What to feed cat with food allergies/sensitivities/chronic gut issues

[wholecat]

Hi Holistic Community,

Advice please:
10 1/2 year-old female spayed tabby cat, 8-9 lbs (11# when healthy)
current BEAM:
Behavor: sleeping, resting, and running around as usual; will engage in some play but loses interest quickly
Energy: active; will go after food and asking for what she wants
Appetite: very good
Mood: sometimes irritable

Diet: In the middle of a gradual transition from feeding canned sardines in water to Fancy Feast beef/liver pate mixed with filtered water; 4 small meals a day. Began adding in enzyme powder to help with digestion. --- History: fed kibble until 3 years old, then transitioned easily to cooked, then fully raw meat/grains/supplements (Pitcairn) until present. Began having food sensitivities several years ago. Had rotated food proteins for years until she refused to change several years ago. Have kept her on fresh and raw diet though did try vegan for a few weeks (recent Pitcairn) and used some kibble (Rx, conventional) for a short time. Seems allergic/sensitive to egg, turkey, and chicken and even small amounts of nutritional supplements.

Vaccinations/Medications/Other toxin exposure:
For vaccinations, followed yearly protocol and flea treatments (x3), ear mite treatments (x4) with standard mainstream veterinary practices until sick.

Primary problem:
Food allergies/sensitivities/gastric issue:
- adverse reactions to food right after eating - gets warm/hot ears, sometimes dry nose to many proteins eaten in past (turkey, chicken, eggs, tofu, lentils) and maybe some new proteins (ground lamb, venison: did not do gradual transition---maybe this was an issue?) with other ongoing and temporary symptoms: itching, scratching, chewing, gnawing on paws, fur thinning above eyes, increased grooming of belly, rear-end, and ears; occasional vomiting/diarrhea, irritability, miliary dermatitis, licking blankets, chronically constipated (used to go after every meal when healthier) and stool is often hard, dry, and dark. Environmental stressors may have been happening (increased stray cat population outdoors) at time problems began? Increased urination also compared to when healthier.

DX Tests:
Vet did not note anything of concern from last year. Recent fecal sample tested for gut bacteria showed that level of Clostridiodes difficile was slightly elevated along with some high levels of a few other harmful bacterial, and an overall imbalanced gut biome.

CURRENT and PREVIOUS TREATMENTS:
- Current: Enzyme powder sprinkled on food. Prepping to use pre- and probiotic and biome supplements.
- Previous: Some alternative treatments unsuccessful due to allergies/sensitivities and other logistical issues (ie, syringing).

QUESTIONS:
My kitty is showing new sensitivity to her most recent protein so am trying to find a safe new protein/food(s) for her until she can get into a better balance. Prefer natural, fresh, and raw, if possible, but still affordable and accessible In the interim, I am feeding her canned sardines in water (soaked and rinsed in water to minimize sodium), but know from reading Dr. Jean's comments that it is best not to feed fish regularly, if at all. In searching through the forum questions and answers, I saw that Dr. Jean had recommended Fancy Feast and Wysong powder (PDG?) as good options, so am transitioning her over to Fancy Feast now. Are these healthy clean options to use as food sources only temporarily or permanently? If yes for either, which canned Fancy Feast should I be getting for her? Given her sensitivities with certain raw proteins, I assume we should avoid those flavors? And also all the fish flavors as well? It seems important to rotate the different flavors. How do I do that if I need to gradually transition with a 1 1/2 to 2-week period between different foods?

Are there any other fresh raw proteins you all recommend trying? She vomited 5-10 minutes after eating/licking a small amount of sardine/juice with a small amount of rabbit in it. Is this a food allergy? Want food sources that are nutritious and safe for her so her body can best heal. Thank you for all member and vet ideas and feedback. @Dr. Jean Hofve, @Dr. Christina, @Dr. Jeff

 

[Dr. Jeff]

am transitioning her over to Fancy Feast now. Are these healthy clean options to use as food sources only temporarily or permanently?

FF is fine to help her with the transition. It would be great to eventually get her onto a fresh food diet. Either one that you make yourself or a food like:

Smallbatch | Dog & Cat Food

smallbatchpets.com

Viva Raw | Fresh Dog & Cat Food Delivered (25% off your first order using the code= vitality)

Fresh Human-Grade Cat Food Delivery | Smalls

Human-grade fresh cat food delivered straight to your door. Smalls is gently cooked to preserve all of the nutrients and moisture that cats need. Create your plan and order today!

www.smalls.com

Are there any other fresh raw proteins you all recommend trying?

