Hello!
With the pending arrival of our Raggies, I am trying to settle on a dry food product for our little family. I believe the breeder uses Science Diet (but don't quote me - I'm getting old...), and I will most likely continue to feed them that assuming they continue to enjoy it.
However... I was in Costco yesterday scoping out cat items, and curiosity got the best of me. I noticed their Kirkland house brand cat food. Has anyone had any experience with it they could share? As usual, the internet is full of dissenting opinions on the topic...
Also, since the whole nutritional-value-of-cat-food-math is still alien to me, can anyone comment on that please? Here's a link I found that has the ingredient list for the brand.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Kirkland-Signatu...-Pet-Foods
As always, thanks for helping out a cat-food newb!
- Rod
Rod... I can't see a link, sorry ... as for commenting a certain food and it's value - that's a personal opinion and I hope you are aware that this might start another one of those controversial threads...
Doh! Thanks for the head's up Nicky.
- Rod
Do not change foods for some time after a new cat arrives. Kittens are better on a kitten blend rather than an all life stages food (kitten/adult).
If you want to change and are committed to the new food, make the change slowly, increasing the percentage of new every few days over a few weeks.
I would suspect a house brand food unless I found out it was a private label version of a food I would otherwise feed.
There is no number system that works. You can use them if you are willing to accept the balance chosen by whoever created it and want an "answer" that is on the level of what movie is "best." Choose what you feel is the "best" food that otherwise fits your needs for the food.
I agree with Jan on not changing the Science Diet Kitten food the breeder has them on for some time. You want to use the same food, same litter, same type of litter box, etc., so your kittens have an easy care-free transition.
Phoenix was also on Science Diet dry & canned kitten food for some time after I brought him home and he did very well on it. It sure promoted some amazing ear tuft growth, that since has thinned out a bit since I am feeding him Orijen dry kitten and Wellness canned kitten. Actually, of course I don't know if that is related to the food, but considering the change was in sync with the new food, I do wonder? Science Diet has a healthy dose of Omega 3 & 6 in their kitten food.
I agree with what everyone said. I would have to add that it is always a good idea to educate your self on the matter as much as possible. Food is a personal choice for both our selfs and our pets. There are so many diffrent opinions and there is so much controversy on nutrition both on and off this forum that your head will spin and keep spinning.
Look at the ingrediants of what you are feeding. If you dont know what it is then research it. I think there is also a financial obligation when it comes to nutrition so that plays a part in your choice.
I found that I had to remove my self from the differing opinions. I kept Charlie on the breeders recomendation untill I knew what I was going to integrate with. I was influenced by so many diffrent opinions ( includeing my vet) that I was left frustrated and confused. So far so good, but I am learning everyday.
Happy research. Let us know what you choose.
Lexi
Absolutely ditto starting out on what the breeder fed the kitten(s), and if you want to change the food, do this slooooowly and gradually!
I well realize that opinions on food vary greatly, and I have much respect for everyone's diverse choices. We all only want the best for our precious raggies.
Here's what I have chosen to do. I carefully read the ingredients list... that's where the truth is told. You simply can't go by the pretty pictures on the front of the bag!
I have chosen to avoid foods with any by-products, corn products, or wheat gluten. I chose foods with meat as the first several ingredients.
I feed my boys a mix of dry foods, right now in their mix is Wellness CORE, Innova, EVO, and California Natural. I feed a mix for several reasons: (1) I think the diverse flavors help keep my boys from getting too fussy (Boo, in particular, is very prone to that); (2) in the event of a recall (heaven forbid), likely only one food would be affected - thus making up only 25% of their diet, not 100% and (3) I am not relying on one food, day after day, month after month, to supply all their nutritional needs.
I live in a rural area, and can't find these foods locally. So I try to plan ahead, and buy when I am out of town, or I shop online. My favorite online "store" is
http://www.petfooddirect.com
Lynn, that's good thinking and planning to do the mix for the reasons you listed. Your Ragdolls are so gorgeous!
Hi, Rod....I agree with everyone else about not changing the diet for quite awhile after your kitties come home. I read the link you provided and all the comments scared me...so many people posted that their kitty got fatty liver disease after switching to Kirkland. That would be enough to scare me off!!
Some contaminant could cause liver damage, but it is understood that fatty liver disease in cats is usually from a drastic reduction in food intake - the reason one should be very careful about dieting a cat slowly.