U[quote=Alison Joy;3079759]I'm sorry you're having to go through some tummy issues with your kitty. I have been there and it can be a very frustrating and upsetting time for all involved -- cat and owner alike. But, I do think you and your vet are on the right track when considering introducing a bland diet to assist with gastrointestinal distress (whether it be vomiting, diarrhea, or the like).
The Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy diet your vet is suggesting is, in my experience, a solid option when dealing with a cat with stomach and intestinal issues. Veterinary diets, often times, do have ingredients that, for the most part, many try to avoid. However, the diet itself serves a purpose that overshadows the "less savory" ingredients. In many cases, the veterinary diet's benefit overshadows its risk. And, risk, in this case, is the addition of corn gluten and wheat gluten products in the food.
I work in a veterinary clinic and the vets that I work for very frequently suggest this Royal Canin food as well as the Hill's I/D food for cats that are suffering from gastrointestinal issues. Many of our clients question the food -- just as you're doing here. And, in almost all instances, the vet does state that the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. I am the first to agree that the ingredients are not the best. But, while I don't have a cat on this particular food at this time, I have used it and I also have a cat with allergies on the Royal Canin Hypoallergenic diet. I don't love the ingredients, but my cat no longer has painful, itchy lesions all over his body. So, for him, I don't care so much about the ingredients as I do that he is happy and healthy.
Since you do have concerns, I would suggest discussing things with your veterinarian. There may be other options out there. And, perhaps, this may not be the best option for you. But, I would urge you to set aside your preconceived notions about this food in favor of looking at what it can bring to the table -- for both you and your kitty. I'm not gung ho on veterinary diets and think that there are times where they are overused. However, if it is something that can help, even for a short time, then I do believe that prescription diets serve a very important purpose. I know having my cats on these diets, when necessary, has been a God-send. And, I've seen the same improvement in many other pets through my work. But, please, don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with your vet. And, most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions.
I know switching from a high quality food to a prescription diet can be off-putting in the sense that many veterinary diets do contain items that we, as a general rule, may try to avoid. But, remember, these foods are available for a reason and they do offer benefits. So, in that end, I would remind you to keep an open mind and begin a dialogue with your vet. Regardless of the end result, good luck and please keep us updated on how both you and your kitty are doing[quote]
I second this opinion. Im not a huge fan of rx foods but feed it until the problem resolves and meanwhile, find a food that agrees with your cat's tummy. It may result in a lot of trial and error and you might end up feeding an rx food anyway but if you are adamant about not feeding rx foods, this is what you'll have to do. Talk to your vet though.
Alison Joy, maybe you can provide some insight on something I've been wondering about with respect to the new gastro foods. I don't understand why there is no canned formulas for cats in the moderate calorie or low fat types. Also there is no moderate calorie canned for dogs. Would you know why this is? No one knows at my clinic. I would bet that the majority of indoor cats that we see are overweight and seeing as canned is the preferred diet for cats, why wouldn't they make the two varieties in canned?
