When it comes to feeding fluffy, choosing the right food can be overwhelming. Amidst all the choices available, two brands often recommended by veterinarians are Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin.These are trusted names in pet nutrition, but cats don’t seem to love the taste of these foods. So, why do vets recommend them, and why might cats turn their noses up at these supposedly ”good for them” foods?

So, Why Do Vets Recommend Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin?

1. Scientific Formulation: Both Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin are backed by extensive research and are formulated by teams of veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists. This means the food is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of pets at different life stages, from kittenhood to senior years.
   • Hill’s Science Diet is particularly known for its clinical-grade foods (Read: tasteless to cats) often used for cats with specific medical issues, such as kidney disease or weight management.
   • Royal Canin offers foods that are formulated not just by life stage, but even by breed and medical conditions, providing precision nutrition for various needs.
2. Complete and Balanced Nutrition: These brands ensure that their foods contain the right balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A diet that is nutritionally complete and balanced helps to promote a cat’s overall health, from maintaining a healthy coat to supporting digestive and immune health.
3. Medical Conditions: Many cats have special dietary needs, such as those suffering from urinary tract issues, obesity, allergies, or gastrointestinal problems. Both brands offer prescription diets that are tailored for specific health problems. For example, Hill’s Science Diet offers options for weight loss and urinary care, while Royal Canin has food designed for cats with dental or digestive sensitivities.
4. Trust in Quality and Safety: Both companies have a long history and are known for high-quality control standards in their manufacturing processes. This reduces the risk of contamination or quality issues that could harm pets. Veterinary clinics feel confident recommending these brands because of the reliability and consistent quality.

Why Cats Don’t Always Love Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin

Even though these foods are highly recommended, many cat owners notice that their cats just turn up their little feline noses at them. Why?

1. Taste Preferences: Cats are notorious for being picky eaters. Unlike dogs, who often gulp down whatever is in front of them, cats have strong preferences for certain flavors and textures. Hill’s and Royal Canin focus on health and balance rather than your kitty’s taste buds. The ingredients chosen are more about nutrition than flavor, so they may lack the strong scents or flavors that some cats prefer.
2. Low Fat and Fewer Additives: Cats are often drawn to fatty, aromatic foods, which many less expensive commercial cat foods prioritize. However, Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin use carefully calculated amounts of fats and proteins that are optimal for health, not necessarily taste. They also avoid unnecessary artificial additives, which means the food might not have the same appealing taste or smell as some of the more “junk food” style cat foods.
3. Texture Differences: Cats are also sensitive to texture. Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet have their own unique kibbles, which may be larger, denser or less crunchy than what your cat is used to. If your cat has been eating a different food for a long time, they might resist the change in texture, even if it’s better for them nutritionally.
4. A Gradual Transition Might Help: Cats are creatures of habit. A sudden switch from one food to another can be off-putting, especially if the new food is drastically different in taste or texture. Gradually transitioning your cat to Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin by mixing it with their old food can help them get used to the new flavor. Without this, your cat might reject the food entirely. I actually had a Vet tell me to put two bowls out – one with the recommended (for her kidney condition) and one with her food she was used to eating and really liked.

What Can You Do if Your Cat Doesn’t Like the Food?

1. Slow Transition: As stated above in #4, if your cat is used to eating another brand, especially one with a stronger flavor, gradually introduce Hill’s or Royal Canin by mixing it in with the current food or putting out two bowls. Start with a small amount and slowly increase the proportion over a week or two. This gives your cat time to adjust.
2. Warm the Food: Warming the food slightly can enhance the aroma and make it more appetizing for cats, especially with wet food. Warming releases the natural fats and oils, which might attract a picky eater.
3. Consider Wet Food Options: If your cat is rejecting the kibble, try offering the wet food versions of Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin. Many cats prefer the texture and taste of wet food, and it can be easier to tempt them into eating.
4. Patience and Persistence: If the food is recommended for a medical reason, such as managing kidney disease or urinary issues, it’s important to stick with it. Persistence is key.

While Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin may not be your cat’s favorite food right off the bat, they offer high-quality, well-balanced nutrition that is critical to your pet’s health. Veterinarians recommend them because of their proven ability to support both everyday and medical needs. If your cat seems reluctant to eat these brands, patience and careful transition techniques can help them adjust to a healthier diet. After all, just like people, what’s good for us isn’t always what we love right away—but it’s worth it in the long run!

Ciao,

 

 

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Disclaimer: The information and opinions herein are based on personal research. My Blog posts are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a Licensed Veterinarian nor am I any sort of medical professional. I am merely a human who takes caring for my pets seriously. My goal is to share my research with other like-minded individuals with the hope that it will help others in some small (or perhaps large) way.