What do I feed my senior cat?

I'm at a loss as to what wet food to feed my cat. He's been through kidney failure before, so I'd like something with a high water content. He's also overweight, but I'm not as concerned about that as I am about his kidneys. He's had Fancy Feast in the past, and currently eats Science Diet. Even though I read the label and saw no by-products, everyone is telling me it's a horrible pet food. So now I'm switching! Any ideas? He eats K/D dry food.

xthoroughbred said:

I'm at a loss as to what wet food to feed my cat. He's been through kidney failure before, so I'd like something with a high water content. He's also overweight, but I'm not as concerned about that as I am about his kidneys. He's had Fancy Feast in the past, and currently eats Science Diet. Even though I read the label and saw no by-products, everyone is telling me it's a horrible pet food. So now I'm switching! Any ideas? He eats K/D dry food.

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Since he is a kidney failure kitty and Senior... IMHO I would be discussing this with the vet. By the way: Science diet is not the same as Hills prescription - K/D is a prescription food - it is designed to keep your kitty healthy, and his kidneys working at an optimum level. I would not switch it - this is his treatment. Do be careful.... this might be what is keeping him out of trouble.... Please discuss this with his vet, as he is the one who has your kitty's history, has seen him in person, etc.
But always keep in mind - although the same manufacturer - Hills Prescription and Science Diet are not the same thing. Hills Prescription DO work for what they are intended - and have indeed saved many lives. :nod:
I understand your concerns with the water intake - have you considered K/D wet? A water fountain?
Just be aware of the theories out there..... if your kitty is doing well (I read on your post "He's been through kidney failure before") which makes me think this diet is indeed working...... I would be very very careful in changing..... Kitties are so so sensitive.... I would not change a winning team - especially when dealing with Kidney disease in an elderly kitty....
Just my opinion FWIW

Thanks for your reply.

I understand that the Hills is different from Science Diet, and definitely won't be taking him off the K/D. Sorry if it sounded that way. He loves the stuff! He doesn't like it in canned form, however, so that's why I'm searching for a different type. I'll be discussing this with my vet tonight, though. It's just so hard to find a food for overweight, kidney kitties!

xthoroughbred said:

Thanks for your reply.

I understand that the Hills is different from Science Diet, and definitely won't be taking him off the K/D. Sorry if it sounded that way. He loves the stuff! He doesn't like it in canned form, however, so that's why I'm searching for a different type. I'll be discussing this with my vet tonight, though. It's just so hard to find a food for overweight, kidney kitties!

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Rather than changing the food, I would slightly reduce the quantity.... In my experience, bags tend to advice over-feeding by a bunch IMHO....
But do that very slowly so you don't risk liver disease..... I think that would be a safer route..... IMO..... Just feed him a liiiiiiitle less.....

Here is a link that details the amount of protein, carbs, phosph, etc. in canned food.  It's older, but the most recent I can find.

http://binkyspage.tripod.com/CanFoodNew.html

There are also K/D wet foods available, most of them by prescription, as your dry food probably is.

Is he doing well on the Fancy Feast?  If so, then that is what matters most.  If he isn't doing well (oily or rough coat, dullness in the eyes, digestive issue, etc.), then you might consider picking one low in phosphorus (http://www.felinecrf.org/canned_food_usa.htm#canned_usa).  You might also ask your vet for a recommendation, especially since he's already on prescription food.  How are his kidney values now?