My cat Puck is wild for dried fruits and veggies

[Lorien]

I recently got a product called "ultramix health boost for cats"; it's a bag full of dehydrated bananas, mangos, apples, blueberries, cranberries, carrots,and papaya, along with freeze dried salmon and chicken liver powder (not much of that, though-it doesn't smell of fish). It says "use as an occasional health boost for cats"-but how much is too much? She's wild for the bananas, apples, mangos and cranberries in particular-to top that off, she often eats "Spot's stew" which is mostly veggies with some chicken. I know that cats, unlike dogs and most other mammals, MUST eat meat, so does anyone know how many fruits and veggies as a dietary percentage is too much?

Thanks!

http://www.catster.com/?100222

[Elad]

1. I had a cat that loved tofu

She wouldn't just settle for it, she would seek it out. I'd catch her picking it out of the pan left on the stove, dropping it to the floor, and running off with it to eat. It was pretty funny.

But for your situation, you're right, cats are true carnivores, unlike dogs. I'm a believer in natural diets, and cats are not designed to digest carbs well, especially sugar, which is what's going to be found in those fruits. I would give it to your cat very sparingly for that reason alone.

[Lorien]

3. She hasn't tried tofu yet

(soy products don't agree with me). Does your cat like plain tofu or tofu that's been flavored?

Yeah, the tropical fruits are a concern, so I just let her have a little. The organic food I normally feed her has cranberries in it for her urinary tract, so I know that those are OK. Her Spot's Stew also has carrots, so that seems to be approved for daily feeding.

Her dry food is Organix, which has a fair number of fruits and veggies in it, but not many carbs. The chicken is also free range and certified organic. It's a great product for those who are concerned about their cat's health AND factory farming (Organix also makes dog food and pet treats).

[smbolisnch]

2. I'm really not sure Lorien.

Elad is a great resource though, he knows his stuff! ;)

I have to say though, that is a BEAUTIFUL cat! Just gorgeous! :loveya:

[Lorien]

4. Awww...thanks smbolisnch!

I'll ask Elad if he knows anything about kitties and dried fruit tomorrow. :hi:

[Starlight]

5. Muffin LOVES asparagus.

It's the only thing she'll sit up & beg for. :shrug:

[Lorien]

7. Steamed or raw?

I'll have to try Puck on that too, lol!

[Starlight]

11. Steamed. She gets hysterical when she sees it in the grocery bag. n/t

[Maru Kitteh]

6. Lorien your kitties are georgous..........

I could fall in love with Puck, what a sweetie. :loveya:

[Lorien]

8. Awww, thanks Veganistan

I posted some new picks here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x2783

I don't know if you've been to the pet's forum, but it's a very animal friendly place, too!

:hi:

[Lorien]

9. Elad; if she's craving this unusual food

does that mean that she needs it to any degree? I feed her Organix, Wellness, Evolve, Artemis, Merrick-all have veggies and cranberries, but no other fruits.

:shrug:

[Elad]

10. Not necessarily

Treats are made to taste good, she may just like the taste, it doesn't necessarily mean she's lacking in nutrients contained in the treat. Obviously I can't say for sure, but I wouldn't jump to conclusions, Evolve is a good cat food so I wouldn't be too worried if it were me. Just give her the treats as a treat - not too often and not too much.

[Lorien]

12. Thanks!

an occational treat it is, then. :hi: