Veterinarians only please?

How about a veterinary technician? Especially one who handles all the prescription food in the clinic? Our vets come to me with food questions! :-)

There are three different types of diets commonly used on cats with gastrointestinal diseases. The first type is made with special blends of fibers, fats and proteins that are highly digestible. Examples are Eukanuba Low-Residue, Purina EN and Hill's Prescription i/d.

The second kind is called a novel protein diet. This type is used when a food allergy or sensitivity is suspected. Only one type of protein source (usually venison, duck, rabbit or lamb) is used - one that the cat has not been previously exposed to and therefore not developed an allergy to. Examples are Hill's Prescription d/d and Royal Canin LID (formerly IVD) diets. (I believe "Sensitivity" is a Royal Canin diet that has been or soon will be discontinued. It would fit in this category.)

The third kind is called a hydrolyzed protein diet. These are also used when a food sensitivity/allergy is suspected. This type of food is more specialized. All the proteins in this food are broken down into very small molecules - small enough so that the allergy receptors in the cat's body cannot recognize them and cause an allergic reaction. Examples are Hill's Prescription z/d and Royal Canin Hypoallergenic HP.

The last two types of diets WILL NOT help unless they are fed exclusively. This means no other types of food or treats can be given to the cat, not even a very small amount. Just like a single peanut can cause severe reactions in a human with peanut allergies, a single kibble can cause an allergic reaction in a cat with food allergies.

If your veterinarian prescribes one of these foods, do not give up if you do not see improvement right away. It can take up to a month or two to see results. If after several months of feeding the diet exclusively you do not see results, then it is time to try something else.

idk