Evo dry food causing foul odors!

My 9 month old ragdoll has been on Innova Evo dry for about the past 3 month. In the beginning, there was a lot of black loose stool and diarrhea even though I did a 2 week gradual change over. After about 4-5 weeks her poop was back to a normal firmness, but it is still black and smelly...really smelly.

I originally feed her Nutro Natural Kitten, then switched to Blue Buffalo Spa Kitten which both agreed with her digestive system (no stink) but made the decision to feed her a top quality grain free diet.

Going back to a grain/gluten food seems wrong but is it possible my kitten is just not "built" for Evo or such a high protein diet?

Sharky is the resident food guru around here, but I can say that after EVO changed their formula [last fall] I had to stop feeding it to my cats. They were super smelly and had episodes of diarrhea. I have had success with other grain free dry foods though. When I first switched from EVO he was eating Taste of the Wild and did fine. I eventually switched to Nature's Variety Instinct, which he is doing very well on.

And welcome to TCS!

Try adding a probiotic like acidoupholous to the food. That should helpo clear up these issues

I'll give the acidoupholous a try.

I'm not sure if I've seen Instinct around here yet. I was thinking of trying these two which I know I can get locally:

Wellness Kitten Health
Natural Balance Green Pea and Duck Cat Food

What do you think?

I would opt for the Natural Balance before the Wellness Kitten as it is a grain-free. You might also consider Wellness Core instead of the kitten formula, but Core can be a little pricey in comparison with other grain-free options.

Originally Posted by whiteforest

I would opt for the Natural Balance before the Wellness Kitten as it is a grain-free. You might also consider Wellness Core instead of the kitten formula, but Core can be a little pricey in comparison with other grain-free options.

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a additional probiotic may also help

I thought I'd give everyone an update. I know a grain free is the best alternative to raw feeding but I was still concerned about the high protein levels. So in the end, I'm assamed to amdmit I went with Wellness Kitten.

At least it is Soy, Gluten & Corn free. Anyways, her digestive system seems to be back to normal in all ways, so I'm relieved

I only bought a 3lb bag so maybe when I'm low, I try to ease her back into a grain-free kibble such as Wellness Core or Nature's Variety Instinct, etc.

As for the acidoupholous, I never gave that I try. Is that something I should just give on a regular basis or only when there's a GI issue?

Do not be ashamed ... My thought is buy the best you can afford , kitty will eat and does best on ... If that is a grain containg food so be it

I use it several times a week ... IMHO you would give it for 8-12 weeks and then try to reduce it if you want... it is safe for every meal use

If grain free just doesn't work for her, then there is no shame using a food with grains. I use food with grains and my kitties are just fine. You have to feed what works the best for YOUR cat. And wellness is a great food!