Is it OK to feed my cat Deck Hand Premium Cat Food every day?
September 29, 2018 2:28 PM Subscribe
Is it OK to feed my cat Deck Hand Premium Cat Food every day?
I have a 15-year-old gray tabby princess named Nora (obligatory picture here). She's been generally healthy all her life and is on no medication. However, a few months ago she started losing weight. We took her to the vet, and the vet found nothing wrong. Since she is an older cat we decided to switch her from dry kibbles to wet food. The vet agreed that this was a good idea. Nora did not.
We tried many different kinds of soft food, from the all natural, organic expensive variety to the 50 cent cans in the sales bin. In addition, we stopped free feeding (she gets fed twice a day at specific times). We also tried throwing in treats, mixing dry and wet food together, soaking her dry food in gently heated low sodium chicken broth, sitting by her as she ate, offering pets and encouragement, and gently reminding her that there were little kitties starving in Africa. But no. Nora informed us that she would rather starve- literally starve than eat this muck we were feeding her. In addition, she became less excited about eating in general, even when we just fed her the usual kibbles.
Enter Deck Hand Premium Cat Food. It was on sale, so I bought a can. Turns out, it's stinky as hell and Nora loves it. She can't get enough and is excited about eating again. However, I've read that you shouldn't give cats fish-based food every day as it contains high levels of mercury.
I'm not sure what to do. Is it really bad to give your cat fish based food every day, or is the risk overblown? If fish-based food is bad, what other smelly soft food is out there for my smelly soft cat?
Thanks.
I have a 15-year-old gray tabby princess named Nora (obligatory picture here). She's been generally healthy all her life and is on no medication. However, a few months ago she started losing weight. We took her to the vet, and the vet found nothing wrong. Since she is an older cat we decided to switch her from dry kibbles to wet food. The vet agreed that this was a good idea. Nora did not.
We tried many different kinds of soft food, from the all natural, organic expensive variety to the 50 cent cans in the sales bin. In addition, we stopped free feeding (she gets fed twice a day at specific times). We also tried throwing in treats, mixing dry and wet food together, soaking her dry food in gently heated low sodium chicken broth, sitting by her as she ate, offering pets and encouragement, and gently reminding her that there were little kitties starving in Africa. But no. Nora informed us that she would rather starve- literally starve than eat this muck we were feeding her. In addition, she became less excited about eating in general, even when we just fed her the usual kibbles.
Enter Deck Hand Premium Cat Food. It was on sale, so I bought a can. Turns out, it's stinky as hell and Nora loves it. She can't get enough and is excited about eating again. However, I've read that you shouldn't give cats fish-based food every day as it contains high levels of mercury.
I'm not sure what to do. Is it really bad to give your cat fish based food every day, or is the risk overblown? If fish-based food is bad, what other smelly soft food is out there for my smelly soft cat?
Thanks.
Everything about this story screams kidney or thyroid difficulties to me and I think your vet missed something?
There’s a table I found with evaluations of feline kidney friendly wet food. I don’t know how this brand rates, but I’ll try to find that list for you.
Dental issues are also a contributing factor.
I think you need to make your vet re-do your cat’s bloodwork, or you need to get a different opinion from a new vet. I hope that helps! We just went through this and with a few tweaks, 14 year old Kitty regained the weight and is back to normal. Good luck!
posted by jbenben at 2:54 PM on September 29, 2018
There’s a table I found with evaluations of feline kidney friendly wet food. I don’t know how this brand rates, but I’ll try to find that list for you.
Dental issues are also a contributing factor.
I think you need to make your vet re-do your cat’s bloodwork, or you need to get a different opinion from a new vet. I hope that helps! We just went through this and with a few tweaks, 14 year old Kitty regained the weight and is back to normal. Good luck!
posted by jbenben at 2:54 PM on September 29, 2018
My vet suggested heating up the wet food a little, because they can lose their sense of smell as they get older. .
There’s a prescription canned cat food that cats will eat when they won’t eat anything else. I want to say it’s called A&D? The pet store will probably know what it is. It’s high calorie, I believe.
When my older cat wouldn’t eat, we finally figured out he was severely constipated. They didn’t think he was, because he wasn’t throwing up, but I insisted on an X-ray.
The only things he would touch were Friskies canned beef, and pretty much anything by Meow Mix.
posted by MexicanYenta at 2:58 PM on September 29, 2018
There’s a prescription canned cat food that cats will eat when they won’t eat anything else. I want to say it’s called A&D? The pet store will probably know what it is. It’s high calorie, I believe.
When my older cat wouldn’t eat, we finally figured out he was severely constipated. They didn’t think he was, because he wasn’t throwing up, but I insisted on an X-ray.
The only things he would touch were Friskies canned beef, and pretty much anything by Meow Mix.
posted by MexicanYenta at 2:58 PM on September 29, 2018
She's 15. Feed her what she'll eat.
I would make sure her kidneys, thyroid, and teeth are okay. BUT her behavior is not abnormal for a fifteen year old cat.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 3:04 PM on September 29, 2018 [13 favorites]
I would make sure her kidneys, thyroid, and teeth are okay. BUT her behavior is not abnormal for a fifteen year old cat.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 3:04 PM on September 29, 2018 [13 favorites]
She's 15, definitely feed her what she'll eat. I went through similar things with my last kitty who had liver cancer and if I could get her to eat anything, I was happy. Human-grade tuna was a winner, as I recall. Also Hills urgent care a/d, mentioned above, which stinks even worse than the fishy stuff.
posted by Athanassiel at 3:14 PM on September 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Athanassiel at 3:14 PM on September 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Best answer: 15 yr old cats and (85 year old people) eat whatever the fuck they want, in my book.
posted by SaltySalticid at 3:23 PM on September 29, 2018 [38 favorites]
posted by SaltySalticid at 3:23 PM on September 29, 2018 [38 favorites]
Yes, it is probably just fine to feed that every day.
Nthing about feeding her what she wants to eat. I had a cat who would rather starve than eat wet food. Especially the Hills a/d, by the way. He hated it more than anything else I tried. I ended up giving him a freeze dried raw chicken with essential nutrients food, fed dry. Dehydration was never a problem. Not eating was very much a problem.
Most dry foods have some fish in them too, and many non-special diet wet foods do as well. I don't think that mercury is going to be a problem, but I could be wrong.
posted by monopas at 3:34 PM on September 29, 2018
Nthing about feeding her what she wants to eat. I had a cat who would rather starve than eat wet food. Especially the Hills a/d, by the way. He hated it more than anything else I tried. I ended up giving him a freeze dried raw chicken with essential nutrients food, fed dry. Dehydration was never a problem. Not eating was very much a problem.
Most dry foods have some fish in them too, and many non-special diet wet foods do as well. I don't think that mercury is going to be a problem, but I could be wrong.
posted by monopas at 3:34 PM on September 29, 2018
My cats eat a fish based food every day (Weruva Mideast Feast - the fish is tilapia so I don't think mercury is an issue). My vet is fine with this as the brand is high quality. However I will warn you that all of my cats lost weight when we switched to an all-wet diet so we now have to mix in some dry food to keep them at a good weight.
I agree with others that you should make sure her thyroid and kidney function are good. But also at her age, if she's acting normal otherwise you might just want to let her have whatever she is happiest to eat.
posted by joan_holloway at 3:36 PM on September 29, 2018
I agree with others that you should make sure her thyroid and kidney function are good. But also at her age, if she's acting normal otherwise you might just want to let her have whatever she is happiest to eat.
posted by joan_holloway at 3:36 PM on September 29, 2018
Best answer: When my fish-obsessed cat stopped eating any non-fish-based food, I started mixing bonito flakes into the non-fish-based food, then gradually reduced the bonito flakes. I agree with everyone else that a 15yo cat should probably just be allowed to eat what she likes, but if you're worried, that might be a way to get her to at least try some other stuff.
posted by lazuli at 3:57 PM on September 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by lazuli at 3:57 PM on September 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If you haven't tried mashing a smaller portion of her beloved stank food onto another healthier brand, you might give that a shot. But I'm team Whatever She'll Eat, as well.
posted by Lyn Never at 4:02 PM on September 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Lyn Never at 4:02 PM on September 29, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the great answers! Our vet initially suspected a thyroid/kidney issue, and we actually had a few rounds of tests done (which Nora did not enjoy) that ruled that out. However, her white cell count was a little high so we are making another appointment and I'll ask the vet about the diet as well.
I've heard of bonito flakes but haven't tried them. I think I'll order some. We have tried the a/d prescription food- she is not a fan. I've also tried gently heating up her food- that's a nope as well.
What's funny is even though she seems to love the stinky fish-based food, she doesn't like regular human-grade tuna. When I've given it to her, she runs to the bowl excitedly, then just stares at it like "WTF?". It's almost like she knows she should like it, but she ultimately doesn't.
However, she will gladly devour other human foods. Green olives and capers are two of her favorites. (She rarely gets them, and only in small amounts, of course.)