Great question! An attainable goal for your kitty is for her to be able to eat any protein. Ideally in a wide variety.

Needing to avoid an allergen (whether a food, pollen, etc.) means that there is an underlying immune imbalance aka a hypersensitivity.

Now's a great time to add a classical vet homeopath to her vet care team so they can help with the rebalancing that will normalize any hypersensitivity and allergic symptoms.

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

FF is a good transition food as Dr. Christina mentioned. It is not clean though, so moving to a better food would be your goal. I wonder if any of the frozen (e.g., Smalls) or freeze-dried raw diets (e.g., Stella & Chewy's, I know the other docs have their faves) would work for her. Those are balanced diets so no supplements would be needed.

Vomiting is an intolerance, not an allergy, but in the case of something new it's just the cat's brain saying "Wait, no, eew!" Use smaller amounts of anythign new, and maybe sift the meat out from the oil since too much oil at once can upset a sensitive tummy.

 

[wholecat]

FF is fine to help her with the transition. It would be great to eventually get her onto a fresh food diet. Either one that you make yourself or a food like:

Smallbatch | Dog & Cat Food

smallbatchpets.com

Viva Raw | Fresh Dog & Cat Food Delivered (25% off your first order using the code= vitality)

Fresh Human-Grade Cat Food Delivery | Smalls

Human-grade fresh cat food delivered straight to your door. Smalls is gently cooked to preserve all of the nutrients and moisture that cats need. Create your plan and order today!

www.smalls.com

Great question! An attainable goal for your kitty is for her to be able to eat any protein. Ideally in a wide variety.

Needing to avoid an allergen (whether a food, pollen, etc.) means that there is an underlying immune imbalance aka a hypersensitivity.

Now's a great time to add a classical vet homeopath to her vet care team so they can help with the rebalancing that will normalize any hypersensitivity and allergic symptoms.

Hi Dr. Jeff,

Thanks for your ideas and the food options. I will look into them.

Kitty *is* on a fresh food diet, and has been most of her life, thankfully. I generally make it myself but ultimately hope to try her on a new raw diet that is fresh meat with bones and organs ground in. What do you think of this type of diet? The challenge right now is the shrinking pool of healthy available food sources that she can eat, a cost that is affordable on a limited budget, and more easily accessible.

I do have a homeopathic vet on her team. He worked with her some for a limited time. I think he was working on detoxing her so, was working on rebalancing the immune system it seems?

What do you think about working on her gut microbiome? Would I be able to do this while also working with her homeopathic vet? Given what I've learned so far, she has been out of balance for quite a while, even before all these GI problems began. Getting her healthy and flexible enough to be able to eat anything would be great.

 

[wholecat]

FF is a good transition food as Dr. Christina mentioned. It is not clean though, so moving to a better food would be your goal. I wonder if any of the frozen (e.g., Smalls) or freeze-dried raw diets (e.g., Stella & Chewy's, I know the other docs have their faves) would work for her. Those are balanced diets so no supplements would be needed.

Vomiting is an intolerance, not an allergy, but in the case of something new it's just the cat's brain saying "Wait, no, eew!" Use smaller amounts of anythign new, and maybe sift the meat out from the oil since too much oil at once can upset a sensitive tummy.

Hi Dr. Jean,

Yes, it is not my hope to have to move into a processed direction, but it is at least easily bought and used for now as I look for something fresh and raw that will be better to get her off the sardines and fish. I am also a bit concerned about if she will get too "attached" to eating the FF. It probably tastes so good compared to raw!

Is there a big difference between the raw processed, other frozen/freeze-dried raw diets vs places that process the meat for you like Hare Today?

Home Page | Hare Today

With this, it seems that there is a bit more home processing to do, so a little less convenient, but does come with different grinds of meat. I think that with this type of food, there would need to be supplements added in like Alnutrin.

Is the main difference between these two types of raw pet foods (ie, Smalls/Viva vs. Hare-Today) the convenience factor?

With the Fancy Feast, do I need to stick to only flavors that she has not had any sensitivity to (with the raw form)? Will I need to rotate them and gradually transition her into eating each one? Could I use Wysong powder as another base food to do these new food "trials" with?

Thanks so much

 

[Dr. Jeff]

fresh meat with bones and organs ground in

Perfect!

What do you think about working on her gut microbiome?

Yes, with rotating probiotics.

Would I be able to do this while also working with her homeopathic vet

Probably. However depending on the totality of the case "picture" your vet homeopath will make a decision based on your kitty's individuality.

 

[wholecat]

Perfect!

Yes, with rotating probiotics.

