Are there any alternatives to Science Diet K/D dry cat food?

Question

My cat is barely eating this expensive stuff so I was wondering if there were any alternatives that were less expensive and tasted better?

Answer 1

Walmart has a brand called Maxximum and it is made of chicken where the Science Diet is made of cornmeal...so your cat knows it is crappy...try the Maxximum my cats love it!!!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I don't know, but I'm not a fan of Science Diet, so if it were my cat, I'd be doing some research too.

If they do make a canned variety, I would at least try him on that. Introduce it slowly so as not to cause any digestive upsets. Just offer a little bit in addition to the regular food. Keep offering it, and if he starts going for it, begin decreasing the amount of dry food.

In the meantime, see if you can't find a better food. I'm not an expert in this area, but I'm willing to bet there's better stuff out there.

Check out these two Yahoo groups. They're made up of people with cats with similar issues. I'm sure they'll contain a list of better foods.

Also check out Whole Cat health. While it's not focused on kidneys, it's a great group and you're sure to get some good advice from them.

Answer 4

Many cats don't find K/D very tasty. There are other prescription brands of special kidney diet foods you can try.

K/D is prescribed by a vet after a diagnosis of kidney disease is made, and it is specially formulated for that ailment. I wouldn't buy any pet shop or over-the-counter brands instead because they will not be specific for kidney disease.

By the way, Hills Prescription Diet, which makes K/D, has a 100% money-back guarantee, as long as you have the original bag and it is not chewed open or peed upon. You can take it back to the vet and get a full refund of the purchase price, or trade it for another brand of prescription kidney diet food he may carry. The vet is reimbursed by Hills.

Answer 5

You could try the smallest bag/box you can find of Iams. This is a very good brand and your cat may like it better. If not, quite frankly I'd go with one of the Purina brands---read the labels---VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure that the FIRST ingredient is Chicken, beef, fish or lamb, and check for all the different "fillers" such as corn meal, and the ratio or corn mean to protein. The protein count must be the highest for a cat. Also, ask your vet if they can recommend something that has the full nutrition for your cat but isn't quite so "spendy". And--you're not alone---most animals won't eat the Science Diet--if this is any consolation to you.

Answer 6

You should talk to your vet before switching to another food. You can also ask if it would be OK to flavor the k/d with a canned food that your cat likes such as fancy feast. The doctors I work for will often suggest that for cats who really need the k/d. Just mix a little with the dry food. Your kitty will get the food he needs, and he will like the taste much better.
Just be sure to ask your vet first.

Answer 7

Hills Science Diet also have homemade recipes that are comparable to the dry foods. I've had my dog on several of them. Just ask your vet if they have the recipes or search on line for them. Maybe even contact Hills and see if they can send them to you.

Answer 8

Not over the counter. Purina makes a veterinary diet called NF, Royal Canin has Modified. Try other brands and if your vet doesn't carry them, call around to other area vets and get him to OK you buying from them. Some cats prefer one over the other, but they seem to like the Purina the best.

Answer 9

If your cat is on the K/D food for kidney problems, you would need to consult your vet before switching the food. That food has reduced protein and more fiber to aid with kidney functions.

They do make a canned version. Perhaps your cat would eat that better?

Answer 10

Eukanuba has a renal food called Renal Multi-Stage. I am not sure of the cost, but your vet should be able to get it for you.