Cats are weird.
posted by firemonkey at 4:39 PM on September 29, 2018
I've heard of bonito flakes but haven't tried them. I think I'll order some. We have tried the a/d prescription food- she is not a fan. I've also tried gently heating up her food- that's a nope as well.
What's funny is even though she seems to love the stinky fish-based food, she doesn't like regular human-grade tuna. When I've given it to her, she runs to the bowl excitedly, then just stares at it like "WTF?". It's almost like she knows she should like it, but she ultimately doesn't.
However, she will gladly devour other human foods. Green olives and capers are two of her favorites. (She rarely gets them, and only in small amounts, of course.)
Cats are weird.
posted by firemonkey at 4:39 PM on September 29, 2018
Best answer: Just to give you a perspective about mercury:
Regarding human consumption, from the FDA:
Different fish have different levels of mercury. You can see from the link above which fish have higher risks associated them.
Furthermore, the primary concern in humans is with young developing bodies and brains: pregnant women (and by extension any woman who could become pregnant) and children.
A research study from the University of Nevada and quoted in American Veternarian, specifically concerning mercury in dog and cat food concluded:
Given the study results, authors suggested mercury concentrations are not of concern in dog foods, and are of minor concern in wet cat foods. Authors advised that, “Given the lack of objective toxicological data for cats, these data should be used conservatively and cautiously with respect to discussing health impacts.”
So, yes, mercury is bad but the risk in older cat (who will not be bearing kittens) is probably a minor concern. (Yay fact-based science!)
posted by metahawk at 4:44 PM on September 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
Regarding human consumption, from the FDA:
Different fish have different levels of mercury. You can see from the link above which fish have higher risks associated them.
Furthermore, the primary concern in humans is with young developing bodies and brains: pregnant women (and by extension any woman who could become pregnant) and children.
A research study from the University of Nevada and quoted in American Veternarian, specifically concerning mercury in dog and cat food concluded:
Given the study results, authors suggested mercury concentrations are not of concern in dog foods, and are of minor concern in wet cat foods. Authors advised that, “Given the lack of objective toxicological data for cats, these data should be used conservatively and cautiously with respect to discussing health impacts.”
So, yes, mercury is bad but the risk in older cat (who will not be bearing kittens) is probably a minor concern. (Yay fact-based science!)
posted by metahawk at 4:44 PM on September 29, 2018 [2 favorites]
I bet some crumbled plain sardines over other food would work as well or better than bonito flakes, and be cheaper per calorie or garnish serving. Lower on the food chain also means less mercury, compared to eg tuna.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:07 PM on September 29, 2018
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:07 PM on September 29, 2018
Everything about this story screams kidney or thyroid difficulties to me and I think your vet missed something?
As a veterinarian with legit medical training, I must say that your certain conclusion is remarkable and that I don't agree. Of course, as a doctor, I don't make diagnoses over the internet upon animals I have never examined.
Our vet initially suspected a thyroid/kidney issue, and we actually had a few rounds of tests done (which Nora did not enjoy) that ruled that out
Kidney and hyperthyroid disease are among top differentials for weight loss but not the only, and can be ruled out with the blood work OP's vet did. Among the top differentials that are not as easily ruled out are inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. =(
Consider this veterinarian in the camp of Nora Eats What Nora Wants. In addition to flavors and smells, cats also enjoy particular textures. If your cat prefers a smushed up loaf in sauce or little chunks in gravy or shreds or all gravy, take heed. If it helps her eat and she doesn't have terrible kidneys, also offer her favorite old dry food and provide a water fountain. As others have noted, cats can lose weight when eating canned food. When I recommend a cat lose weight, I recommend a canned food diet. Like you drinking a glass of water before a meal, canned food contains more water and will make them feel fuller faster. Cats like a routine, so don't change too much at one time.
With regards to the food specifically, I see that it is AAFCO formulated vs AAFCO tested. A gentle reminder that pet food companies can put whatever they want on the shelf without having fed it to a single animal. That's what formulated means. Tested means it has undergone feeding trials to ensure the nutrients are bioavailable and digestible for your pet. Deck Hand cat food could be fine. It's custom packed in Thailand for a company that also cans tuna for humans, available exclusively at Whole Foods! Now, who is formulating their pet food line? No idea. I had hoped to find out going to their website, but all it refers to is their line of human products.
Why do many veterinarians recommend against fish diets? When fish sits prior to processing, it builds up histamine. Histamine is important in immune responses and is why we take anti-histamines. Fish (and beef and lamb) are common dietary allergens among cats. The natural diet for the original desert-dwelling cat was not fish; more like rodents, lizards, and insects.