Probably. However depending on the totality of the case "picture" your vet homeopath will make a decision based on your kitty's individuality.

By "rotating" probiotics, are you talking kinds of pre-, probiotics?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Yup.

When you finish one kind go to another, then another.

The more variety of strains, the better.

 

[wholecat]

Yup.

When you finish one kind go to another, then another.

The more variety of strains, the better.

The diverse microbiome!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Exactly!

Variety is the spice of life.

 

[wholecat]

Exactly!

Variety is the spice of life.

And the building blocks of a Healthy Immune system and Life!

 

[wholecat]

Hi Dr. Jean,

Yes, it is not my hope to have to move into a processed direction, but it is at least easily bought and used for now as I look for something fresh and raw that will be better to get her off the sardines and fish. I am also a bit concerned about if she will get too "attached" to eating the FF. It probably tastes so good compared to raw!

Is there a big difference between the raw processed, other frozen/freeze-dried raw diets vs places that process the meat for you like Hare Today?

Home Page | Hare Today

With this, it seems that there is a bit more home processing to do, so a little less convenient, but does come with different grinds of meat. I think that with this type of food, there would need to be supplements added in like Alnutrin.

Is the main difference between these two types of raw pet foods (ie, Smalls/Viva vs. Hare-Today) the convenience factor?

With the Fancy Feast, do I need to stick to only flavors that she has not had any sensitivity to (with the raw form)? Will I need to rotate them and gradually transition her into eating each one? Could I use Wysong powder as another base food to do these new food "trials" with?

Thanks so much

Hi Dr. Jean,

Would you please address the above follow-up questions? I sent them a while back but you may have missed it. We are still needing help!

Also, an update since the first post:

So with regard to food...
I gradually transitioned her from sardines onto a FF beef can and she seemed to be able to process that without issue. However, when I tried to gradually add in another FF beef can (for a bit of variety), she seemed all right initially, but now does not seem to responding. I thought it was the second beef flavor, but when I just fed the first flavor alone, she threw it all up.

Can cats become triggered by a vomiting episode, to where it becomes easier for them to vomit again?

Because of a multitude of factors (ie, accessibility to freshness, shipping times, being able to try one new fresh protein at a time, etc), when she had seemed to be stably on the FF beef, I tried adding in a very small bit of raw beef-bone-organ mix (1/3- nugget) because I want her to be back on a raw meat, but she seems to be also avoiding that, much like with the raw rabbit, even with the small amount. I know every cat is individual, but is there something in these ground blended mixes that makes it very different from just the muscle meats to the cat? In your experience, have you seen cats have a harder time going from raw muscle meat to the meat-bone-organ mixes?

Finally, is there another good option to the Wysong PDG powder that could be used as an alternative safe food source for her temporarily? I'm concerned that she is not getting enough food into her with the vomiting and was going to order it. However, some long-time users are complaining in recent reviews that the powder is no longer working for their animals and they noticed that Wysong seems to have added coconut into the ingredient list.

Thank you @Dr. Jean Hofve and others @Dr. Jeff for any and all advice.

 

[wholecat]

@Dr. Christina

Would you please take a look at our questions here? First is original post...2nd update is from today. My sweet tabby is having many digestive issues and I have questions about foods... These posts cover the past 4-5 weeks.

Appreciate your feedback and advice!

Hi Holistic Community,

Advice please:
10 1/2 year-old female spayed tabby cat, 8-9 lbs (11# when healthy)
current BEAM:
Behavor: sleeping, resting, and running around as usual; will engage in some play but loses interest quickly
Energy: active; will go after food and asking for what she wants
Appetite: very good
Mood: sometimes irritable

Diet: In the middle of a gradual transition from feeding canned sardines in water to Fancy Feast beef/liver pate mixed with filtered water; 4 small meals a day. Began adding in enzyme powder to help with digestion. --- History: fed kibble until 3 years old, then transitioned easily to cooked, then fully raw meat/grains/supplements (Pitcairn) until present. Began having food sensitivities several years ago. Had rotated food proteins for years until she refused to change several years ago. Have kept her on fresh and raw diet though did try vegan for a few weeks (recent Pitcairn) and used some kibble (Rx, conventional) for a short time. Seems allergic/sensitive to egg, turkey, and chicken and even small amounts of nutritional supplements.

Vaccinations/Medications/Other toxin exposure:
For vaccinations, followed yearly protocol and flea treatments (x3), ear mite treatments (x4) with standard mainstream veterinary practices until sick.

