[crazy4cats]

Sharon-
Yes, definitely take your cat to the vet and get some blood work done. My 14 year old senior cat was vomiting more frequently and she was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. It is a very common condition for cats 10 and older. I saw that you were aware of this condition in an earlier post and mentioned that gluten was a factor. In my opinion, that is not correct. I have done tons of research on symptoms, cause and treatment of hyperthyroidism in the last four months. I’ve never read anything about gluten contributing to it. They don’t actually know for sure what causes it but they suspect either PBDEs (flame retardents) found in a lot of furniture and fish, BPA found in cans, soy, and high levels of iodine, which is also found in fish. Also soy is mentioned once in a while. She was vomiting, losing weight and looking a little scruffy. She’s been on meds now for about 3 or 4 months and doing much better. Good luck to you!

[crazy4cats]

I can’t wait! But in the mean time, check out catinfo.org. There are a few charts of canned food on this site. On this site, dry is not recommended, only canned, dehydrated, raw or homemade. Fish is high in iodine which can lead to hyperthyroidism if fed in excess. You can easily read ingredient labels to avoid fish in wet food.

[crazy4cats]

The Kirkland Cuts in Gravy is manufactured by Simmons, not Diamond. It is a great bargain! Diamond does not have a cannery. And yes, it is 13 oz. it is a regular in my canned rotation for my dogs. It makes a great topper as it is very easy to mix.

[crazy4cats]

She’s beautiful! I’m very sorry for your loss.

[crazy4cats]

Sharon-
Everyone is welcome to this thread. Thanks for yor input. Do you refrigerate the canned food between feelings? I think it would be a better value to get the large cans, but not sure if my cats will eat it father refrigeration. Any thoughts? Again, welcome!

[crazy4cats]

Have you tried the Nature’s Domain at Costco? You could try any of the flavors as they all have different protein and binders such as turkey and sweet potato. It’s best to rotate their diets occasionally to avoid them building an intolerance to an ingredient. I feed Victor’s Grain Free with beef and sweet potato which also might be a good option for you. There are many budget friendly foods listed on the editor’s choice list that might work or you. Just choose something that is not lamb and rice to see if it makes a difference. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Nice, Jake’s Mom, thanks. That is great information.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Bobby dog-
I am planning on looking for chicken or turkey hearts this weekend for the pups. Any recommendations on where or which to buy? Also, if and when I do, how much do I feed with the kibble? I usually add about 150 to 200 calories in toppers. I think (know) that I am spending more time on pets’ meals than our own. We have been a family on the go and rely a lot on convenience foods. I’M not so great in the kitchen. My youngest son (19), actually asked me why the dogs get eggs the other day. I think he was jealous! Lol! He is attending and playing baseball for a community college and is living at home. Thanks for your input.

[crazy4cats]

It’s actually the diet and health issues category. The large breed pup thread is the yellow sticky.

[crazy4cats]

Hi sbd421-
Congrats on your new pup! However, it is recommended to wait until at least 8 weeks for pup to leave mom. I wouldn’t worry about transitioning pup to new food right away if you can continue with the Iams for a few weeks at least. He’ll be going through so many changes to begin with. Just let him get settled in. Labs are so full of energy! I should know, I have two. There is an entire thread devoted to large breed puppies on the diet and nutrition section. There is a lot of information on the requirements of large breed pups. Most importantly is the calcium content. It is explained very well on that thread on its importance to growth. Also Hound Dog Mom has a great spread sheet on the foods that are acceptable for them. She has listed foods that are both grain free and grain inclusive in all price ranges. Check it out! I’m not sure if you have had a puppy before, especially a lab, but you are in for a lot of fun! Keep an eye on him as they will eat just about anything. Lol!

[crazy4cats]

Actually, I get the Victor grain free joint health (green bag) in a 50 pound bag. I have to call and order ahead of time from a pet boutique. You can also order it on Amazon or Sport Dog.

[crazy4cats]

Hi-
You might want to try the Pure Balance beef and/or chicken veges and rice. They are only $1 at Walmart. They stay soft after refrigerating. They both mix very well with the kibble. They smell and look delicious. Same with the Kirkland cuts in gravy, but you have to buy a whole case and have a Costco membership. I use and highly recommend both brands. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

And I’m a poor mom of two college students. Ouch!