I can't wait until pet food companies come out with low-carb insect / lizard / rodent cat food. Maybe the holdup is because people really identify with what they feed their pet, and appealing to that sells pet food. Do people want to feed their cats succulent sustainably line-caught fresh-from-the-ocean tuna, or a caterpillar?
I can imagine though: Purina Performance Grasshopper and Mouse, Now With Butterflies!
posted by Seppaku at 11:14 AM on September 30, 2018 [11 favorites]
As a veterinarian with legit medical training, I must say that your certain conclusion is remarkable and that I don't agree. Of course, as a doctor, I don't make diagnoses over the internet upon animals I have never examined.
Our vet initially suspected a thyroid/kidney issue, and we actually had a few rounds of tests done (which Nora did not enjoy) that ruled that out
Kidney and hyperthyroid disease are among top differentials for weight loss but not the only, and can be ruled out with the blood work OP's vet did. Among the top differentials that are not as easily ruled out are inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. =(
Consider this veterinarian in the camp of Nora Eats What Nora Wants. In addition to flavors and smells, cats also enjoy particular textures. If your cat prefers a smushed up loaf in sauce or little chunks in gravy or shreds or all gravy, take heed. If it helps her eat and she doesn't have terrible kidneys, also offer her favorite old dry food and provide a water fountain. As others have noted, cats can lose weight when eating canned food. When I recommend a cat lose weight, I recommend a canned food diet. Like you drinking a glass of water before a meal, canned food contains more water and will make them feel fuller faster. Cats like a routine, so don't change too much at one time.
With regards to the food specifically, I see that it is AAFCO formulated vs AAFCO tested. A gentle reminder that pet food companies can put whatever they want on the shelf without having fed it to a single animal. That's what formulated means. Tested means it has undergone feeding trials to ensure the nutrients are bioavailable and digestible for your pet. Deck Hand cat food could be fine. It's custom packed in Thailand for a company that also cans tuna for humans, available exclusively at Whole Foods! Now, who is formulating their pet food line? No idea. I had hoped to find out going to their website, but all it refers to is their line of human products.
Why do many veterinarians recommend against fish diets? When fish sits prior to processing, it builds up histamine. Histamine is important in immune responses and is why we take anti-histamines. Fish (and beef and lamb) are common dietary allergens among cats. The natural diet for the original desert-dwelling cat was not fish; more like rodents, lizards, and insects.
I can't wait until pet food companies come out with low-carb insect / lizard / rodent cat food. Maybe the holdup is because people really identify with what they feed their pet, and appealing to that sells pet food. Do people want to feed their cats succulent sustainably line-caught fresh-from-the-ocean tuna, or a caterpillar?
I can imagine though: Purina Performance Grasshopper and Mouse, Now With Butterflies!
posted by Seppaku at 11:14 AM on September 30, 2018 [11 favorites]
Many cats really loooove nutritional yeast. I feed my elder cat a potion of wet food twice a day and free feed dry food sprinkled with yeast. He's gained back most of the weight he lost after having a period of no interest in food.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 6:45 PM on September 30, 2018
posted by a humble nudibranch at 6:45 PM on September 30, 2018
I can't wait until pet food companies come out with low-carb insect / lizard / rodent cat food.
While I don't know if they're nutriotionally optimized for geriatric cats, you can certainly buy as reptile food packaged grasshoppers and frozen mice. firemonkey, I would check with your vet if a warmed-up feeder mouse cut invitingly in half would be a safe treat to offer your cat.
posted by nicebookrack at 10:16 AM on October 1, 2018
While I don't know if they're nutriotionally optimized for geriatric cats, you can certainly buy as reptile food packaged grasshoppers and frozen mice. firemonkey, I would check with your vet if a warmed-up feeder mouse cut invitingly in half would be a safe treat to offer your cat.
posted by nicebookrack at 10:16 AM on October 1, 2018
warmed-up feeder mouse cut invitingly in half
Yeah, I'm not so gung-ho about mouse as the major protein in cat food that I would recommend eating a raw mouse. Food safety and intestinal obstruction are still major concerns.
posted by Seppaku at 6:16 AM on October 2, 2018
Yeah, I'm not so gung-ho about mouse as the major protein in cat food that I would recommend eating a raw mouse. Food safety and intestinal obstruction are still major concerns.
posted by Seppaku at 6:16 AM on October 2, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by thomas j wise at 2:46 PM on September 29, 2018 [6 favorites]