Primary problem:
Food allergies/sensitivities/gastric issue:
- adverse reactions to food right after eating - gets warm/hot ears, sometimes dry nose to many proteins eaten in past (turkey, chicken, eggs, tofu, lentils) and maybe some new proteins (ground lamb, venison: did not do gradual transition---maybe this was an issue?) with other ongoing and temporary symptoms: itching, scratching, chewing, gnawing on paws, fur thinning above eyes, increased grooming of belly, rear-end, and ears; occasional vomiting/diarrhea, irritability, miliary dermatitis, licking blankets, chronically constipated (used to go after every meal when healthier) and stool is often hard, dry, and dark. Environmental stressors may have been happening (increased stray cat population outdoors) at time problems began? Increased urination also compared to when healthier.

DX Tests:
Vet did not note anything of concern from last year. Recent fecal sample tested for gut bacteria showed that level of Clostridiodes difficile was slightly elevated along with some high levels of a few other harmful bacterial, and an overall imbalanced gut biome.

CURRENT and PREVIOUS TREATMENTS:
- Current: Enzyme powder sprinkled on food. Prepping to use pre- and probiotic and biome supplements.
- Previous: Some alternative treatments unsuccessful due to allergies/sensitivities and other logistical issues (ie, syringing).

QUESTIONS:
My kitty is showing new sensitivity to her most recent protein so am trying to find a safe new protein/food(s) for her until she can get into a better balance. Prefer natural, fresh, and raw, if possible, but still affordable and accessible In the interim, I am feeding her canned sardines in water (soaked and rinsed in water to minimize sodium), but know from reading Dr. Jean's comments that it is best not to feed fish regularly, if at all. In searching through the forum questions and answers, I saw that Dr. Jean had recommended Fancy Feast and Wysong powder (PDG?) as good options, so am transitioning her over to Fancy Feast now. Are these healthy clean options to use as food sources only temporarily or permanently? If yes for either, which canned Fancy Feast should I be getting for her? Given her sensitivities with certain raw proteins, I assume we should avoid those flavors? And also all the fish flavors as well? It seems important to rotate the different flavors. How do I do that if I need to gradually transition with a 1 1/2 to 2-week period between different foods?

Are there any other fresh raw proteins you all recommend trying? She vomited 5-10 minutes after eating/licking a small amount of sardine/juice with a small amount of rabbit in it. Is this a food allergy? Want food sources that are nutritious and safe for her so her body can best heal. Thank you for all member and vet ideas and feedback. @Dr. Jean Hofve, @Dr. Christina, @Dr. Jeff

Here is an update:

So with regard to food...
I gradually transitioned her from sardines onto a FF beef can and she seemed to be able to process that without issue. However, when I tried to gradually add in another FF beef can (for a bit of variety), she seemed all right initially, but now does not seem to responding. I thought it was the second beef flavor, but when I just fed the first flavor alone, she threw it all up.

Can cats become triggered by a vomiting episode, to where it becomes easier for them to vomit again?

Because of a multitude of factors (ie, accessibility to freshness, shipping times, being able to try one new fresh protein at a time, etc), when she had seemed to be stably on the FF beef, I tried adding in a very small bit of raw beef RMB (1/3- nugget) because I want her to be back on a raw meat, but she seems to be also avoiding that, much like with the raw rabbit, even with the small amount. I know every cat is individual, but is there something in the RMB mixes that makes it very different from just the muscle meats to the cat? In your experience, have you seen cats have a harder time going from raw muscle meat to RMB mixes?

Finally, is there another good option to the Wysong PDG powder that could be used as an alternative safe food source for her temporarily? I'm concerned that she is not getting enough food into her with the vomiting and was going to order it. However, some long-time users are complaining in recent reviews that the powder is no longer working for their animals and they noticed that Wysong seems to have added coconut into the ingredient list.

Thank you @Dr. Jean Hofve and others @Dr. Jeff for any and all advice.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

she seemed all right initially, but now does not seem to responding

In what way?

Can cats become triggered by a vomiting episode, to where it becomes easier for them to vomit again?

Great question! Typically not. However vomiting can irritate the stomach lining and increase future vomitings. Also, the underlying energetic cause of the initial vomiting is still there.

Consider treatment with a vet homeopath who will treat the root cause.

option to the Wysong PDG powder

How about:

Know What You Feed Your Cat - Shop Online

www.knowwhatyoufeed.com

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

You can always try meat baby food, there's usually beef, ham or veal as options.

One thing to know about Fancy Feast (or any food with this ingredient), if it says "meat by-products," that can include meat from cows, pigs, sheep and/or goats. The proportion of each can vary from 0 to 100%. If it says "beef flavor" that means at least 3% beef, if it says "beef dinner" (or platter or slices or similar descriptor) that means 25% beef. So a different "beef" variety can be very different, especially if they are canned at different plants that use their own local ingredient suppliers.

