manage at home.

Any insight is so appreciated! Thanks so much!
 
I am considering getting a meter asap, so I can hopefully learn how to manage at home.
Please DO get a meter, ASAP. It's the ONLY way to make sure your kitty stays safe, especially during a transition from dry food to wet.

You are right to be opposed to the dry food your vet recommends; cats with FD need a wet/canned diet with less than 10% carbs. HERE is a link to the food chart a lot of us use. Fancy Feast Classic is fine.

Most cats seem to do better with several smaller meals throughout the day, rather than one or two larger meals. And if he is underweight and hungry, go ahead and feed him when he begs, it won't hurt him. Cats with FD lose weight because the disease keeps them from properly metabolizing their food, so they are, literally, starving, hence the weight loss.

The clear vomit in the AM is probably from an overabundance of stomach acid. It's not uncommon. If it continues, it might be a good idea to feed him a little earlier, or leave him some food for a midnight snack.
 
I would definitely try giving him a "snack" between the 12 hour meals to try and help the stomach acidity first. If that doesn't help much there are three more acceptable dry foods for diabetic kitties. If you'd like I can calculate an estimated calorie intact for Garth, just let me know the weight you are aiming to get him at or one the Vet would prefer to see him :). My boy lost 8lbs in about 8 months, not all immediately from diabetes, I started him on a diet last year because 18lbs was a little too much for him. He did lose about 5lbs faster, a few months before I suspected an issue. In the past 6 months, he has put back on about 3 lbs and I'm aiming to keep him where he is now :)
 
Wow! Thank you so much! I would be very appreciative of calorie estimate. Right now, he weighs 10.8lbs and that is down 5lbs since December. I am not certain if it is all from the diabetes as I also had him on a restricted diet for about a year as well.

I just bought a BG system, the OneTouch Ultra 2. Thanks so much.

I would definitely try giving him a "snack" between the 12 hour meals to try and help the stomach acidity first. If that doesn't help much there are three more acceptable dry foods for diabetic kitties. If you'd like I can calculate an estimated calorie intact for Garth, just let me know the weight you are aiming to get him at or one the Vet would prefer to see him :). My boy lost 8lbs in about 8 months, not all immediately from diabetes, I started him on a diet last year because 18lbs was a little too much for him. He did lose about 5lbs faster, a few months before I suspected an issue. In the past 6 months, he has put back on about 3 lbs and I'm aiming to keep him where he is now :)
 
Wow! Thank you so much! I would be very appreciative of calorie estimate. Right now, he weighs 10.8lbs and that is down 5lbs since December. I am not certain if it is all from the diabetes as I also had him on a restricted diet for about a year as well.

I just bought a BG system, the OneTouch Ultra 2. Thanks so much.
I forgot to mention that the vet never gave me an ideal weight but was shocked my 5lb weight loss. I'd like to see 2-3lbs, I think. He was a pretty solid cat.
 
Ok so I estimated a caloric intake aiming to get him about 12.5lbs. It does take time and getting his BG under control will help his body absorb nutrients properly again. To clarify, under control doesn't necessarily mean regulated but you're not leaving him without insulin etc, which is uncontrolled :). Aim for about 216 calories per day and divide that by how many meals or feedings he gets through a day. Just like the rest of the sugar dance, getting some weight back on them can take time too :bighug:. Did you need any virtual help learning how to test Garth?:cat:
 
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