Bobby dog-
I down loaded the ABC book today. It’s pretty informative. I have already started adding eggs and sardines to my dogs’ meals. But now, I think I’ll start adding the hearts soon too. I wish I could get more brave with my cats! But, anyway, I also felt like it gave me permission to feed a less expensive kibble so I can afford more natural whole foods to feed them. Thanks for the tip!

[crazy4cats]

Frank-
I think most of the 4 and 5 star foods are dye free. Also, there is a video that was posted today on allergies on the review side of this site under off topic discussions. It’s pretty informative. It talks a little about ear infections you might want to check it out. It’s posted by USA Dog Treats.

[crazy4cats]

Bobby dog-
Thank you, I think? Wow, will pay more attention to that nasty ingredient. Yes, I don’t feed much kibble to my cats anymore either. Mostly just my big boys. The smaller girls mostly eat canned. My dogs, however, are a different story. I have two 80ish pounders that will eat anything. Their diet so far is mostly kibble. But I have it down to about 75% of their diet. I’m going to poke around that Little Big Cat site as well. I haven’t visited it for quite some time. I kind of forgot about it. Mostly refer to the cat info site. BTW, I don’t blame your cats. I don’t think kefir tastes very good either. LOL!

[crazy4cats]

Bobby dog-
While I thought the article was very informative. It makes me feel bad that I feel any kibble to my cats and it is the majority of what my dogs eat. 🙁 Moving forward, I have been working to improve all their diets over the past year. 🙂 You guys actually have me thinking about trying to add some raw to the cats diet. I do worry about their teeth. There is no way I would be able to catch 4 cats to brush their teeth! So, chicken gizzards, huh? Hmmm, gonna look in to it. I was wondering about the K3 in the cat food. Is that how it is listed in the ingredients? I don’t really know what it is.

Akari-
Yes, you are definitely turning in to a crazy cat lady. You are laughing at the cat taking food off the counter. Non cat people would be mad. I’m so proud of you! 🙂

[crazy4cats]

Hey, thanks. Has anyone tried the Rachael Ray wet cat food? I didn’t know there was a cat food line. I think I might put those coupons to use.

[crazy4cats]

I found this to be an interesting site an article regarding cats’ and dogs’ diets: http://www.littlebigcat.com/nutrition/why-dry-food-is-bad-for-cats-and-dogs/ Enjoy!

[crazy4cats]

Hi Bobby dog-
I’m curious about what K3 means on your food list?

[crazy4cats]

BobbyDog-
My hyper kitty does not, thankfully have dry skin. Her main issue is occasional vomiting. Which gets a little old cleaning up. But the meds have definitely helped. Also Nutro Max is another canned food I use for cats that is on the budget friendly list. It usually runs about $1 for the 6 oz can. I wish I could find as great of a deal on cat food as the Pure Balance or Cuts in Gravy dog food though.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Bobby dog-
Thanks for the list. I have to stay away from fish as my senior kitty has hyperthyroidism. She was not shown in either picture, but shes 15 and looks like a kitten still! I’ll try printing out some coupons and give the Purina without fish a try. For some reason, I think that the Chicken Soup is canned by Simmons. I was glad to see it on the budget friendly list. I haven’t fed either of the other two. They are out of my network (budget). Lol! Thanks, again.

[crazy4cats]

I think that would be fine. Just remember how important it still is to keep feeding some wet food everyday. I’ve never given my cats rabbit. I’d like to give it a try. Is Simply Nourish a Pet Smart brand? Where did you get the coupons? As far as the fish being the 12th ingredient, I personally don’t think it is an issue. My senior, 15 year old cat has developed hyperthyroidism, but I fed her the fancy feast fish variety pack for probably 4 or 5 years along with her dry food everyday. Oh how, I wish I knew better! I thought I was feeding them really well. I caught it early and with a tiny pill daily, she is doing fine. So point being, I don’t think a little fish now and then will hurt. I believe it is the high level of iodine that can lead to the condition. Sounds like you are turning in to a crazy cat lady. Welcome 🙂 lol!

