Five years ago, my tabby cat Samantha was diagnosed with early stages of kidney disease. She was grossly overweight, had a very dry coat, and I had resorted to taking her to the vet on a monthly basis for urinary tract infections, which I know were very painful. He said she was old and it was to be expected but I couldn’t accept that my sweet little girl was in so much distress.
In the beginning, he put her on a dry prescription diet and gave her antibiotics to help prevent the crystals from forming again. It didn’t work and the bouts with FUS started getting worse. Thankfully, a friend suggested that I seek the additional advice of a holistic veterinarian, who believed that Samantha’s food was actually the cause of the whole problem to begin with. I was amazed to find out that dry food is one of the leading causes of kidney failure and because it does not provide any hydration to the organs, she was always in need of subcutaneous fluids when she had her attacks.
My new vet told me that the best thing I could do would be to cook for her! Imagine my surprise to think that I could make a food that would have healing properties and make her feel better! My vet said that the stew and the broth were important to Samantha’s body. It is like us drinking eight glasses of water a day. It helps to flush out the toxins and waste from the kidneys. It was then that I found your book The Whole Pet Diet, and it really made sense. Your Stew version was a big hit with her, but I have to admit, it was difficult to keep up with the cooking. (I have a full time job and a three year old child).
The changes in Samantha were nothing short of amazing. Her coat grew thick and shiny, she had a lot more energy, and she no longer shed all over the couch. Her bouts with FUS (Feline Urinary Syndrome) had stopped and we haven’t had another episode ever since. Even Samantha’s breath became sweeter, and the litter box had no more offensive odor! The whole house felt healthier. In addition to all of this, she even lost a whopping six pounds over the course of about two months, and grooms herself without any difficulty. My wonderful, loving cat become like a kitten again!
It has been a labor of love for me to keep up with her homemade food, which is why I’m SO GRATEFUL that you’ve come out with your new food! I’m thrilled to be able to use Doc’s Stew when I don’t have the time to make it myself. She loves, loves, loves the taste of your new food. (Could be the Wild Salmon?) And I feel great knowing that you take such care and use fresh meats and vegetables. With all of the pet food recalls out there lately, I would never buy another pet food made in a pet food plant. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about REAL Food for my kitty. (The rest of my family is eating better as well:)
Thank you again for all you have done for our “fur kids” and please don’t ever stop making this food!
Elizabeth & Samantha
2 Responses
I made the stew for my two cats. It has been two days and they will not eat it. I ended up giving them their dry food. Help!
Hi Donna, Bravo for giving the homemade stew a try, but you gave up too easily! Dry food eaters become addicted to the salts and sugars that dry food manufacturers use to entice them to eat it. Many cats are “creatures of habit”.. You just have to be strong and willing to change the habits. Remove all dry food from the house. Feed the stew only twice a day for no more than 30 minutes each meal. Try adding a favorite topping, such as a bit of shrimp, or salmon, or chicken. (My book has many suggestions). Your cats will get hungry and will not starve when given the opportunity for real food. You just have to be stronger than they are. The homemade food will become delicious to them, once they get the hang of it and find that Mom isn’t going to cave in. (Like a kid with a hot dog and you want to change them to salads and fruit.. they may resist, but sooner or later.. they will switch). My Doc’s Stew in a can has had rave reviews so far. No cats have walked away. The aroma, taste and texture seem to be purrrrfect. Perhaps you should try a starter pack for them. I guarantee they will love it. But more importantly.. you’ll be giving them THE HEALTHIEST FOOD IN THE WORLD. Keep trying. Put your paw down! You’re doing great. Keep us all posted! You’ll win and then.. THEY will win with better health! xoxo Andi