Food?

[Alex]

Per the breeder's recommendation, I've been feeding Cyro Evo wet food and Royal Canin dry food (both of them kitten formulas). However, now that he's almost run out of the dry food (and is 6mon old), I'm re-evaluating his diet, hoping to find a dry food that is both healthy and costs less than Royal Canin. Also, he seems to be getting tired of his current diet, because when we visited my parent's house, he kept on trying for their cat's food and wouldn't eat much of his own (note: that hasn't continued to be a problem though, now that we're back home and it's his only option). I know it's important to feed both wet and dry, since cats frequently have problems with dehydration if you feed only dry.

Many have talked about the importance of a grain free diet, and one high in protein as well ...

Some also feed their cats a raw diet, which isn't an option for Cyro due to both the cost, and the fact that if he becomes a therapy cat, that isn't allowed.

Right now I'm looking at Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Cat Food. It costs approximately $1 less per pound than Royal Canin, and supposedly doesn't have chicken or poultry by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat or soy.

What do you guys think? Is there a better, less expensive dry food I should be considering instead?

 

[Carykd7kau]

Alex,
Whatever you decide to try for Cyro, try a small amount before buying a lot. Just because it is higly rated does NOT mean he will eat it. My kids will not touch Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet or dry. So it doesn't matter if it is better or not. I have decided I will feed them what they will eat. Right now, Taste of the wild dry and Royal Canin Adult instinctive wet and Fancy feast grilled chicken wet. Those they will all eat. Some kids will only eat fast food. I don't blame them, I HATE healthy food. Better to have them eat then not, even if what they are eating is not the best.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Alex,
There is a section for commercial food analysis and recommendations on Holisicat.com in their forum. You'll have to sign up for a free 7 day membership to read through the information there. If at all possible, it is far better to feed a wet diet than a dry one. Or a majority wet with a bit of dry. Variety of flavors is key to keeping a cat interested in food. A brand they love one day may not be the brand they want tomorrow. For that reason, finding a few different brands the cat will eat and rotating them for feedings will help alleviate food boredom.

 

[John Popp]

In addition to the canned food, I would also introduce some dehydrated duck or rabbit's feet as Cyro is very much at that teething age and it will promote good dental hygiene.

Also, I agree on mixing up the food as much as possible. You can have much greater successes and smaller failures if you keep the target moving.

 

[Alex]

The rotating food sounds like a good idea ... which dry foods are inexpensive yet still good for Savannahs?

 

[John Popp]

It's not inexpensive if they don't eat it.

if you can find a locally owned pet store in your neighborhood they generally have samples. That should get you started, and from there you can lock on to a brand or two for dry. Also, there aren't many dry foods that don't have grains as that's generally what gets the kibble to stay formed.

 

[Alex]

Sounds good. Thanks!

 

[Patti]

Why would being a therapy pet preclude Cyro from being on a raw diet?

 

[Alex]

It seems the hospitals have a problem with it, at least, that's what the therapy pet organizations I've been looking into said.

 

[DocMac]

Per the breeder's recommendation, I've been feeding Cyro Evo wet food and Royal Canin dry food (both of them kitten formulas). However, now that he's almost run out of the dry food (and is 6mon old), I'm re-evaluating his diet, hoping to find a dry food that is both healthy and costs less than Royal Canin. Also, he seems to be getting tired of his current diet, because when we visited my parent's house, he kept on trying for their cat's food and wouldn't eat much of his own (note: that hasn't continued to be a problem though, now that we're back home and it's his only option). I know it's important to feed both wet and dry, since cats frequently have problems with dehydration if you feed only dry.

Many have talked about the importance of a grain free diet, and one high in protein as well ...

Some also feed their cats a raw diet, which isn't an option for Cyro due to both the cost, and the fact that if he becomes a therapy cat, that isn't allowed.

Right now I'm looking at Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Cat Food. It costs approximately $1 less per pound than Royal Canin, and supposedly doesn't have chicken or poultry by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat or soy.

What do you guys think? Is there a better, less expensive dry food I should be considering instead?

Raw is cheaper than canned.


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