[crazy4cats]

Actually, Horizon is listed under the Editor’s choice budget friendly foods. The budget friendly page is divided in two separate lists.

[crazy4cats]

No, I was meaning an attached picture. But, I already posted my Easter “bunnies” on the review site. Thank you, though.

[crazy4cats]

Hey, how do I add a picture?

[crazy4cats]

Hey Bobby dog, thanks! I’ll check out the website. Yes, I have bought Merrick, Soulistic and Cats in the Kitchen (Weruva) to rotate in and they just usually walk away. LOL! Sometimes it is gone when I go to feed them their next meal, but the problem is that I’m not sure if all cats are eating their share or if one comes back and eats it all. I really have to make sure that my senior kitty eats. They will at least eat Authority, Nutro Max and Chicken Soup foods which are a little better. But, they LOVE their Friskies and Fancy Feast! I have not tried Sheba. I’ll go back through and find your “list”. Thanks, again.

[crazy4cats]

Hey Bobby dog-
I’m curious about the purina pro plan coupons. I have never bought that canned food for my cats. I thought it was kind of expensive. Plus I’m not really a Purina fan, but I think that Fancy Feast and Friskies are made by them and I feed that occasionally. Lol! So, anyway, where would I find these coupons? I’d like to check it out. Is it better than Fancy Feast? Thanks for your help. Deanna

[crazy4cats]

HDM-
Thank you for the detailed explanation, that clears it up!

[crazy4cats]

I have never dealt with that issue as my current and past dogs will eat anything at anytime! I hesitate to make any suggestions due to your pup’s health conditions. I’m not sure if you have checked this out, but on the review side of this site, there is a list of excellent low fat foods. Just click on best dog foods and it will bring up different categories of foods, including low fat. It is my understanding that with diabetes, that kibble is not the best form of food to feed. Canned, dehydrated, cooked or raw is best. I hope someone that can help will jump in. But, I’m not sure that anyone can predict which food your dog will like and for how long. LOL! I feed my dogs with digestive issues Victor grain free mixed with canned, eggs, or sardines or fresh pet select. I also give a digestive and probiotic supplements. I hope you find something that makes your pup better. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Hi-
Do you mean that your dog gets tired of the food after a few days, or it makes her sick after a few days? If she just is getting tired of it, couldn’t you buy two or three small bags and have them all opened and just switch every couple of days? Feed her the Annament for a few days, then switch to the California Natural, then Fromm, then back to Annament and so on and son on? I’m not sure if you are looking for a new food that helps with her issues, or a food that she will like for more than a couple of days. It sounds like you have your hands full. Good luck.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Bobby dog-
Just an update on the litter box. I did it! I used a 30 gallon sterilite tote. Just used a jig saw to cut out opening. My husband had some sort of round saw thing to cut vent holes in the top. Viola! A nice spacious litter box. They used it right away so no more worries with that. The one issue, however is that the bottom is not totally smooth. There are some grooves in the bottom that makes it hard to scoop. So anyone looking to make one, try to find smooth bottom. Thanks for your help with this project, bobby dog. It’s a very inexpensive way to make a litter box for multiple and large cats.

[crazy4cats]

HDM-I’m assuming that the foods on the non editor’s choice budget friendly list still had to meet a certain criteria, didn’t they? Thank you.

[crazy4cats]

My bag of Victor grain free joint health does not state that it is GMO free. But, I’m not sure which ingredient would be GMO?

[crazy4cats]

I thought it was sort of a spoof of the blue buffalo commercials. But, I’m sure they were making fun of all of the above. LOL!

[crazy4cats]

Fresh Pet Select is rated 5 stars.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Robert-
Have you checked out the suggested low fat foods on the review side of this site? There is a pretty good list. Above, click on reviews. Then choose best dog foods. There you will find suggested low fat foods. Two that I hear often recommended on this site are Wellness Core weight mgmt and Anament Lean grain free. Good luck.i didn’t know dogs could have high triglycerides.

[crazy4cats]

That was Very funny! So much different from all of us :-/ we are not that crazy, are we?

