Gastrointestinal food - anything cheaper?

I was feeding all our cats the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal food.  One of our cats had an intestinal issue almost two years ago and our vet recommended we use the Royal Canin.  And we just put our three other cats on it too.  Well, you only get 8.8 lbs. and at about $40 a bag, it adds up!  And we we run out of it within 3 weeks. 

We decided to try another kind.  We went with Science Diet Light (adults 1-6).  Bigger bag, better value.  Somewhat similar ingredients.  The crude fiber is actually a little more.  We transitioned them into it a few weeks ago, but their stool is not coming out that good (compared to before).  Some are having trouble just pooping out anything.  I really don't want to have to go back to the Royal Canin.

So, does anyone know if there's another brand where you can got more food at a better price and it still helps gastrointestinal?

Catmanace7 said:

 
I was feeding all our cats the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal food.  One of our cats had an intestinal issue almost two years ago and our vet recommended we use the Royal Canin.  And we just put our three other cats on it too.  Well, you only get 8.8 lbs. and at about $40 a bag, it adds up!  And we we run out of it within 3 weeks. 

We decided to try another kind.  We went with Science Diet Light (adults 1-6).  Bigger bag, better value.  Somewhat similar ingredients.  The crude fiber is actually a little more.  We transitioned them into it a few weeks ago, but their stool is not coming out that good (compared to before).  Some are having trouble just pooping out anything.  I really don't want to have to go back to the Royal Canin.

So, does anyone know if there's another brand where you can got more food at a better price and it still helps gastrointestinal?

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Check out Royal Canin Special 33 for sensitive tummies . You can  get a 15 pound bag for 44.07 on auto ship from chewy.com              https://www.chewy.com/cat/royal-canin-special-33-dry-cat-food/dp/33851

It sounds like a good idea to get your cats off the gastrointestinal food - I'm not sure it's intended to be used long term.

From the Royal Canin website:-

Gastro Intestinal Dry

GASTRO-INTESTINAL is a complete dietetic feed for the nutritional management of cats formulated to reduce acute intestinal absorption disorders, and promote nutritional restoration and convalescence. Highly digestible ingredients. Increased level of electrolytes and essential nutrients. High energy level

Gastro Intestinal Moderate Calorie

It is recommended that a veterinarian’s opinion be sought before use. Feed GASTRO-INTESTINAL MODERATE CALORIE for 1 to 2 weeks during periods of recovery from acute diarrhoea. In cases of maldigestion feed for 3 to 12 weeks; continue use for lifetime in cases of chronic pancreatic insufficiency.

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Obviously, I'm no vet, but neither of these descriptions sound appropriate for long term feeding - especially for the cats that haven't had digestive issues.

I can't suggest brands, but I'd look for simple foods - either limited ingredient or others designed for sensitive tummies.

If constipation is an issue I'd look at increasing fluid intake - if the body is a little dehydrated you're far more likely to see constipation. Left to themselves, cats generally won't drink enough to compensate for an all dry diet (they should be drinking around a cup/250mls liquid a day each). By using tricks like flavoured water and water fountains, you can increase their fluid intake. This in itself should help a lot. Another great way to boost hydration is to feed wet food as part of the diet. Wet food could also help get things moving again - and you can always add a little plain canned pumpkin to help things along.[article="30756"][/article]

Thank you for the info.  I will give these recommendations a try.

I guess I'm not really sure why you'd feed a gastrointestinal food? What issues are your cats having? Is it a protein or filler allergy? Have you tried giving them a probiotic or feeding a limited ingredient food? I personally think RX foods are terrible quality and not food for cats. I think you'd do better doing research about food allergies and trying to feed something high quality with limited proteins that is simple with meat as the primary ingredient, something like Merrick's Limited Ingredient wet food, or perhaps freeze dried like Primal or even making your own. I would stay away from kibble though, as kibble contains several ingredients so it's hard to figure out exactly what might be triggering them. 

Our one cat had been eating our dog's crunchy food, we eventually realized.  It caused some blockage in him and he couldn't poop.  That's when the vet examined him and did give him some meds (don't remember which), plus the vet recommended the Royal Kanin.  And it did help, but ended up just giving it to all our cats.  Thankfully, they take Care Credit, cut still that Royal Kanin is so ridiculously priced for what you get, we needed something else.

Thanks for your advice and info.  Will consider it as we move forward.