Here's more info on how labels work: littlebigcat.com/selecting-a-good-commercial-pet-food/

There is a difference between muscle meat and products that include bones or organs. If the bone grind is a little coarse, that could be irritating her tummy. I haven't ever worked with RMB, only recipes starting with muscle meat. My own cats would only eat meat from Whole Foods... they can be picky!

In 30+ years of working with I have concluded, only somewhat in jest, that cats just like to vomit. A bad experience, for whatever reason, can definitely affect them. I totally agree with Dr. Jeff that the energetic imbalance that increases the tendency to vomit needs to be addressed, and homeopathy is the best modality for that.

 

[wholecat]

In what way?


Great question! Typically not. However vomiting can irritate the stomach lining and increase future vomitings. Also, the underlying energetic cause of the initial vomiting is still there.

Consider treatment with a vet homeopath who will treat the root cause.


How about:

Know What You Feed Your Cat - Shop Online

www.knowwhatyoufeed.com

Hi Dr. Jeff,

So, my kitty was doing well while I was transitioning her gradually onto the first FF beef flavor from the sardines, and seemed pretty acclimated to it, then I tried adding in the second FF beef flavor, which she also seemed to be able to eat and digest without any apparent bad physical reactions. But as I thought she was fully able to completely eat the first FF flavor, and even seemed pretty well into accepting the second FF flavor, she began to vomit. I thought it was to the second FF flavor, but when I fed her just the first FF flavor, and she vomited up everything. Am I right thinking now, that the first FF flavor is a problem?

I wondered about if there was increased sensitivity to vomiting as it seems like she almost gets more easily triggered, and it seems to take a while to calm things down.

I agree that there is a root energetic imbalance....probably one that started long before.

I was hoping to get her on a microbiome intervention but I agree she needs homeopathic treatment too. I imagine it would be best to do only one treatment at a time? Which treatment should be first?

Thanks for your advice and the link for alternatives to the Wysong powder.

 

[wholecat]

You can always try meat baby food, there's usually beef, ham or veal as options.

One thing to know about Fancy Feast (or any food with this ingredient), if it says "meat by-products," that can include meat from cows, pigs, sheep and/or goats. The proportion of each can vary from 0 to 100%. If it says "beef flavor" that means at least 3% beef, if it says "beef dinner" (or platter or slices or similar descriptor) that means 25% beef. So a different "beef" variety can be very different, especially if they are canned at different plants that use their own local ingredient suppliers.

Here's more info on how labels work: littlebigcat.com/selecting-a-good-commercial-pet-food/

There is a difference between muscle meat and products that include bones or organs. If the bone grind is a little coarse, that could be irritating her tummy. I haven't ever worked with RMB, only recipes starting with muscle meat. My own cats would only eat meat from Whole Foods... they can be picky!

In 30+ years of working with I have concluded, only somewhat in jest, that cats just like to vomit. A bad experience, for whatever reason, can definitely affect them. I totally agree with Dr. Jeff that the energetic imbalance that increases the tendency to vomit needs to be addressed, and homeopathy is the best modality for that.

Hi @Dr. Jean Hofve,

Thanks for the food ideas and the quick heads-up on what "meat by-products" actually means! Yikes. I'll be taking a look at your labels link.

Lol on your cats and their WF meat. So are our cats training us on what they will eat?!

They like to vomit? lol --- So are they vomiting out of personal preference, medical reasons...energetic imbalance? Other reasons?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

that the first FF flavor is a problem?

A possible trigger, yes. I would consider this sensitivity as being useful.

Dietary intolerances should reduce along with homeopathic treatment.

Which treatment should be first?

Homeopathy. It may help correct any of the imbalances (including in the microbiome).

 

[wholecat]

A possible trigger, yes. I would consider this sensitivity as being useful.

Dietary intolerances should reduce along with homeopathic treatment.

Homeopathy. It may help correct any of the imbalances (including in the microbiome).

Thanks, Dr Jeff!

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

They like to vomit? lol --- So are they vomiting out of personal preference, medical reasons...energetic imbalance? Other reasons?

All of the above... but why I say they like it (only half joking) is that so many cats do it so consistently they *must* like it--but probably because it makes them feel so much better.

Why did they feel the need in the first place? There we look to an energetic imbalance. That's where things start... then move down through emotional, mental, and into physical realms. Chronic physical ailments always have a big energetic component. Homeopathy is capable of healing backward through those layers to get to the base and effect a cure.