[crazy4cats]

Hi Carl-
I think 100% canned would be fine if you could afford it, but just not the exact same canned everyday, every meal forever! The difference between the chicken and beef varieties of the Kirkland is very small. I think I paid $1.69 per can for the WEF and $1.00 per can for the Pure Balance that can be found at Walmart. If you do decide to go with kibble, adding canned, dehydrated, eggs and/or sardines is a great way to add moisture and more protein. If your lab is anything like mine, they will eat just about anything! Good luck. 🙂

[crazy4cats]

Hi Carl-
Welcome to the forum! I have two 2 1/2 year old lab mix dogs that are about 80 pounds each. I love, love, love Kirkland cuts in Gravy! It is a great value. And I don’t only say that because I work at Costco. LOL! I have learned from “hanging out” on this site for about a year now that it is best to feed a variety of food. I wish I had a bigger budget so I could get a little more variety in their diet, but I do the best that I can. So, whether you decide to go with kibble or canned, it is best to feed a variety of kibble or canned or a combination of both. There is an article about diet rotation on the review side of this site in the FAQ tab. Now, that being said, I will tell you that I have chosen to go with a combination of the two. I feed about 75% to 25% kibble to canned. Currently I am feeding Victor grain free kibble with either Kirkland cuts in gravy canned, Pure Balance canned, or whole earth farms canned. In the evening a couple times a week, I add eggs or sardines to their kibble instead of canned. These are all considered budget 5 star foods. Don’t be afraid to try something and change it up if it doesn’t work. Good luck!

[crazy4cats]

Hi-
I might be being a little nitpicky, but it would be nice to have the list in two groups with canned and dry separate. Thanks.

[crazy4cats]

Hi-
I missed the above post, somehow. But I did eventually find those and was just going to tell you about it. LOL! Anyway, it does look like I’d have to get the 45 gallon one to get the wheels. Darn it. I don’t want one that big in my bedroom! I think I’m going to start with the 22 or 30 gallon one. I think it will still give my big male cat more room than the one I have set up. He has been going outside of it now and then, so hopefully this will help. I’ll go to Walmart this weekend. I believe I have to order a whole set from their website. I don’t like having a box in our bedroom, but once the puppies came, I had to keep their food and boxes out of their reach. They were and are such a handful even at 2 1/2 years old. So much different from our previous dog. And I think you are right, I also like how Lisa Pierson cuts out her boxes better than the other site. If you google home made litter boxes, there are some pretty creative ideas to “dress” them up or hide them.

[crazy4cats]

Whole Earth Farms, both with and without grains do not have any red ingredients and are budget friendly.

[crazy4cats]

Here is a link from Dogs Naturally: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/feeding-your-dog-raw-eggs-good-or-bad/

The above article pretty much agrees with what the nut expressed earlier. (small n, Patty :))

[crazy4cats]

Hey-
Putting them in the freezer is a great idea. I’m going to do that from now on. Thanks!

[crazy4cats]

My dogs get a bully stick once a week. We always secure them in vice grips to ensure they don’t just swallow them. One of my dogs is very bad about gulping. They last a little bit longer than most chew treats we give them. They love them!

[crazy4cats]

Oh my gosh. I know too well how it feels waiting for your dog to pass something. I’m really hoping the best for you. Also, please contact the company and let them know what happened. Did you take any pictures you can forward to the company. Again, my fingers are crossed that everything comes out OK. (Literally)

[crazy4cats]

Yes, this is quite a task you have taken on. I think we are getting a lot for our $20. Thank you.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Dori-
Did you happen to print the budget friendly as well? I was wondering if there were any changes to that list?

[crazy4cats]

I’m wondering if it has anything to do with the recent discussion on the HK review site. There were a few users that complained of undigestable alfalfa stems in the food.

[crazy4cats]

I actually looked on Walmart’s website and didn’t see it. Hmmm… I’ll try again. I’m kind of on a mission now. LOL! I have a fairly large male cat and the boxes I have just don’t look big (tall) enough for him. $20 sounds good to me! I would definitely leave the rim as I am planning on using the lid with air vents like you suggested. I’d like to leave it off, but I need to make it a little tougher for my dogs to get into. Have a great day!

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