Another Thread About Tuna

merlynn's mom

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Okay, so I see there were two threads posted today about the 9Lives Tuna...so I thought I'd post one about the Solid Gold tuna b/c I've been questioning the use of it lately.

My cats absolutely love this food. They pretty much snub any other wet. And believe me I've tried pretty much all the premium brands with the exception of the one with any dairy b/c of the lactose intolerant lady.

I have read many things about variety and seafood addiction and I am trying to get them out of the tuna rut, but they really won't eat much of anything else.

For example: They were eating 6 oz each, give or take, per day. Now, with Merrick Turkey or Chicken concoctions or Solid Gold Chicken/Turkey or Cal Natural chicken and rice, they MAY eat 6 oz between both of them. Pico will always eat a little more b/c he's less picky than little stubborn Merlynn. But they're still not eating very much so I gave them a little crunchy Cal Natural chicken and rice - 1/2 cup for both. Today, Merlynn ate maybe one bite, so I didn't leave them with any crunchies to see if she'll eat a little more later.

I guess my question is: Is it better for them to eat the Solid Gold tuna b/c it's canned and they like it and they do fine on it....OR....is it better to offer variety, even though they eat less canned, and supplement with dry????

This food thing is quite confusing. Thanks again to all those who continue to help me in my quest to understand this little royal felines!!
 

beandip

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Hmm given the choices, I would pick the difficult one you didn't want me to say.
I would try being as stubborn as they are and pushing for some variety in the wet, or at least getting them "hooked" on something less fishy. I know it's frustrating, I've been there.

You've probably already tried just sneaking some other wet into the SG tuna, huh?

Is any of the wellness an option...there are 3 meat/fish blends - maybe a compromise?

Any of the slightly fishy Merricks? Any more enthusiasm?

I guess what I'm saying is, I would try to find something that was part fish part poultry...just compromise that way.
 
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merlynn's mom

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Hmm....those are interesting options I did not consider. I guess I was trying to get them completely off fish. And those sneaky guys, I did try mixing a little of the tuna into the new foods and they didn't buy it.


They did seem to like the Solid Gold Chick/Turkey a little more than the others (guess cuz it does have fish in it). And the Cal Nat Chick/Rice wasn't a total bomb.

I tried Wellness before and they were okay with it but the garlic in them gives Merlynn some soft poopies.


At the store I buy the food at, they only had the really small cans of the fishy mix Merricks. I'll see if I can find those elsewhere.

Thank you so much Beandip! That was great help.
 

beandip

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It's worth a try. I would say if they aren't having problems with the fish then it would be ok to just compromise at this point.


I looked at the Merrick's again and I guess there are only 2 that are "sorta fishy" - the Southern Delight and the Surf and Turf. Surf/Turf has beef - I don't know if they do OK with beef or not. Some cats don't like it...that's what I've heard anyway. Mine seem ok with it.
 
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merlynn's mom

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Yeah, why not!? I don't know if they like beef or not. Seems that Merlynn DOES NOT like turkey, canned anywa.


There's also Ocean Breeze. The first few ingredients are: Sardine, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Whitefish, Lobster, Crab, Shrimp.

Is that too much fishy stuff?

Thanks again Beandip.
 

beandip

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Originally Posted by merlynn's mom

Yeah, why not!? I don't know if they like beef or not. Seems that Merlynn DOES NOT like turkey, canned anywa.


There's also Ocean Breeze. The first few ingredients are: Sardine, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Whitefish, Lobster, Crab, Shrimp.

Is that too much fishy stuff?

Thanks again Beandip.
I guess I passed that one up since the sardines outweighed the chicken - but I'd say it's fine. It's a step away from straight fish.
They ought to love that one, it's good and stinky.


Some of mine act funny about Turkey too, just depends on the brand, their mood, and the phase of the moon. Crazy cats.
 

beandip

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I had another thought. The newest Wellness canned flavor - Beef and Salmon - doesn't have garlic. I don't know why...because every other flavor does. Maybe it's a test of some sort.
 

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I think that if the cats like the food and they're happy and healthy, don't switch. It seems like there's really no problem.
 

sharky

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Originally Posted by emmylou

I think that if the cats like the food and they're happy and healthy, don't switch. It seems like there's really no problem.
I agree outside a recall ... if it works dont fix it
 

misty8723

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Originally Posted by emmylou

I think that if the cats like the food and they're happy and healthy, don't switch. It seems like there's really no problem.
But are there potential problems that might come up down the road with long time use of fish?
 
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merlynn's mom

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Originally Posted by emmylou

I think that if the cats like the food and they're happy and healthy, don't switch. It seems like there's really no problem.
Yeah, no problems so far anyway...I just was reading about the tuna addiction, high ash levels, and they even say for humans, that too much tuna is not good b/c of the mercury levels...so it got me thinking that perhaps they should stay away from it. But it is a complete diet...and it's not just the tuna out of a can


I did find that they enjoyed the Merrick Surf & Turf last night...and I realized that they do not like turkey OR liver...dang kits! hahahahaha.


So if you think the tuna thing's not a problem, then perhaps I can rotate the tuna and the surf & turf. I just want what's best for them and I don't want to create a problem down the road by just giving in to their crazy drug/tuna addiction.


{SIGH}
 

empire

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My himmie would eat nothing but fish, but I heard its not so good to give them tons of fish foods so he gets other meats.
 

sharky

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Fish since it is processed cartilage( ie fish bone) and all meat togther it has higher ca and phos than say chn since it ie deboned or has minimal bone when the muscle meat is processed... The ash ( total mineral is higher in fish) plus higher ca and phos and mag ... it can = UTI issues
 

cmoc

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Dillon was diagnosed with kidney probs at the age of 12, he is now 19. I have given him tuna every day in that time (but only half a tiny tin at night, it is what I need to add his liquid paraffin to to make him go to the loo). He loves it.
Chris
 

moggiegirl

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It's the smell of tuna rather than the taste that they're addicted to. Cats don't have very strong taste buds compared to humans. Try temporarily pouring tuna water over a more nutritious wet food and then gradually reduce the tuna juice. That's how I got my Rosie eating raw when I first started out. Now she doesn't even need the tuna juice. I use liver powder instead.
 

bonnie1965

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Originally Posted by moggiegirl

It's the smell of tuna rather than the taste that they're addicted to. Cats don't have very strong taste buds compared to humans. Try temporarily pouring tuna water over a more nutritious wet food and then gradually reduce the tuna juice. That's how I got my Rosie eating raw when I first started out. Now she doesn't even need the tuna juice. I use liver powder instead.
This is interesting. Sebastian just loves the water from the tuna can. If I try to give him the flaked tuna I eat, he'll nibble but it isn't love. I wonder if that is why the Meow Mix pouches are such a big hit with him due to the fishy liquid? I may be able to be sneaky and try your way
to get him to eat other foods.
 
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