indeed, questions from me

So, story on my cats. we have three, two mine and one my roommate's.
Galen - siamese/russian blue mix that has grain allergies
Marcus - bombay mix that has a history of struvite crystals
James - fat orange man

currently, they are on:
-Natural balance alpha chicken/turkey/duck dry
-various and sundry grain-free canned foods (mostly Marcus eats this, as James doesn't like wet food, Galen won't eat most kinds, and it is super important Marcus gets wet food 'cause of the struvite)

Now, I want to switch their dry food to something better, 'cause Marcus was blocked on NB green pea and duck. they eat alpha basically 'cause it has chicken and duck, and also because two of us are employees and get 30% off. But I am still paranoid about feeding them this food. So, what dry food best suits these cats? I know wet food is ideal and raw diet even more ideal, but James doesn't eat wet food, and Galen won't eat anything that is in pate form. It has to be shredded or they won't touch it.

Mostly the wet food they get is BFF or tiki cat, since that suits Galen. Marcus will eat anything but I try to keep him mostly on the wet with only a little dry.

So what dry food should these dudes get? I am thinking Evo but I'm not sure. Also, what are the best wet foods I can give the Marcus?

thanks ^_^

The Tiki Cat can be kind of chunky for the non wet lovers one of my cats won't eat it too much either. Some she likes, some she doesn't - it's a bit "too real" for her tastes! Mine also all prefer the more shredded textures.
If you are feeding the B.F.F. already, why not step up and feed the WERUVA, they are made by the same company? I'm sure people on here are sick and tired of me touting the Weruva line! But really I'm a fan of it (for now!). My cats love it and it's hard to please a house of 3. It's not exactly on the cheap end of the scale, but I feel good about them eating it and that's more important to me. You may find your picky guys likes it as it has more flavor variety and some with no fish - that may be your issue Tiki (mostly) and B.F.F (I think) all have a fish ingredient in them.

As far as dry food there are several options - there are some dry food forums going. Check out the Orijen!! It's my #1 choice for several reasons.

http://championpetfood.com/

Take the time to read through the literature - it's a lot, I know. But it WILL answer a lot of your questions!!! Many people are leery of the protein content etc - most of that is myth though. When you've had a male with crystals etc. most vets want you on the RX diets but a lot of times that's a sales thing and it's not necessary. Talk to your vet and do your research. Look at the food info and make a choice you feel comfortable with - see how your cat responds.

I mash up the tiki cat for Galen and add water, he eats it that way. Same with the BFF. I've heard weruva is awesome, but no one near me carries it. I did manage to find it once and gave them a can of the chicken and it was well-received, so if I find it again, I'll do that. I give them a variety of wet food. Often I feed Soulistic because it's affordable and really wet and shredded.

The problem is Galen is a tuna addict. He sniffs anything beef, then walks away. He licks turkey then walks away. He'll take a few bites of chicken and then leave. Marcus (my struvite kitty) will eat anything so that's not really a problem. Flavor isn't a problem with him. But Galen won't eat anything but fish :\\ is there anything that can remedy that?

yeah I want to find a new vet, because after Marcus was in there for the crystals, the vet never once told me that feeding them wet food will help and is an ideal diet. All she did was give me prescription dry food and said "oh feed them this" and after he went off the S/D, she said "oh feed them both sensitive skin science diet formula, galen will stop itching on that." the fact that she never once mentioned the importance of wet food made me go...ehh...so I'm searching for a new vet right now.

I bought a bag of evo to see if they like that. I will go on a quest for orijen (that's another one I haven't seen around my area) and try that as well, and of course do some reading.

I work at a pet store, hence the Natural Balance (we get discount on it! woo hoo!) but...I really want to feed my cats the best, and we don't carry what "the best" is. sigh.
(though we do carry wellness core, but I read reports of cats getting crystals on wellness)

Originally Posted by doctorprilicla

I am thinking Evo but I'm not sure. Also, what are the best wet foods I can give the Marcus?

thanks ^_^

Click to expand...

In my opinion Chicken and Turkey dry food by EVO is the best! It works very well for my F3 Savannah. It also would do well for the domestics if they would eat it more .

Again just my .

You may want to consider getting a water fountain to generate interest in them drinking more water. Can't hurt. Mine love it! I have a regular old drink well right now. But the pump is making funny noises Had it about a year and I'm leery about it being plastic now. There is a guy who makes some BEAUTIFUL had thrown ceramic ones that I may get! Cost is nearly the same and you can replace all the parts.


http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatFountains?view_type=gallery

As far as the Orijen goes - it's only in smaller pet food shops - no big chains. The site will give you a "where can I buy" look up so that may be helpful if you decide to feed it. I don't have any experience with the EVO - Have you looked up Evangers? My pet food store lady recommends that and I trust her opinion.