Food in Canada

[Oscar & Mom Sheila]

I found an article on the FDMB that talked about the Canadian foods being available as varieties of Performatrin (Pet Valu), President's Choice and Boreal. Presently Oscar is on Boreal's Lamb & Beef which is 10% protein and about 1% carbs. I notice the other brands listed have higher protien counts as well as higher carbs. Input please but ONLY related to these particular options.

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

Not sure if this Cdn. food document, put together by one of our members after some extensive investigation, is the "article" you are referring to or not. Unfortunately it just notes the Boreal brand but has no details. I believe Boreal is indeed one of the lowest carb foods available here. I'm not sure exactly what you are asking. If this is the document you are referring to, the protein amounts listed are % calories from protein and "as fed" values rather than the guaranteed analysis off the label. To get really accurate values, you need the "as fed" protein, fat, fibre, moisture and ash as opposed to the guaranteed analysis. You can contact Boreal directly to ask for "as fed" values. Some companies are great at providing that information and others just won't. Hope this helps.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

Using an on-line carb counter:

http://fnae.org/carbcalorie.html

The Boreal Lamb & Beef does indeed seem to be very low/no carb. The PC pates also seem to be a lower carb but not as low as the Boreal. I have never checked the Performatrin out. Often different "flavours" within a specific brand can have higher carb contents. Also it is good to regularly check the labels on the food you are using, since manufacturer's can change their formulas without notice. Although I make my own food, I am very impressed with the Boreal Lamb & Beef and will probably pick up a few for when my one kitty gets picky about eating her regular food.

 

[Oscar & Mom Sheila]

The document you are referring to & the one I'm eluding to are indeed one & the same. The PC and Performatrin foods have higher protein (along with a bit higher carbs). Boreal has 10% protein but the others are up in the 30s. Which would be best for a diabetic cat?

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

I just checked the label guaranteed info for Boreal and PC Meaty Chicken and both are 10% protein. The list you are looking at is using "As Fed" values which will not be exactly the same as guaranteed analysis values in most cases. I think you are looking at the column "C" where it is giving you the % of calories from protein in the food. If you look at column "J" ,the "Typical" or as fed values and compare those to the Boreal, they are much closer. I don't think you need to be worry about the small differences there and would feed what kitty likes and will eat. It's the carbs we are really concerned with rather than the protein for our diabetics unless of course kitty has other health issues that might be affected by the protein levels consumed i.e. kidney disease.