posted 01-11-2004 06:59 AM         

The cat I grew up with in childhood, the one that lived to be 16 years old in fact, ate Meow Mix every day of its life. And the cat that I had shortly after I got married, the one my husband and I adored more than life itself died at the age of 5, and he had eaten Iaams every day of his life. My first cat died form old age, and the second died from a condition that caused him to have crystals in his urine that kept clogging up his urinary tract. He is still so missed by us.

Anyway, I have a 6 month old kitten and he has had Meow Mix from day one and LOVES it. Yet, I am reading online how it is considered junk food and its ash content is dangerous...well, Iaams sure didnt make a difference in my other cat's life.

For me, I am no longer going to go out and buy expensive cat food for the sake of it being expensive any more than I am going to go out and purchase lobster and filet mignon every night. I do not eat that way and neither does my cat need to either. Nonetheless, I AM concerned about ash content, because our family is deeply attached to this cat and I don't want to lose him to a horrible condition like my other cat.

To make matters worse, I have read some veterinarians say that this urinary condition has been around a LONG time, long before these commercial catfoods and they still dont know the REAL cause of the urinary condition.

I guess I am caught up in wanting to do the right thing and yet knowing that meow mix was given to my cat who lived longer than most cats....

posted 01-11-2004 09:34 AM         

I'd just compare the ingredients on the box with other dry foods and see which one stacks up better.

posted 01-11-2004 10:44 AM         

quote:

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I have been reading a lot online about how high the ash content is in this particular food, however I do not see it listed as an ingredient on the bag itself.

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posted 01-11-2004 11:21 AM         

quote:

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For me, I am no longer going to go out and buy expensive cat food for the sake of it being expensive any more than I am going to go out and purchase lobster and filet mignon every night. I do not eat that way and neither does my cat need to either.

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Yes, but you don't eat the same food day in and day out for your entire life.
The problem with cheap cat foods is that they often use cheap, low quality ingredients as well as chemical preservatives and artificial colors. Having said that, expensive foods don't always = high quality foods.
Its your decision but IMO there are much better foods out there than Meow Mix that won't break the bank.

quote:

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To make matters worse, I have read some veterinarians say that this urinary condition has been around a LONG time, long before these commercial catfoods and they still dont know the REAL cause of the urinary condition.

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There are many factors involved in FUS some may be food related while others are not. Foods that have a high target urine ph, high magnesium content, high fiber content might increase the risks. Lack of physical activity, obesity, dirty litter boxes could also be factors as these conditions will often cause a decrease in urine frequencey and thus a more concentrated urine which would be suitable for crystal formation.
Through various studies, the above factors have been found to have an influence on the developement of crystals.

posted 01-11-2004 03:47 PM         

Vets recommend dry food aswell as canned as as they chew the biscuts it helps remove any plaque the cat may have on the teeth so i would have to say if you feel comftable feeding your cat meow mix i would carry on feeding it.

Each owner is different on what they prefer to feed there pets and what they think is the best for them.

posted 01-12-2004 01:16 PM         

I have found several foods that I like that are fairly cheap. They are:

Diamond
Chicken Soup
Nutro Maxx
Authority
Natural Balance

posted 01-12-2004 01:39 PM         

I recommend this pet food!

But like others have said, to each his own. If you have had a good experience with Meow Mix then keep to it. Maybe use a different food on occassion to add variety?

posted 01-12-2004 04:38 PM         

Both of my cats have been eating Iams dry food for about 6 years now. I've been happy with it because they like it and I can get the low-active and hairball formula. It also says that it's got dental care stuff too. My girl always had problems with hairballs, and my boy is about 16lbs. She no longer gets the hairballs, and he stopped gaining weight. So this has been a good choice for them. Plus, I think it's a resonable price.

BUT...

posted 01-12-2004 07:13 PM         

quote:

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I need a good quality dry cat food that has weight control and hairball formula in one, but I'm afraid there aren't any others. Am I wrong?

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Nutro Max has a hairball formula and a lite formula and Nutro Natural Choice has a weight control formula that is supposed to reduce hairballs.

Royal Canin Slim 38 is another brand/formula you might be interested in. Its for overweight cats and claims to incorporate a "hairball transit system". http://www.feline-nutrition.com/slim.htm

[This message has been edited by nern (edited 01-12-2004).]