Food Allergy?

[Fluffles]

Hello,
I joined this group years ago and had such wonderful success! Fluffles has been in remission for years controlled by diet. He has been on a diet of fancy feast chicken pate for years however he has been over grooming and licking the fur off his belly, inner thighs and strips on his front legs. No visible rash or sores. I believe this could either be food allergies or an unknown stressor causing his over grooming. This group was vastly more knowledgeable and helpful than my vet when treating his diabetes. So, my question is, if I want to try a different food to see if it has an effect on the over grooming can you suggest a new food to try that won’t break the bank? Or could I just switch to another type fancy feast pate that will be low carb to continue to control the diabetes?

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I think most folks would recommend you try a nov protein so a protein he’s never had before. Usually that means something like pig or duck or rabbit or even venison and FF doesn’t make those. But you could try beef or turkey if he’s never had either. I’d stay away from seafood.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Add to the list lamb and kangaroo as proteins you can get in cans. For my girl, I made her food with meat I got from either the raw pet food store, or an exotic meat butcher, then added a premix for cats to make a complete meal. Neko also got buffalo and elk. Making my own was more cost effective than buying, and didn't take a lot of time. I'd make a batch of cat food for two cats every couple weeks, and toss it in the freezer.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I would stay away from poultry and beef. They are common allergens for cats. I use ZiwiPeak -- they make a canned venison and a rabbit and lamb that are low in carbs.

I'd also check with your vet. It's possible that this is an environmental allergy that a medication could help.